Calling yourself ‘The Greatest’ is a bold statement. And it takes a bold musician to make that statement. Phobia The Greatest is as bold as it gets. The Salt Lake City, Utah native has been making waves and ruffling feathers in the underground since 2019 when her single “Paper” blew up on Soundcloud, racking up over a million streams.
Claiming to be ‘The Greatest’ is like putting a target on your back, and Phobia has felt the online backlash in the comment sections of her music videos – especially when they’re hosted on NoJumper. Despite the Adam22 co-sign, online mobs are out for blood. We spoke to Phobia to find out more about the misunderstood upstart and how she deals with the pressure of trying to make it in music.
How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as alternative, versatile, different, and doesn’t really fit in one genre.
Give us a little insight into what got you started in music and when you decided to take it seriously.
I started in music at a very young age. I would practice singing, playing the guitar, and spent most of my time in my room listening to various types of music. It was just something that I did and I can’t really tell you why. It felt natural, enjoyable, a way to express myself. I knew then and I know now, that music is my purpose in life, and there hasn’t been a time where I didn’t take music seriously.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
I have a lot of inspirations. There are so many talented people out there doing what they love and I find that so inspiring. Musically my top 5 inspirations are Joan Jett, Nirvana, MF Doom, Capital Steez, and Lil Uzi Vert.
You get a lot of hate on some of your NoJumper videos, why do you think so many people hate on you and how do you deal with it?
I get a lot of hate on some of my No Jumper music videos because it takes longer to understand those who have a greater purpose. They don’t understand who I am, what I am doing, where I am going, and that’s okay because eventually they will see. Persistence is key and I won’t let what people say or think get to me. I will continue to creatively express myself and release content.
Who do you look up to that’s making music now – are there any other underground artists we should be following?
There’s so many great artists out right now. I would love to work with Poorstacy, Iann Dior, 24kGoldn, and Post Malone. Some underground artists to keep an eye for are Bornothing Misfit, Mackavon, Lil Boii Kantu, and Romanceplanet.
How have you been dealing with this pandemic?
I’ve been dealing with this pandemic pretty well. It seems to be a wake up call for me personally. Giving me more time to work on myself from within. Becoming the best version of myself everyday. Reflecting, learning, and growing.
Finally, what’s your plans for the rest of 2020 (if everything goes back to normal soon…)?
My plans for the rest of 2020 is to continue pushing my current catalog featuring records, “Blue Band$”, “Paper”, and my latest EP “Black Harts Forever”. I will be publishing my next single, “Sad Girl Anthem” October 2nd, 2020 on all major platforms. This single is now available for pre-orders on my website phobiathegreatest.com I can’t wait to give this single and so much more!
RIDE MUSIC 