Rise The Phoenix Soars With Songs That Inspire Strength And Courage


A Feature Story on Rise The Phoenix 

Written by Annie Schlottman

April 11, 2022


I was fortunate recently to have a great conversation with Rise The Phoenix lead singer and co-founding member Jessee Sawyer and drummer Trebor Genry. It was a very enjoyable experience and I was honored to be able to speak with them about the Mobile, Alabama-based band, the music, and life in general. Two things really stood out after our conversation: the recurring theme of family and the concept of making music that any listener can relate to.  

 

In addition to Sawyer, the other original Rise The Phoenix member is guitarist Brandon Rodgers. Along the way, bassist Joseph (Tertle) Carter and Genry joined the band, and finally, this past December prior to the show with Sevendust, guitarist Kevin Joslin was added. According to Sawyer, after at least three full lineup changes, he feels like the band is a real family now, and ready to make music that will help them realize their dreams of making a career out of music. After talking to Sawyer and Genry for an hour and a half, I now feel like I'm part of their family and can accomplish my goals in life, too. That's how much our conversation impacted me.  They really made me feel comfortable and I think we probably could have talked for another hour and a half about anything and everything.



One topic that struck a chord with me was the impact of Butch Howell on these men and the band. A founding member and lead singer of another Mobile band, Love The Hate, Ryan "Butch" Howell passed away April 1st, 2019. He was well-known in the music community, and left his footprint on many bands and individual musicians and singers. Hearing Sawyer and Genry talk about Howell, I can tell that part of the reason they keep working hard to create awesome music is to honor Howell's lasting legacy. They also want to create their own legacy by, as Sawyer says, "setting an example for everyone that it's OK to follow your dreams and be driven to do something you love to do."

 

Regarding the music of Rise The Phoenix, about 98% of the lyrics are written by Sawyer. He, Rodgers, and Joslin are responsible for the music, but really, it's more of a group effort. As Sawyer says, "I don't tell anyone how to do their jobs." Each one of these musicians is talented and knows exactly what needs to be done to create awesome music.




The most recent single released by Rise The Phoenix, "Into The Storm", is an anthem that encourages listeners to keep fighting the battles that life throws at them. "We all go through storms in our lives." Sawyer says "How you handle it determines how you come out on the other side."


 

Released in 2021, "Outrun The Sun" is a song about not being quiet and afraid to speak your mind. According to Sawyer, it has also taken on a deeper meaning of not being scared to admit when you are struggling and need help.




Listening to Rise The Phoenix songs gives me hope that despite obstacles that I have in my life, I can overcome them. They make me feel that I am strong no matter what I am going through. Their music really takes on personal meaning for me.

 

Rise The Phoenix has plans to release a 10-track album later this year. Their five previously-released songs are Part 1 of that album. They are excited to work with studio engineer Tony Burn, who is also a guitarist in Boyz II Ben, a Gulf Coast Breaking Benjamin tribute band. I'm looking forward to hearing new music from this talented, driven band.




In addition to making new music, Rise The Phoenix also has many live performances scheduled.  The band has quite the resume of past performances, opening for bands such as Sevendust, Plush, Awaken The Giant, The Lonely Ones, and Sons On Fire.  Highlights of upcoming shows include April 23rd with Them Guys and Planet Gears at Hotspot Lounge and Bistro in Gulfport, MS; May 18th with Black Label Society at Soul Kitchen Music Hall in Mobile; and May 20th with Lillian Axe at The Cannery Bar and Grill in Biloxi, MS.   The best way to check out the full schedule is via the band's website at www.risethephoenixmusic.com. You can also check Rise The Phoenix out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/risethephoenixmusic.



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