By Alesha Capone
Hope, faith and hard work have helped Wyndham man Dan Phipps to turn his life around and achieve musical success.
Phipps, a vocalist, musician and songwriter, said he played the trumpet in school and wrote rock and grunge music.
However, becoming involved in drugs in his youth put a temporary halt to his hopes of becoming a professional musician.
“For a long period, about 20 years, I was stuck in addiction and health issues,” he said.
“Two years ago I hit rock bottom and ended up in hospital, I went to a rehab program from there.
“Around 18 months ago, I started writing music again and taught myself to play guitar.”
He has supported artists such as Tim Henwood from The Superjesus, Brian Mannix and the Androids and the Chantoozies.
On May 1, Phipps will support Tim Henwood in his ‘Now & Then’ show at Bannockburn Railway Hotel.
Phipps – who plays music at church every Sunday –has also recorded an EP, titled ‘Shifting Sands’, at Universal School of Music in Point Cook with the assistance of his mentor, producer Michel Kroll.
The EP features his debut single, ‘Sweet Ocean View’, which has become the theme song for Australian surf company Dirty Lickings, of which Phipps is an ambassador.
‘Sweet Ocean View’ won the first place at last year’s Surf Coast Song Contest run by Art of The Minds.
Earlier this month, Phipps’ first big show at Musicland in Fawkner sold out.
“My ultimate dream would be to be a touring musician and get played on the likes of Triple J,” he said.
Phipps, a father of three, said his favourite aspects of music were performing and writing.
“I find it really quite healing, sitting down by myself writing songs,” he said.
Phipps, who has written songs about his recovery from addiction, said he openly talked about his battle with drugs and mental health on stage.
“The dream is also to be a good role model to people and anyone with life-controlling issues or mental problems, and show them it is possible to follow your dreams,” he said.
Details: danphippsofficial.com.au/
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