Afrobeat producer-turned- singer Phillip Moses, popularly known as Pheelz, has signed a deal with Warner Records, one of the world’s elite record labels.
His sensational record Finesse’ featuring another popular Afrobeat artist BNXN with catchy lines like “ if I broke na my business” has over 14 million streams on Spotify, Billboard reported.
What started off as a “training session” on Ableton Live (a beat-making application) with his new producer turned into a life-changing moment for Pheelz, who carelessly posted a clip from his studio on TikTok and watched the record go viral. Warner Records flew halfway around the world to meet with him because his DIY approach drew them in.
“It all started with Steve Carless flying straight from Paris to London to meet with Pheelz, which demonstrated his dedication,” says Pheelz’s manager, Marc Byers. “[Warner’s] Aaron Bay-Schuck, Karen Kwak, and Erika Coulter made themselves available to us on a daily basis till the end of the day. They worked together as a unit.”
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Following his passion for music and the Web3 space. He’s creating his own NFTs and graphic art, which aided in the launch and popularity of ‘Finesse,’ says Steve Carless, president of A&R Black Music and Associated Labels at Warner Records.
“He has an incredible connection to the cultural creative network around the world as an established figure for so many years. Our focus is really about staying true to the diaspora and lifting this song from the ground as our season progresses,” Careless added.
“Finesse” sits at No. 5 this week on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeat Songs chart, but like Wizkid and Fireboy, Pheelz says he’ll love to have a remix of his song with international artists.
“I know she’s a rapper, but I think Cardi B can do something amazing on “Finesse,” he tells Billboard. “I think Ye (Kanye West ) as well — definitely Ye. If I get Ye on ‘Finesse,’ I’m going to lose my mind. Cardi, Ye — and the third one would be between Rihanna and Drake.”
In an interview with Billboard he reveals that he has always been an artist and not only a producer, as a co-writer and adding background voices.
“I don’t think it’s a transition for me. I think it’s always been who I was. I’ve always been an artist. Even when I make beats, I’m always an artist on my beats. “Finesse” just brought more light into this part of my creativity and introduced me to the world. I’m still the same Pheelz. This is all Pheelz,” he said.
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