Phor • "Help"
Phor considers himself an artist in the truest sense of the word. Not just in the art he creates with his music, but also in the visual art he creates as a professional tattoo artist. While the former medium is his passion and the latter is a service he provides, the artistic integrity required for both go hand-in-hand with each other in a way that is impossible to keep them 100% separate from each other.
Photo by Ayaka Sano
Phor stays true to himself as an artist by following his own set of rules. Rules he created after breaking the ones that were already there. Using his music as a personal diary, he opens up about his vulnerabilities in a way that connects to whatever the listener may be going through. Being a proud Chicagoan, he knows that people in a city like this are known for having two things: hustle and soul. Phor just wants to be a voice for his community and whatever struggles they’re going through. By using music as a platform, he wants to motivate his fans to get through the grind by spreading the message of strength, endurance and positivity in the face of struggle. His latest visual explores those themes in an in depth way that might be his most personal work yet with “Help”.
Find out more about Phor and the new video in our exclusive Q&A below!
This is a very emotional song and video. Were there any specific events that transpired that inspired the creation?
I suffer from depression. I feel like quitting and giving up. I cry for help just like everyone else but i hide it well. I felt it was the perfect time to release this message. Many suffer from depression, I just want them to know they not alone
What's your typical approach to creating a new track? Does the approach vary depending on the theme of the song, for example creating a more fun, laid back song compared to a more vulnerable one?
I like to go in the studio with whatever it is on my mind and freely express whatever I’m feeling in a creative way and to execute my listeners to feel where I’m coming from no matter the mood or tempo.
You're very open about your mental health on this song even alluding to suicidal thoughts and including the suicide hotline number at the end, but mental health is still a taboo topic in communities of color. What stigmas are you hoping to tackle with a song like this?
The point and message of this song was to save people. Give people who struggle with mental health an anthem. I can relate to their stories. Ii just want them to know there not alone
As 2018 comes to an end, how would you reflect on the year that was? What milestones did you make that you're most proud of?
Honestly, just the growth overall and seeing that I don’t always have to focus on radio records. And seeing that my audience supports me with whatever I do, staying down is the most important part building my brand the correct way
What can fans, both new and old, expect from you in the coming months? Do you have an upcoming project?
I have a few projects I’m currently working on I’m sitting on a tone of Music and I apologize to my fans for not putting it out sooner, but I got so caught up in creativity I forgot. “CAKE” project on the way.
More Premieres
Hollyy does what they do best on their brand new single “What A Shame” with animated video to accompany!
Rich Robbins’ new single “Good Goodbyes” perfectly captures this theme as he reflects on the lessons learned from different people in his life.
On Eleeza Silva’s latest record, listeners are instantly taken back to one of the most revolutionary eras of hip-hop.
Hailing from the Northwest side of the city, J.Solaye is an emerging singer with a disarmingly tender voice that can sway anybody into a daydream. These Days premieres the official video for her song "Ocean" off her debut E.P., One.
A month after dropping their sensational collab “Aye There,” Marcus Atom and Rich Jones have unveiled a visual to match the song’s silky smooth energy.
Following this past Spring’s release of his album, Rambe World, Kahrion has released the video for the album’s standout track “Silver Bullets”.
On her second These Days-premiered track, Ness Heads delivers an energetic hip hop heater, “Fall” (produced by Drew Damen and Grammy Szn). Listen now on Spotify.
Listen to “Now She Knows My Name” and check out our quick Q&A with Jameson Brenner about Othersides, their creative approach and what lays ahead.
Mack 11’s new song “Jackie Joyner” comes in like that first day of nice 45 degree weather after a long ugly winter.
With all the great opportunities set before him, it’s no wonder Adam is having a good time.
A seasoned artist that is a part of the groups Swimsuit Addition and beastii, Jen is always creating music.
Apache is hitting the end of 2018 hard with this recent release, “Everything is Paid For” let’s us a look into the heart and soul that Apache displays in his records and on stage.
The John Lau EP is delightful in its journey and proficiency, a great collection of tracks that is satisfying in full.
Phor stays true to himself as an artist by following his own set of rules. Ones that he created after breaking the ones that were already there. Check out his new video.
Focusing on her melodic-based rapping style, Ness takes another progressive leap towards her vision of success with her new single “Pretty”.
As a producer-singer-songwriter, Dan Rico finds himself face to face with the music throughout the entirety of his creative process.
It’s the first step on the way to Melo Makes Music’s new forthcoming project, Hold Your Tongue.
Along with producer Illuid Haller, and animator Toon Bog, Rich Robbins’ story expands on love, personal struggles, and how to adapt through it all.
These Days is proud to premiere “Aperture” by Emily Blue. The track continues Blue’s mastery of an ethereal sound that makes perfect ambient pop.