I’m super happy to welcome back to the blog Salisbury native, Phillip Bush. Today I am highlighting his newest work called The Black Elephant. Phillip’s dedication to bringing a positive light to his hometown is the central focus in all of the songs. And it’s also clear by the cover art that the focus will be on gaining attention to the issues that plague the city. Many of the songs include Salisbury in the title including Dear Salisbury Post and Tales of a Ghost from Salisbury . But the song Starless City stood out to me because it doesn’t mention Salisbury explicitly in the title, yet has powerful and relatable lyrics that are clearly seeking the attention of people involved in the politics of the city.

Starless City gives a little history on the people that come out of Salisbury that were prominent athletes and artist in the state of North Carolina, and some in the entire nation. People who represented the city at the highest levels of athletics and the arts garnered positivity, but were often overlooked because the media focused on the crime. Phillip himself was one of the best athletes in North Carolina in track and field. He won state titles in the sprints, and then went on run at Appalachian State University on a full scholarship. The lyrics of Starless City suggests that it’s time the media begin to display the complete picture of the city and shed light on the hidden treasures of Salisbury.

Another work that piqued my interest while listening to the album was The Young and the Restless featuring Jay Arre and Periosidy. Up front this is another song that pays homage to the city of Salisbury, but by the end the song takes on a more universal perspective of living in the United States today. 

This song was written in the hopes we could gain the attention of the Mayor of Salisbury.   I wanted to use this time to really highlight the emotions of the people.  Near the end I wanted to make it more general in highlighting the issues within society. 

“Make American great again – when, it was only Adam and Eve – David Blaine politicians, something always up they sleeve – I see the seals from a distance, I don’t see peace – help,  please my town feel like the  middle east – I just wonder how far my voice can really reach/and I ain’t ordained, so I ain’t trying to preach” 

-Phillip Bush

With references to politics and a dysfunctional justice system, it’s clear that Phillip and the other artists on the song want to start a conversation that is long overdue in the city of Salisbury.

I want to encourage everyone to really check out The Black Elephant album as it is wholesome, clean and thoughtful music that your entire family can enjoy. Phillip’s music will spark questions and discussions that may open your eyes or bring a new perspective of what’s going on in the world today. Be sure to check it out on the various platforms below and contribute to a great cause because 10% of the proceeds of this album are going to community projects for youth in Salisbury.

ITunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1208309597?ls=1&app=itunes

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Phillip_Bush_The_Black_Elephant?id=Bidyaq6woy73ceez55cfovoqsia

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Elephant-Phillip-Bush/dp/B06VXPFV4D

I have already committed to supporting Phillip Bush and his initiative to make good music and to uplift his community. I hope you do the same. Until next post folks…