Phil Soussan (musician, composer, producer) has worked with many artists including Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Toto, Billy Idol, Vince Neil, John Waite, Steve Lukather, Edgar Winter and Richie Kotzen. During those times he was also active in writing songs for them, most notable, Ozzy's biggest hit single Shot in the dark, Vince Neil's Exposed album and Steve Lukather's Luke album. By the end of 2005 he released his debut solo CD entitled Vibrate a collection of 12 songs written over the last couple of years that he has been recording this since February 2005. Featuring many of the musicians that he has had the pleasure of working with, the album represents a cross section of the styles that Phil has become known for. Memorable melodies and hook production ideas make this a record of songs that people seem to retain in their heads.
Phil: "Although I have been writing for years for all of the artists that I have worked with I finally felt ready to record some songs that I had written for my own record. I had collected about 20 songs that I thought were in the vein and while I was still writing it was Steve Lukather who convinced me one night that I had the record based on what he heard! I narrowed it down to 12 songs and started recording. The material is varied between commercial rock-pop and some funk influences. There are a couple of really cool ballads and many of my influences can be heard; from Zep and Pink Floyd to Seal and Coldplay! I have some wonderful musicians guesting and I am singing - it is a completely vocal album. all the drums were cut by Simon Phillips or Gregg Bissonette and guests include Steve and Trev Lukather, Jeff Babko, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Shane Fontayne and Richie Kotzen."
Phil: "I chose the title Vibrate because that is what I would like to describe happening when people hear the record. I hope that the sentiments that I felt when I wrote the songs will resonate the same feelings in the listeners. I would like people to relate to these stories based on my experiences. If that happens then I feel I will have done what I set out to do! When I look to the audience I want to see people react to the songs; they may be affected by them or they may not relate them but I want them to feel something! I think of my music as being provocative in that respect!"
In recent years Phil has also carved a reputation for himself in the world of production and mixing and this album was one that was completely recorded and mixed by Phil. Despite the challenge of trying to remain objective it is something that he has become extremely proud of.
The cover artwork, also featured as the background to this page, is in the form of a multi panel Digipack and includes a 12 page booklet of lyrics and is something that Phil remains passionate about. "I miss album covers, I miss reading through all the notes; most CD covers seem to be so basic these days. We spent a lot of time and effort to make this a wonderful item reminiscent of some of the great albums that I collected and was inspired by."
