Some of you may not remember much about the natural disaster that hit Asheville in November of last year, but the local community in and around Asheville and the rest of North Carolina have no such luxury. They are just a few months in to a very long road to recovery, and the damage that came as a result of hurricane Helen is still very much front of mind. So when I saw this fun collaboration between local folk hero Josh Phillips and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, I was all in.

The music video for "Already Gone" features a shadowy backdrop of different elements of the orchestra, juxtaposed against a sort of 'morning after' symbolism, with the remaining evidence of a celebratory night previous. I take this as a statement about the human collective, worldwide, needing to face up to a sobering moment. Party's over. Now we do the hard work of creating a future we can be proud of.

Asheville, North Carolina has long been a hotbed of artistic talent. Just a short drive from places like Charlotte and Raleigh, this artistic gem in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has always made its name by doing its own thing, and taking care of its own. This moment is no exception. Josh Phillips is the former founder of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, and has found his calling 'working crowds and rallying the troops in name of fun.' Amen to that.

But it's a different kind of celebration that Josh has been after as of late, perhaps, striving now more for a catharsis, a rebirth, and a resolution - and it's in this divine effort that Josh's music begins to speak to his audience more intimately, personally, and with a wisdom that the listener can feel was hard fought and hard won.

"Already Gone" is the final single from Phillips' new full length release, "Everything's Good," released in collaboration with Asheville Symphony to raise money for the charity Beloved Asheville, which can certainly use your help right now. I love this combination of chamber pop with a really heart-wrenching vocal performance from Phillips, who delayed the release of his album in order to better address the needs of his community. While confidently establishing his place as one of the most dynamic and potent songsmiths and performers that Asheville, NC has ever called their own, Phillips also puts a face to the staggering tragedy that has befallen his beloved community.

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The orchestral arrangement for 'Already Gone' was written by Franklin Keel and the accompanying music video was created by Fiasco Media and was directed by David Saich.

Visit Josh Phillips on Instagram.