Phil Circle

Phil Circle brings a rich, versatile voice (he trains vocalists) and highly skilled guitar playing (he also trains guitarists) to every show. With more than three decades of consistent performance under his belt, along with the vast repertoire this offers, his ability to read what a crowd wants is pretty solid. In other words, he knows how to play to the audience. He engages crowds with his wit and gregarious personality when necessary, and plays the audio wallpaper role when it's right.. His stylistic range is often considered one of his strongest attributes.

Chicago-born Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Phil Circle has spent more than 30 years writing and performing and touring nationally. His unique approach to songwriting and promotion has earned him a great deal of respect and admiration among other artists. Phil has always preferred to pursue his career on his terms, mostly by disregarding the much sought-after “record label” in favor of founding his own, booking more intimate venues that appreciate the musician and his work, and pursuing the DIY/Indie approach before it was even called that.

Phil is by no means your ordinary songster picking away quietly on his acoustic guitar. He manages to blend elements of rock, jazz, blues, folk, and even classical, to seamlessly create a style truly his own. Add to this his nearly flawless and typically energetic live performance, and he lands far away from what most people think of as "Singer/Songwriter."

Phil's repertoire of covers not only spans decades and crosses genres with ease, but showcases his ability to make music his own. He's received wide accolades from fans and members of media that have enjoyed the variety of music he can play and his personal take on others' music.

With multiple albums to his credit, of both original material and covers, his stylistic range has been lauded by critics and listeners alike. His debut in the 1990's caused In The Mix Magazine to say his work is "from the master class" and "defies rock, jazz and blues," adding that it was "just what the doctor ordered." Several albums later, The Illinois Entertainer called Phil Circle "one of our town's most unique voices" and Who's Who in Music by Centerstage Chicago said that "Phil Circle's prolific songwriting and powerful performance make him a staple of Chicago music." Phil is now based in Los Angeles with his actor wife.

In August of 2017, Phil Circle published his first book, "The Outback Musician's Survival Guide," chronicling his journey through 30 years as an independent musician. While it's not a how-to book, he does touch heavily on his own experience to offer some guidelines to aspiring or working independent musicians. One writer at The Chicago Tribune responded, saying to Phil, "now you're an expert." Initial reviews have brought high praise, calling it "full of grit and realism" and "a celebration of what it means to be human."

Phil Circle is available for everything from solo acoustic shows to speaking engagements or panel discussions on either music education (from a respected teacher of pros) or the music business as seen from this veteran music entrepreneur, to any hybrid of the aforementioned.

Search for Phil Circle Music to find multiple reviews of his work as a teacher, performer and author.

Phil provides a single tower line array sound set-up with room for up to four inputs. This is his standard for solo or duo performances. The space required for this equipment and Phil is around 15-20 square feet (5' x 4'). This can be on a raised stage or at audience level. It's up to you.
Basic room lighting is adequate, but you are welcome to have a more elaborate set-up. Phil's shows don't require great visual spectacles to make them better.