Phil Ajjarapu

It took a near-death experience to launch Phil Ajjarapu's solo career. A multi-instrumentalist session musician, veteran of countless bands, and classic pop aficionado, the Austin-based musician was on lunch break when he lost control of his motorcycle and plunged 25 feet off a highway overpass into the traffic below. By all accounts, he should have died, yet he miraculously awoke five days later in the hospital and began an inspired recovery that would lead the career sideman to finally make his first solo album. Released in 2014, Sing Along Until You Feel Better sports a decidedly retro vibe, calling to mind the warm melodicism of Emitt Rhodes, the sophisticated orchestrations of the Beach Boys, and a strong power pop sensibility. ~ Timothy Monger