An Interview With Alyssa Gambino of PHNTMS
Adam Jessamine, Alyssa Gambino, Mikal Smith of PHNTMS – Photography by Sara Wolfheart
Fuse together the piercing sound of stadium rock with the heartfelt honesty of 60s music, and you’ll get the compelling music of Philadelphia-based rock band, PHNTMS. Lead singer, Alyssa Gambino lends her powerhouse vocals and introspective songwriting to the band, alongside the musical talents of Adam Jessamine and Mikal Smith. Having toured with Kings of Leon, The 1975, Bastille, and Fitz & The Tantrums, the newly signed band draws from their personal experiences in life and relationships to use their music as a voice for the LGBTQA+ community.
With new music to follow up on their latest single, “Clarabelle,” just around the corner, Alyssa Gambino spoke to Amplify Her Voice about her journey as a lead singer in rock, the inspiration behind her songwriting, and what it means to be as honest as she can in her music.
Has the music scene in Philadelphia shape the sound or image of PHNTMS in any way?
Absolutely. I grew up watching my friends play in bands and going to every show I possibly could. Philly has opened up so many doors for me as an artist and opened my ears to so many different sounds.
Which artists inspire the PHNTMS rock sound the most?
Currently we are all into bands such as Sam Fender, Walk the Moon, Neon Trees, Biffy Clyro, Dermot Kennedy, Arielle, The Midnight and The Night Game. Of course Amy Winehouse as well.
Can you describe the creative process behind developing your latest single, “Clarabelle,”?
When I wrote Carabelle, at the time I had just ended things with my partner and wrote a hook that circled around the lyrics “care about” I later added a name for the person in my story and it clicked. I didn’t overthink the verses, I wanted them to remain super relatable and that really helped me to shape the song into what it is. Probably the fastest song I’d ever written.
Openly using pronouns in your songs to convey stories of LGBTQA+ relationships is something that is really important to your band. Did you feel you were taking a risk to do that, or was it just more of you writing lyrics that said, “This is me. This is my experience.”
You know, I never really tried to hide that in my lyrics. These are my experiences and it’s important for me to include as many details as possible. I think when a listener hears that honesty, that’s when the real connection happens.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve experienced as the frontwoman of a rock band in the music industry?
I think being a musician is challenging in itself. I have always just focused on giving the best possible performance and never being intimidated because of my gender.
What has been the most fulfilling?
All of the compliments and fans we’ve gained over the years. Your support means the absolute world to us. It’s landed us on shows in front of some of our favorite bands and makes all the hard work worth it.
Writing lyrics is definitely something special you bring to PHNTMS. What do you do when you experience writer’s block?
Thank you! I try to write constantly. Even if a word or melody pops in my head, it goes right in my voice notes. It’s so important to have when you find yourself getting stuck.
What has it been like for you as a singer and lyricist to lean on your bandmates for either creative support or any support? Can you describe your favorite part of experiencing your musical journey with them?
When it comes to creative decisions, I trust both Adam and Mikal so much. Communication is so important and it comes out in the songs for sure. With every experience, either on stage or in the studio, I know I have two partners that will work endlessly to see this band succeed.
There are a lot of aspiring female & queer musicians right now who might not live in towns as populated, diverse, or openly accepting as Philadelphia. Do you have any advice for them on how they can stay true to themselves in music, no matter the demographic of where they are?
My advice is to keep focused on writing great songs and the rest will follow. For me, it’s important to write about things super personal. You’ll find that when people connect to your music, it doesn’t matter about their gender, sexuality or the small towns they live in. Be believable and do it because you absolutely love it.