Diego Philips redefines vulnerability with EP. "I Want to Laugh Until I Cry"
Belgian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Diego Philips delivers a masterclass in emotional intimacy with his newest EP, I Want to Laugh Until I Cry. Stripped to its barest essentials, the five-track project explores themes of healing, intimacy, and the unrelenting passage of time. This is Philips at his most vulnerable, crafting a deeply personal journey that invites listeners into his raw, reflective world.
Drawing comparisons to the poetic delicacy of Nick Drake, the nuanced simplicity of José González, and the cinematic touch of Patrick Watson, I Want to Laugh Until I Cry achieves a balance between meticulous craftsmanship and unfiltered emotion. The instrumentation is spare yet hauntingly beautiful, with Philips’ acoustic guitar providing a steady heartbeat throughout. Complementing the strings is Shizuku Tatsuno’s evocative cello, whose swells and whispers act as both companion and counterpoint to Philips’ soulful vocals.
Produced by Alexander Sokolow (Tugboat Captain) and recorded at London’s Ctrl-P Studio, the EP feels like a conversation in a quiet room—honest, immersive, and profoundly human. Every track is imbued with a lo-fi intimacy, where even the silences between notes feel purposeful, amplifying the weight of the words being sung. Philips’ voice—aching, contemplative, and at times fragile—is the centerpiece, carrying listeners through moments of nostalgia, introspection, and quiet triumph.
While the instrumentation is minimalistic, the emotional depth of the EP is anything but. Philips pours his heart into every lyric, navigating the complexities of rediscovering oneself and confronting the ghosts of the past. The interplay between his guitar and Tatsuno’s cello creates an atmospheric tension that mirrors the push and pull of his inner dialogue. It’s a soundscape that lingers, inviting repeated listens to uncover its many layers. On every line delivered, you can’t help but feel like you’re learning about Diego’s most personal moments in life.
What makes I Want to Laugh Until I Cry so captivating is its ability to feel deeply personal yet universally resonant. It’s a record that doesn’t demand attention but quietly holds it, enveloping the listener in its meditative, healing embrace. By focusing on the essentials—voice, strings, and storytelling—Philips has created a timeless work of art that speaks directly to the soul.
As Diego Philips takes this bold step toward musical and emotional vulnerability, I Want to Laugh Until I Cry stands as a quiet triumph. Intimate, raw, and beautifully understated, it’s a testament to the power of stripping everything back to the core. For those seeking music that feels as though it was made for long, reflective nights, this EP will resonate deeply. Philips has offered us not just songs but a window into his soul—and it’s one worth looking through.
Listen closely to both his words and the tone of the record and don’t forget to follow along by clicking those important links below.
Listen to “I Want to Laugh Until I Cry”
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