Shane Philip doesn't mind when people remember him as the "guy who plays the didgeridoo." Despite playing about 12 instruments on his albums and at live performances, Philip said he understands why the didgeridoo stands out.
"It's something new and different to a lot of people, so they tend to focus on it," said the Courtenay, B.C.-based performer, who plays the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG) on Saturday (Nov. 16) at 8 p.m. "The didge is a really powerful instrument. People can really feel it and it's quite strong."
His tribal/world rhythm music definitely showcases that strong didgeridoo throb, but it's all backed up with wild footwork on a drum kit, a "multitude" of guitars, djembe beats and more - often at the same time.
Oh, and it's all pretty much self-taught, too.
"To a certain degree I did learn from others," he said. "But I never paid anyone for lessons. While other people were dancing at concerts and live shows, I was watching. I never learned music theory. I play what I feel."
Philip also lives by what he feels.
He was a teacher for years before he realized music was his calling.
"I taught for seven or eight years," he said. "I originally got into teaching to touch people's lives and help change the world."
But he said he found the environment limiting.
"I didn't feel creatively free to do what I wanted," he said. "I found I could do that with music."
It also just felt right.
"All my stresses worries about health and financial stuff it all goes away when you get on stage," he said. "I didn't get that with teaching."
Today, Philip has four albums under his belt; he tours constantly and has a loyal following of his soulful sounds.
He's also become interested in videos... not specifically for his music - but featuring it.
"I never really liked music videos," he said. "So, I never really put much energy into making any videos for my music, or wanted to pay someone to make one."
Then, Philip bought a Gopro video camera - a portable device meant to capture action and adventure footage - and suddenly he had a new hobby into which he could funnel his creativity.
"I have about 100 videos on my YouTube channel," he said. "I film outdoor recreation kayaking, hiking, lifestyle stuff. Basically, I go around and shoot stuff on my Gopro with my family."
Philip's songs provide the soundtrack to those videos.
"I provide the link to the songs and albums there with the videos," he said. "It's a very neat and different way to get my music out there into the world. I show what I'm interested in, which is the outdoors and being active. It's who I am."
He's also the guy who you'll remember for his didgeridoo but that's still OK.
"Ultimately, at the core, it does differentiate me from other musicians," he said.
Groove to Philip's tribal sounds on Saturday at the BAG at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, and available at Xocolatl and BAG. To check out Philip's videos, go to www.youtube.com/shanephilipmusic.
