Phil Cook: 2018

If you have ever gone to a summer camp as a kid, you know how magical and formative that time can be. But, typically, time fades those connections, leaving us with sweet campfire memories or maybe inspiring some songwriting of our own.

For Phil Cook, and his brother Brad, one summer at camp in Wisconsin over 20 years ago, was where friendships and musical partnerships were formed which laid the groundwork for nearly every band and collaboration thereafter: DeYarmond Edison, Megafaun, and currently, Hiss Golden Messenger, one of the projects the Cook brothers have joined since relocating to Durham, North Carolina.

Over the years, the one constant element is Phil Cook’s inclusive, familial, and communal spirit — yes, just like summer camp — which carries over into whatever project he's working on, including his new album, People Are My Drug. That new release features his friend and neighbor, Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso, among others.

On this visit to Studio A, Cook brought his band, the Guitar Heels, to share a couple of new songs. He talked to us about celebrating community on this new album, and helped us connect the dots of the musical family tree that he’s helped to grow.

[recorded: 6/11/18]