Glen Phillips

Born on December 29, 1970, Glen Phillips is an acclaimed American songwriter, lyricist, singer, and guitarist from Santa Barbara, California. He is primarily recognized as the lead singer and songwriter of the alternative rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket. In addition, he also pursues his solo career with great success.

Phillips was drawn to music at an early age, with influences like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Showing signs of musical talent, he started forming his music career at just 14 years old. He was part of his high school choir and theatre groups before he swiftly transitioned into professional music-making.

At the young age of 15, Phillips began Toad the Wet Sprocket in 1986. The band signed with Columbia Records by 1988 and tasted tremendous success with five album releases and numerous significant tours until their break up in 1998. During his tenure with the band, Phillips was also involved in a pop-rock project titled 'Flapping, Flapping'.

After the initial break up of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Phillips focused on his solo career and in 2001 he released his first solo album 'Abulum'. Its distinct sound differentiated it from his previous music with Toad the Wet Sprocket. His solo endeavors included releasing a self-produced live album and touring, along with reuniting with his former Toad bandmates for a reunion tour.

In 2004, Phillips formed a partnership with Nickel Creek, launching a collaboration named the Mutual Admiration Society. They successfully added to his impressive and diverse musical repertoire.

On a personal note, Phillips was born into a Reform Jewish family and was raised with a blend of Judaism and Buddhism, sparking a spiritual curiosity that often reflects in his work. Despite a severe injury in 2008 that hampered his ability to play guitar during recovery, Phillips showed incredible resilience by continuing to tour with the support of Sean Watkins and Jonathan Kingham.