From the first time he could make a sound, Phil Watson has been making music. He made his live debut at a small club at an open mic night at the age of 16. Since then he has performed over the east coast creating for himself with his original style and catchy melodies. His own songs have received airplay across the country through various FM and internet stations.
His first major break came in January of 2004 when he was asked to perform a live acoustic set in the studio of 99.1 WVOD. The show concluded and the phone calls came rolling in wanting more. One of his songs from that set, "Hurts too Much to Stay" received a great response and he became the first unsigned artist to have a song in their regular rotation. Since then he has had several more apperances and has had several songs in the line up, more than any other local artist in the stations history.
From those spotlight sessions spawned a flurry of opportunity. He was asked to open for several national acts. Over the next few years he shared the stage with such great bands as Carbon Leaf, Cracker, Government Mule with Warren Hanes, and as most recent as Tim Reynolds.
In December of 2006 his first album "Fortune Teller" was completed with long time friend Matt Calhoun. Together they have performed under the name Watson and Calhoun. With the release of the new album alsocame a sudden burst of recognition. Over the next few months a total of eight of the nine songs from "Fortune Teller" reached in the top ten on Broadjam.com in the Folk Alternative charts. Four of which reached number one. From this and other online media, he was selected as one of fifteen bands in the country to play at the annual independant artist showcase in New YorkCity, in july 2007. Later that month he was selected to play at the "Swinging on the Tracks" music series in Richmond VA. and also won an online voting competition and was named best local band and was given the opportunity to play the annual music festival "Soundfest" in Manteo NC.
Phil Watson's music is constantly evolving into the sounds that he has become known for. His unique sound is drawing attention everywhere he plays. Phil commands the attention of his audience with his intricate guitar work and powerful vocals. When combined creates an emotional thrill ride from start to finish.
