Phil Maps Out Bright Future After Drug Hell

May 4 2008 Billy Sloan

PHIL CAMPBELL has recorded one of the best albums of 2008 and was hand-picked by Jools Holland to perform on his hit BBC2 show, Later.

But 10 years ago the Scots singer-songwriter was heading for the rock scrapheap.

Phil booked a oneway ticket to oblivion after releasing his first album, Fresh New Life, at the age of 18.

"I was really young and had potential. I could play piano, carry a tune and thought I was invincible," said Glasgow-born Phil.

"But I got into a heavy scene and broke all my own rules. I did a lot of crazy things.

"I wasted a lot of money on drugs and friends. I can't account exactly how much.

"I had to go see a psychiatrist, get myself sorted out and start again. I'd become so changed by my lifestyle I'd forgotten who I was.

"I got dropped by EMI and wallowed for a while. I'm glad I did - it was important to take that fall. I was an idiot then. It's only now I see what the pitfalls were."

Phil has successfully relaunched his career with impressive new CD, After The Garden.

It features his great new single Maps (How I Feel About You).

Phil said: "I always knew it was in me to write great songs.

"After The Garden is hopefully a good album that represents me and my life well now.

"I hope it gives me the chance to go on and do better."

Phil shot the striking CD sleeve in the Neon Graveyard on the outskirts of Las Vegas - a junkyard of rusting signs from bars and casinos.

He said: "I worked with the photographer who shot the last Strokes album.

"One sign said, 'Tam O'Chanter'. I had to get my picture taken in front of that."