Philip La Rosa is a 33-year-old independent pop artist and singer-songwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia. Known for his emotionally driven storytelling and lush blend of alternative pop, Philip La Rosa has built a career rooted in vulnerability, exploring themes of identity, love, and mental health. After a recent three year hiatus where he nearly stepped away from music entirely, Philip La Rosa teamed up with ARIA-charting Perth producer Nic Rollo. What was supposed to be a final swan song album turned into a massive creative revival. Now, with a refined sound and a catalog of over 20+ new tracks, Philip La Rosa has committed to an ambitious schedule of releasing a brand new song every single month.
With “Used To Be Young” out now, we took some time to hear from Philip La Rosa. Read below to learn more about Philip La Rosa, the story behind “Used To Be Young,” and what’s to come.
Hi Philip La Rosa! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
It is actually just my real name! I decided early on that I wanted my music to be a genuine reflection of who I am, so keeping Philip La Rosa felt like the most honest and authentic choice.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born and raised in Fremantle, Western Australia.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I started singing when I was 10, though my parents caught me singing around the house when I was about 8. I was so obsessed with watching Rage and Video Hits on Saturday mornings that I actually grabbed the phone book and enrolled myself in a local performance arts school. I trained there for over five years, but I ended up leaving high school early at 15 because of severe bullying. I did not touch music for years after that. It was not until I was 19 that I rediscovered my voice, started writing my own songs, and decided to pursue music on my own terms.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I would describe it as emotionally driven alternative pop with electronic and R&B elements. The production is often synth heavy and atmospheric, but the core of every track is vulnerable, confessional storytelling.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
During the day, I am the Creative Director of a digital agency, so I feel like something is always inspiring me creatively! And of course, hanging out with my dog, Rosie, is my favorite thing to do.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Growing up, I was heavily inspired by the performers that I saw on TV like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Usher. I used to learn all of their choreography. These days, I am really inspired by artists who blend great pop production with complete emotional transparency, like Jon Bellion.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
If I had to pick a dream collaboration, it would probably be Jon Bellion. He has such a strong sense of self, incredible pop sensibilities, and a willingness to be completely open in his art.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Releasing my debut EP, Strong, in 2016 was a massive milestone, especially seeing how my song, “Pride,” resonated as an anthem within the LGBTQ+ community. But honestly, my current era might be my proudest. After taking a three year break and almost quitting music completely, I found my spark again. Committing to releasing a new song every single month and actually executing it has been incredibly fulfilling.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I have learned the importance of sitting with your pain and finding strength in vulnerability. For a long time, I overthought my music and my identity. Stepping away taught me to trust my creative instincts, stop forcing things, and just let the music be an honest reflection of where I am at.
Now onto “Used To Be Young.” What prompted you to make this cover song?
The lyrics really resonated with me, especially coming out of a long hiatus where I was reflecting heavily on my past, the bullying I faced, and how much I have grown since I was a teenager. It felt like the perfect bridge between the older chapters of my life and this new, more introspective era.
How does your version differ from the original?
I wanted to bring it into my own sonic world, so we leaned into the lush, electronic pop textures that I love. It is brooding and atmospheric, focusing really closely on the vocal delivery to capture that raw emotion.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Used To Be Young?”
I wanted the artwork to feel a bit nostalgic, so what better than baby Philip sitting at a computer. 😊
What was the creative process like when making “Used To Be Young?”
I worked on it with Nic Rollo, who has been my main collaborative partner recently. We have built such a strong foundation of trust in the studio. We stripped the song down to its core emotions and built it back up with synths and cinematic elements. It was a very natural, experimental process.
How long did it take to complete “Used To Be Young?”
Because Nic and I have developed such a great workflow, it came together fairly quickly. Once we found the right sonic direction and locked in the vocal takes, the production flowed naturally over a couple of weeks.
What do you hope fans take away from your music?
I hope my music gives people a safe space to process their own complicated emotions and reflect. Whether it is about identity, heartbreak, or mental health, I want listeners to know that they aren’t alone and that there is strength in owning your truth.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
The monthly releases are in full swing! I just dropped my original track, “Introspection,” in early February, and you can expect a brand new song on streaming platforms every single month for the rest of the year.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/philiplarosa_
https://www.tiktok.com/@philiplarosa
https://www.youtube.com/@PhilipLaRosaMusic
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
