Phillip-Michael Scales: Dive Bar Soul

Scales, who has dubbed his particular style of Blues-meets-Songwriting, “Dive Bar Soul,” has performed across the globe, sharing stages with Keb’ Mo’, Fantastic Negrito, Jerry Cantrell, Anderson East, Guster, Milky Chance, The Record Company and more, and performed on The Ellen DeGeneres show during its final season.

Phillip-Michael Scales: Guitar, Vocals

Alex Piazza: Bass

Alfonzo “Spanky” Jones: Drums

Garrett Waite: Guitar

In Chicago, Scales honed his craft, playing 308 gigs in 2018 and crediting the city with teaching him how to hustle. This drive carried him to Nashville, where he gained traction on the radio station; Lightning 100, released his debut album Sinner-Songwriter, toured Europe, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and opened national tours for Keb’ Mo’ and Caravan Palace. Grammy-nominated producer Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Allison Russell, and Bahamas) later joined forces with Scales to produce Good to Be Here.

Without a label or viral hit, Scales has built his career through relentless effort—long drives behind tour busses, self-management, and learning the business firsthand. His music channels the grit of Stax-era soul, cataloging the journey of building a dream brick by brick. Make no mistake there is an undercurrent of fun throughout whether he’s finding love in “Can’t Get Enough” or getting his swagger back in “Be My Own Man.” As Scales puts it: “I wouldn’t say that I’ve ‘arrived,’ but... it’s good to be here."

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Main Stage Showroom, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis, United States