Phil was born in Auckland, New Zealand and was adopted at birth. He left school to become a hairdresser. In his free time, he was lead singer and guitarist in the band Drinkwater. Though he had little experience with the instrument, Newsboys offered him a position as bassist in 1995. He said at the time, “I already know how to play a guitar with six strings, four should be a cinch.” He also sings background and some lead vocals for the band. In June of 2000, Phil released his first solo album, Watching Over You, on Inpop Records. He supported this album with the Strangely Normal Tour accompanied by LaRue, Luna Halo, Earthsuit, V*enna & Katy Hudson. His second solo album, Bring It On, was released in November 2002 also on Inpop. His third album, The deliberatePeople. Album, was released on November 18, 2005 in conjunction with Phil and Heather Joel’s newly founded Christian ministry, deliberatePeople. His latest solo album follows his critically acclaimed sophomore 2002 release, Bring It On. Also in support of the ministry, his ministry website has journals containing a one-year Bible reading schedule and prayer guide. Both 12-month and 6-month Bible reading schedules are available on the dP website free of charge. The ministry also plans to have notes, journal entries, and insights corresponding with the one-year Bible reading schedule starting January 1, 2006. His wife Heather is a former host of All Access and Hit Trip on CMT. They were married in 1996. On December 31st 2006 he left the newsboys to devote more time to family and personal goals. |
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