Better To... Podcast with D. M. Needom
The Better To Podcast is a place where we'll discuss what was the inspiration for their perspective projects and how it all came about. Sometimes, we’ll take a deeper dive into that moment that placed them on the creative path. On the podcast, we honor achievements, discuss new projects, and reflect on life lessons and the beginnings of the creative journey.
Better To... Podcast with D. M. Needom
Decadence - Phil Galloni of Waverly Drive
Phil stops by the show this week to discuss creating music, his new full length LP Decadence and more.
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Waverly Drive is the solo project of Phil Galloni, a studio engineer/producer and multi-instrumentalist. The Chicago native who has been running Voltiv Sound (Los Angeles, est. 2015) released the debut EP “Living in a Fantasy” in Nov 2022, EP2 “Now I Know” in July 2023, and EP3 “Push My Luck” in May 2024. The music evokes some of the musician’s influences in the indie rock, new wave, indie pop, and electro pop realms, and is perfect for a drive up the coast, daydreaming, and learning to escape the absurdities of life.
Phil has been written up for his work in publications including The Line of Best Fit, The 405, Clash Magazine, Deli Magazine, Post Punk, Mystic Sons, Psychedelic Baby, Good Music Radar, We Write About Music, and more for his work as a solo musician and producer/engineer for others. During his time as sole proprietor at Voltiv Sound, Phil has worked with countless musicians/bands, including: Magic Wands, Monica Martin, Cassidy Place, Family Company, DPR Cream, D’Arcy, Joe Sumner, Hey Boy, and many others.
The debut LP from Waverly Drive, due out September 16th, 2025, presents reflections on a dystopian world where nothing is as it ever seems.
A world in which the ruler’s nowhere to be found, a concealed outlaw behind the screen.
A world in which the caregiver brings roses to the forlorn lover on a rainy day.
A world where Cinderella waits, though her prince is lost in decadence.
And the hero stands guard at the gates of Eden where the stakes are high.
While the passerby’s temped by a debutante in a limousine.
A decadent world, indeed.
Several studio musicians contributed to LP, including Chris Valentine (Magic Wands), Alex Kyhn (Macy Gray, Family Company), Egan Rice, Russ Mitkowski (French Montana, The Weeknd), Cary Lane (Wild Party), Dexy Valentine (Magic Wands), and Kathrene Gawel (True Vacation).
Songs written/recorded/mixed by Phil Galloni. Mastered by Steve Hall (Tom Petty, Flaming Lips, Madonna).
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Intro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi
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