An Interview With The Warner Bros. Band, PHASES About Their Recent Performance at Fleetwood Mac Fest, Singing With Actress Taryn Manning, Their Recent Tour With BORNS and Maroon 5 And Much More!

Photo Credit- Vincent Perini

PHASES is Z Berg (The Like), Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley/Bright Eyes), Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet) and songwriter Michael Runion.

Their newest single via Warner Brothers “I’m In Love With My Life,” is NYLON‘s ‘morning mantra,’ Buzzfeed’s ‘Pop Song You Can’t Miss”, and even Jessica Alba sings it in her video for The Honest Co.

They have received praise from USA Today,  People, Vanity Fair, Billboard, Glamour  and Idolator, who call them a group “you need to know,” and has found fans in Amy Schumer, Sia and Mark Ronson, among others.

They were on the road with BØRNS this past fall behind their debut album, ‘For Life,’ and did NYE dates with Maroon 5.

Learn more about Phases in the following All Access interview:

Can you talk about performing at the Fleetwood Mac Fest? I was there and really loved your performance! What was that like for you all? Were you confronted with the opportunity?

Being a part of the Fleetwood Mac Fest was a joy on so many levels. We got to play an amazing song by a legendary band with some really excellent players. Add to that the experience of watching all these other talented musicians and actors bringing these songs you know so well to life — it really was a special couple of night. It was so great to see so many people be generous with their time for such a wonderful cause.

Photo Credit- Julia Brokaw

So, how did Phases first come together? You were all active in other groups so why did you decide to join together and form this new group? How do you think the band dynamics have changed since you first started making music together?

Phases first came together as a completely different entity known as JJAMZ. It started as a side project, initially, something to do as an outlet strictly for fun, but then everyone’s bands started to go on hiatus and we decided to pursue it as a main focus. We eventually released a full length called SUICIDE PACT, but then WE took a hiatus, did a little soul searching, both musically and metaphysically, and we decided to wipe the slate clean. That’s when we created PHASES. As for band dynamics, not much has changed because we’ve always been very democratic in our approach to writing and recording music. We’re diplomats, not dictators.

What was your tour like with BORNS last fall? What festivals are you looking forward to playing at this year? How would you compare the festival experience to just a one-time concert?

The BORNS tour was fantastic. We love those people. So nice, so talented. We wish the tour would have been longer! We are looking forward to playing Coachella, Hangout Fest, and any other festival that we end up booking. We love festivals, and our music sounds really good in an open field. Festivals are different because they involve so much more than just a concert. They’re a full body, full sensory experience. So many people, so many bands. It’s sensory overload at it’s best.

Photo Credit- Vincent Perini

How did the tour with Maroon 5 come about? What was it like playing with them on NYE?

Maroon 5 are big fans of ours, so they asked us to play some shows, which is extremely flattering. We’re very excited to tour with those guys. NYE was a blast. Huge, receptive crowd. A wonderful way to ring in the New Year.

What was it like having actress Taryn Manning perform “Cooler” with you recently in New York City?

So fun! She’s really cool and down to earth. Easy to talk to and a pleasure to work with. She’s a got a really great energy that translated well to her performance.

What can you tell us about signing with Warner Brothers? Why do you think is the right place for the band and your music now?

Smartest decision we ever made. They are so supportive and really believe in the music. There is no place we would rather be.

Photo Credit- Vincent Perini

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners take away from your music? Would you say that there is any kind of a message to your songs?

We want to make thoughtful pop music that you dance/drive/party/exercise/clean/walk the dog/build a shelf to. We want to be “all the time” music. And we hope that everyone can relate to our songs, seeing as we cover the spectrum of emotion — from joy to sorrow, pleasure to pain.”