Local musician Phil Leffler a product of what he listens to
If you’re looking for something to do tonight, go cozy up to your favorite cup of coffee at Caffe Ibis and hear the acoustic folk-rock stylings of guitarist Phil Leffler. Having lent his talent to a slew of local music acts while also being one of Logan’s most recognizable solo performers, Leffler could very likely have something to brag about. But the man was nothing but hip and humble as he took a moment to kick back and talk it up with The Utah Statesman.
Utah Statesman: So where are you from?Phil Leffler: I’m from Sandy.US: How long have you been in Logan?PL: Off and on since about 2001 or 2002.US: And are you going to school?PL: Yeah.US: What are you graduating in?PL: Anthropology.US: So you’re playing at Caffe Ibis on Friday.PL: Yeah, I play there often. It’s actually one of my favorite places to play. It’s like playing in your front room. And they treat me really well there, and they pay. And since music is kind of my job right now, that’s good.US: So you’re a full-fledged musician?PL: Yeah. But I’m in the process of selling a bunch of my music equipment – gotta pay the bills.US: So you play the guitar. Do you play anything else?PL: I can get by on the banjo, mandolin or the bass.US: How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?PL: That’s what the critics are for!US: Could you put yourself in a genre?PL: I don’t know if I can really answer that. I just play music, and the critics tell me what I play. I think just like anybody, I’m the product of what I listen to. I’m mainly influenced by Bob Dylan, so maybe you could put me into folk.US: You’ve been here in Logan for while. Have you been doing music the whole time?PL: Pretty much. I’ve just been playing at small things, like at cafes and such.US: Have you just done solo stuff?PL: No, I’ve been in quite a few bands. Last year I was in this band, St. Boheme, which actually won Band of the Year in Utah in City Weekly’s Slammys contest. But things weren’t really working out with the band, so I just decided to do music on my own.US: Is that the extent of the bands you’ve been with?PL: I’ve also played with Lokalgrown and Hasenpfeffer and the Bombdiggity. I’ve been in a bunch of bands, but now I’m just going to focus on myself – Philipe LeFleur.US: Is that what you go by?PL: I go by a few things. I kind of wish I were French, so sometimes I go by Philipe LeFleur.US: What about your songs? Do you do your own songwriting?PL: Yeah. It takes me a long time to write songs. I can write the music, but the lyrics take a long time. A lot of the songs I’ve written have taken over a year to write. It’s a lot of work, but it’s good.US: Do people have a favorite song?PL: Some people like a song called “Go to Sleep.” It’s on my MySpace page. It’s just kind of a folky lullaby song.US: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?PL: Not being prepared for a gig seems to be the norm for me. I get up on stage and I’m like, “What the hell am I going to do?”US: Word on the street is that you’re called “Dreamy Phil.” How do you feel about that?PL: I hate it. I don’t want anyone to think that I like that name. My friend just kept it going, saying, “His name is Dreamy Phil!” My friends just think they’re funny. I was hoping that name was gone.US: So if someone walked in right now and offered you a recording contract, would you take it?PL: No. I’d rather do the work myself, travel around on my own and get a fan-base that way.US: You’re pretty serious about this.PL: Well, I hope I don’t take myself too seriously. I think it’s annoying when people take their music or themselves too seriously.
He’s right. If you find that you’re taking life too seriously, do yourself a favor and go chill at Caffe Ibis tonight, where Phil will be playing at 7 p.m. You can also go to his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/philleffler, to listen to his songs. But don’t call him “Dreamy.” At least not to his face.
Contact Kelly at kelly.green@aggiemail.usu.edu