As a teen he drew his primary musical inspiration from Billy Joel, penning heartfelt, sensitive songs of his own, but he eventually turned to more comic material, emerging as a popular attraction on the Los Angeles club circuit. A regular at the famous L.A. comedy nightspot the Improv as well as a favorite of radio's Dr. Demento, Phillips self-released his debut album, On the Shoulders of Freaks, in 1996; the record was subsequently reissued by Oglio, which also released his sophomore effort, Number 2, in 1999. Why Haven't I Heard from You? followed on the Clowny’s Big Hair label in 2005. ~ Jason Ankeny