PHNX, born as Phoenix Amaterasu, also known as PHNXdotWAV Is a multidimensional Two Spirit Indigenous creative born and raised in Chicago, IL.
PHNX is known for their creative expression mainly in, but not limited to music as a soulful vocalist, music producer, instrumentalist, and writer. Their unique style would be described as a blend of Timeless Progressive R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, with Alternative Psychedelic Jazz & Funk. Ever and always the creative soul, they also involve themselves in Acting, Modeling, Activism, Holistic healing work, and Visual Arts of various mediums, as they were immersed in these forms of expression at an early age in their artistic environments.
At the young age of 7 in their mothers household, they picked up their stepdads bass as their first instrument. PHNX quickly learned they loved the feel of creating music and was around it so often due to their mom and stepdad consistently gigging and practicing. Shortly after the artist picked up guitar and began singing along to their own Melodies and writing songs. They were self taught by ear, dedicated to the exploration of the sonic world. Young PHNX started learning to DJ from their dad which quickly lead them the road to sampling and music production. Since, they’ve been combining their skills to create soulful sounds, rhythmic beats, catchy hooks, buttery ambient vocals/harmonies, & melodic live sounds.
Being a part of Social Act collective, CAU Dog records by association of their mother in the early stages of their path; they have had many featuring appearances. Providing vocals and production for various artists from the group as well as other collectives and artists such as, Saint Ripley, Tiny Chain Gang, and other various local artists. PHNX stays Active in their music community and had rubbed elbows with artists that have inspired them such as Nai palm of Hiatus Kaiyote, Monte booker, Femdot, Supa Bwe, Vic Mensa, Stefan Ponce, Frank Waln, and Silas Short, some of which who are part of the Chicago hiphop scene, many in labels and collectives like Stones Throw, Savemoney, and Soulection.
PHNX gained recognition from these artists before releasing any projects, but instead by working hard doing intervieiws related to music and activism, landing gigs in the metropolis of Chicago and promoting their artistry on Instagram, organically attracting likeminded artists and fans.
PHNX did their first Tour in 2021 alongside Chicago Rapper 'Saint Ripley' in the metropolis, New York City. It instantly became second home as they did 7 back to back shows debuting their unreleased music and grew a welcoming fan base. Collaborating and working closely with Brooklyns very own masterful lyricist and rapper, Frank Knight, founder of the Life of UGA Collective in which PHNX became associated with, has created a close relationship with the sister City.
Coming back to Chicago gave the up and coming artist fuel to release their first single that they have long aticipated to drop called ‘BEBÉ BLEU’, a Boom-Bap, neo soul song the artist produced, wrote and recorded on their phone using the Native Instruments App called iMaschine 2. The song gained traction from all over the world was featured on radio stations such as WBEZ Chicago NPR and featured on hundreds of playlists. PHNX then started working on a projects with Saint Ripley and released a Single produced and cowritten by PHNX called 'Get it right' and dropped their first music video. PHNX also featured on saint ripleys project 'Girls' on a song called 90 Mile featuring Raven Arcane. Both of which was featured on Vocalo, NPRs sister station.
The Chicago native is now doing live shows with their band called
PHNX N'EM, founded by Phoenix in 2021. Its members include singer and rhythm guitarist Phoenix Amaterasu, lead guitarist Micheal Panelas, Bassist Nashawn Webb, and Drummer Justin Pickett. They have been doing local shows in Chicago, recently involved in the Indigenous peoples movements first ever Chicago indigenous peoples day festival which was covered by many local television and radio news sources such as ABC, NBC, and WBEZ Chicagos NPR station. The artist is currently working on their Debut Project called 'Chiron, the Wounded Healer' which tells a story about the metamorphisis and knowledge that comes with the trials and tribulations PHNX has faced throughout their life journey. this project will feature the emerging band and other local artists.
The young artist uses their many talents and creative energy as an outlet to shed light on the experiences as an inner city Indigenous Two Spirit person of color. Their goal is to share their journey in healing as well as encourage healing for others, through the medicine/spirit of creation & music with their audience.