Phil Stoodley Releases New ‘Swagger’ EP
Phil Stoodley’s Swagger EP bursts onto the scene with a gritty, blues-fueled punch. No gloss, no gimmicks, just raw guitars, pounding drums, and unfiltered attitude. It’s a stripped back return to real rock ‘n’ roll: earthy, soulful, and dripping with swagger.
The new single Wanted Man grinds out on a simple yet melodic blues riff that clings to your ears like dirt under your nails. Lyrically, the track leans into supernatural territory, tipping the hat to poetic greats like Johnny Cash and Jim Morrison, with witches, werewolves, and devils all weaving their way through the story, adding a haunting, otherworldly layer. It’s a thread that ties the EP together, casting a dark, cinematic shadow over its blues-soaked sound.
“I’ve been diving back into my rock roots, cranking up the old guitar and chasing that raw, live energy again. Lyrically, I’ve leaned into darker, more cinematic themes, and that shift has been a real creative spark for me.” – Phil Stoodley
Taking cues from bands like The Black Keys and Kaleo, Swagger strips away the modern gloss and gets straight to the good stuff: groove, tone, and the raw chemistry of a band locked in tight. Each track grinds through dirty riffs and darker, supernatural undertones, spinning tales that flirt with desire, defiance, and redemption.
The EP was produced and recorded at Jos Lab Studio in Bali alongside local rock legend Ian Stevenson (Wayan Jos), who brought in some of the island’s top session players to lay down the powerhouse backbone of the tracks. Ian’s production brought real edge and shape to the project, tightening the grooves, amplifying the grit, and capturing the raw, live energy that defines its sound.
Phil now splits his time between New Zealand and Bali, spending six months of the year in each. Chasing the summer gigs.
