About the Artist
DERREK PHILLIPS' MANUFACTORY was brought about by a long-lived desire of Derrek Phillips. Being a highly sought after drummer in the New York City jazz scene for several years, Derrek wanted to lead a band that played music that was hard classified. After spanning the full spectrum of jazz as a sideman, (from Charlie Hunter to Ronny Jordan to Dave Douglas to Greg Osby to Matt Munisteri), he had a desire to merge all styles of music in one group of his own.
The precursor to MANUFACTORY was a New York band entitled, "Derrek Phillips' Translation" featuring John Ellis on woodwinds (Charlie Hunter, Ellis Marsalis), Liberty Ellman on guitar (Henry Threadgill, Greg Osby) and, Ben Stivers on keys and sounds (Matchbox 20) back in 2005. The band played Derrek's original music as well as covers of Prince and the Eurhythmics. The group was able to explore many soundscapes with Derrek employing spoken word and vocal percussion. Unfortunately, the band was short-lived once Derrek relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in May 2006.
In Nashville, Derrek Phillips discovered that there was more to his new home than Country and Gospel music. While getting acclimated to this music scene, he was able to collaborate with many young artists in a vibrant creative scene brewing. Along with working his way into the recording industry, he found time for R&B, Blues and Jazz gigs. On many of these gigs, he found himself partnered with two extremely talented musicians: Paul Horton and Adam Agati. The more Derrek familiarized himself with Paul and Adam, the more he realized it was time to form a band with them. Not only did their gifted abilities entice Derrek, but their shared affinity for artist like Bjork, Radiohead, Sqaurepusher, Coldplay, the Roots, and Living Colour built a strong connection.
So in October of 2008, Derrek was inspired to pen several new tunes, as well as refurbish some "Translation" material, and the three took the stage as DERREK PHILLIPS' MANUFACTORY. The name started out as a joke but starting to stick after the band honed its skills in concert. "The name is simply the merging of MANUFACTURE and FACTORY. In a sense, this is homage to the American workforce of yesteryear when the United States was self sufficient in nearly every industry. In the way we approach the music, much of the music is constructed right before the audience's eyes and ears. We turn the stage into a conveyor belt, passing parts along to one another, adding to each one to make a complete product."
The band members merge job roles in a variety of ways. Although there are only three members, each one can be doing the job of three at any given moment. Paul Horton on keys covers the bass player's role in the lower register with his left hand, while his right is stating melodies, chords, and sounds (ala Charlie Hunter). Adam Agati creates a plethora of sounds through effects, building endless layers of textured guitars and otherworldly sonance. Derrek Phillips, while on the drum set, introduces a variety of percussion, while doubling on glockenspiel and vocals. He also brings thought provoking spoken word and versatile beat boxing, all while keeping the beat.