The sequence of constructing a song is different for every artist. In this case, singer-songwriter Tessa Phillips went into the making of her EP unaware of the fact that she was recording her artist debut.
Photo courtesy of Tessa Phillips.
Phillips is an 18 year old singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. During the making of her first EP, “self sabotage,” Phillips navigated her high school years and squeezed her way into the music scene through TikTok. The EP explores friendship breakups and her need to please others.
“I started writing “self sabotage” when I was 15. The first song I was truly confident in was “no closure” which was the first song I ever released,” Phillips said.
Photo courtesy of Tessa Phillips.
Despite the occasional critique, Phillips has received every bit of support from her fans and new listeners since the release of “self sabotage” on June 6. Phillips started posting herself on TikTok in 2023. Within months, she went viral for covering “obsessed” by Olivia Rodrigo, gaining millions of new viewers on the platform.
“It’s been crazy. It’s interesting knowing that people are listening to it and relating to this feeling that took over me when I was writing these songs,” Phillips said. “I’m so happy people can feel connected to it because that’s all I ever wanted.”
Phillips worked with LA based producer Aidan Laprete, in his home studio. The pair worked together over the course of two years, starting with the lead single “no closure.” The title of the project was unknown until Phillips wrote the final song on the EP, “self sabotage.”
“When I started writing I didn’t know how to play a single instrument. I would just sit in my room and sing some melodies,” Phillips said. “That’s what I did when I went into my first session with Aidan, but as we kept writing I started to pick up more instruments. Now I start all my songs on guitar.”
Her passion for songwriting isn’t just a part of the new wave of ‘TikTok music,’ her artistry is sewn into the seams of her life. The two pop stars, Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo, paved the way for Phillips and inspired her musical talents and artistry. Although Phillips takes inspiration from the artists, she wants to be known for her unique sound.
Photo courtesy of Tessa Phillips.
“The first people I gravitate towards are Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo because their music is so lyrically compelling and relatable in every way,” Phillips said. “I’ve met both of them, so their support genuinely means the world.”
Growing up surrounded by the music scene in the heart of LA pushed Phillips to do what she has always admired. Through this journey, Phillips can now move forward in her career now that she knows what it takes to grow in the industry.
“Take any opportunity thrown at you. You never know who you’re going to meet, you never know if one connection will lead to another,” Phillips said. “A lot of people will tell you who to be in the music industry, but at the end of the day you know yourself better than anybody else.”
