I came across the all-encompassing sounds of Sunshine Coast singer/songwriter Phil Barlow at an open mic night in downtown Nambour.

After chatting to a few of the musicians, Phil invited me to do a review of his upcoming house concert. In the idyllic, rural hinterland locality of Eerwah Vale? Yes please!

I’d seen Phil’s face around town on “intuitive music healing” posters. And I knew him to be a prominent figure in the Eumundi spiritual community. But also as an original blues and roots artist.

I figured the event would be something approximating a gentle afternoon in the country. Throw in some fresh air, relaxing tunes, kindred spirits, and win, win!

While I’m used to going to gigs alone, I can sometimes find myself in the shadows of back-row punters. Especially when an unexpected dose of social anxiety smacks me like a chart-topping hook.

Or I’ll simply shelve the idea in favour of my electric blanket, true crime, and snacks (bad, punter!).

Leaving my single-mum pity party at home

However, there was no chance I was caving into any homely creature comforts on Saturday.

After reading Phil’s event blurb, advocating for grassroots relations, there’s no way I could rain check this lovely community champion.

“People are in need of connection, with the self, with each other, and with this planet,” it reads on his Humanitix ticket page.

“As we break free into our authentic selves, and become conscious of our actions, we can then create the changes needed to live sustainably on this earth.”

THIS.

It’s everything I stand for as the publisher of a local music magazine: people and connection over profit.

Connection solves everything

It’s my entire reason for existing as Yelo. To encourage people out of their homes and into the nourishing halls and spaces of the community. In a bid to tackle depression and isolation.

When you find a fellow compatriot in the game who is also risking it all to restore healing (and sanity) in the deteriorating music industry, hiding from my fears was simply out of the question.

While I felt incredibly exposed leading up to Phil’s concert, I decided I must practice what I preach. Holding back tears from life’s overwhelm, I ventured bravely towards the inviting, winter sun.

It was a wholly serendipitous sojourn.

As I waved my complicated urban thoughts out the window, I welcomed in the sharp, cool outside breeze. And allowed the energy of the motherland’s rolling hills to begin working away at the tangled knots of my soul.

A yurk, a make-shift stage and a half moon hanging from the sky

Phil performed from a converted ‘bus’ cabin, which was also a makeshift deck-turned-stage. In the background to it all was a glorious yurt complete with wooden stove. And a half moon hung from the middle of the sky.

Entering the picturesque, private property my first thought was “damn, since when did hippies get so ridiculously good looking?”

It was a legitimate lament I would later discuss with my new gal-pal. In our matching Merry People boots, maroon camp chairs, moon signs in Leo, and whole-lotta-girl-problems, we agreed it was because these wholesome, country folk took great care of themselves.

Feeding their families off the land’s organic resources, they are completely and utterly nourished by mother nature’s nectar.

With their sculptured bodies glistening from a hard day’s work and regular vitamin D, they made for some seriously gorge bohemians. Their ‘raggedy-Ann’ babes played rough-and-tumble with family members and new friends. Exactly how it should be. Not an iPad in sight.

They were barefoot, happy and grounded. Full.

It was like Little House on the Prairie meets The Age of Aquarius, and for just a moment it felt like we were in the golden, halcyon days of the 70s, celebrating a new dawn.

Feeling free at a Phil Barlow house concert

It felt free. It felt like home.

Many were attending from a nearby home-schooling community, greeting each other with big smiles and open embraces.

It reminded me of what life used to be like: pre-pocket phones, AI and Covid.

The good times.

Women and children twirled with their long flowing hair and skirts, while their lumberjack-looking husbands manned an open-fire, while prodding at a camp oven full of slow-cooked meats and nourishing assortments from the veggie patch.

Cacao and chai drinks – laden with magical mushroom elixirs – were served from a back tent, and a long banquet-style table made for some shared feasting. And more connection.

After bumping into an old friend at the hot tonic stand, the three of us set out our BYO chairs and picnic blankets, and settled in for the raw, visceral, emotional intensity that is Phil Barlow.

After a welcome to country by the property owners, Phil gradually filled the quaint, surrounding paddock with his deep, resonating, acoustic sounds, creating an instant connection of heart to ‘source’.

A fusion of conscious-soaked lyrics, charged with blues and roots mastery, Phil’s musical journey has garnered him an eclectic following of relief-seekers and beatnik beat-shakers.

An Eddie Vedder timbre and an erupting smile

His Eddie Vedder-esque timbre evokes introspection, while a shy, dimpled smile – which erupts at the completion of every song – summons a sincere thankfullness.

Phil’s anima and animus vulnerabilities dance delicately together, offering an insight into the complex human condition, with songs such as, “In my Heart”, and my personal favourite, “To See the Sun”, which Phil says is only a newbie. I say keep making more of those!

With powerful vocals which veberberate through the earth with every note, and electrifying guitar rythms that echo an unparalleled potency, I have never encountered such an authentic musical experience from a single artist.

‘Phil was having a spiritual experience before us’

It was more than watching a performer on stage. Phil was having a spiritual experience before us and delivering that synergy straight to his audience and beyond.

Phil not only wears his heart on his sleeve, but also invites the listener deep into his inner-world, delivering a guttural explosion of raw, acoustic prowess.

He bears it all for his audience, allowing for the ultimate sacrifice in his search for a greater meaning and understanding of the world.

Phil’s music transcends mere melodies. It is a testament to the power of emotive storytelling, and the profound impact of a voice that courageously navigates the depths of the human soul.

Since 2019, Phil has released four full-length albums, “Phoenix Rising”, “The Awakening”, “True Evolution” and “Break Free”. And he’s achieved Triple J airplay, sold-out shows, and a 30-date tour.

His stand-out festival appearances include Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Festival, Blues On Broadbeach and Caloundra Music Festival.

Following a prolonged period of songwriting and inner growth, Phil has re-emerged, like the pheonix from the ashes. And he has a swag of new music which you can see at his next home concert in Eumundi.

Or catch one of his Intuitive Music Healing sessions on June 28 or July 12.

As I drove away that evening, I reminisced about the conversations I had with my newfound “besties”. And our shared stories of mutual passions, pursuits and pains.

The native land, its generous spirit, and fair-weathered friends had saved me once again. Because connection is where you’ll find healing.

The road less travelled to see Phil Barlow

Instead of sabotaging my precious time in a heap of technology and dopamine-infused treats, I took the road less travelled. And I’m so glad I did.

It was exactly what my soul needed.

A play in the forest, with its pixies, making intimate connections of both old and new. And melting together beside the fire, under a star-studded sky, like we’d known each other for years.

As I left the property that night, I thought perhaps I should take a gamble on the countryside more often.

If you feel a bit lost and worn out lately, be sure to check out some live music near you. Whether it’s a house concert, or in a wonderful local venue, there’s plenty around. Sometimes you just have to lean in and find it.

This is where you will find your healing. Your true north is in community and connection.

It’s within the power of the music.

Thank you, Phil Barlow and your magic friends.

I am whole, once again.

Photos: Emma from Love Loop