After stepping away from music for three years, WA-based singer-songwriter Philip La Rosa returns with his latest single, 'The Impossible'.
It's a track that almost never saw the light of day, but has now become a symbol of his artistic rebirth and personal growth. La Rosa has been releasing music for nearly a decade. However, in 2022 he hit pause. Literally. Feeling disconnected from his art and burdened by the pressure of streaming numbers, he stepped away from the studio, unsure if he would return.
What was initially meant to be a swan song – one last project to close that chapter of his life – ended up reigniting his passion. "I hadn't sat at my piano for months," La Rosa recalls. "'The Impossible' was actually recorded when I did my single 'Baggage' a few years ago, but I lost faith in myself and shelved it."
It wasn't until a chance encounter with Perth producer Nic Rollo that Philip found his way back. "I started going through my old catalogue and suddenly had ten songs nearly mastered. That's when I realised, this isn't the end – it's the beginning of something new."
'The Impossible' is a fitting first step into this fresh chapter. A powerful blend of pop, R&B, and electronic elements, the track was co-written with The Banton Brothers, whom La Rosa had worked closely with for a decade.
It carries the polished, yet deeply emotive sound of his childhood influences like Justin Timberlake, Usher and Michael Jackson, while also echoing contemporary artists such as Troye Sivan, Lauv, and Conrad Sewell.
The song is also a farewell to an old mindset that once held him back. "For a long time, I was so worried about streams, about being heard, about writing songs that appealed to everyone," he says. "Now, I'm just writing for myself. If a song resonates with someone else that's great, but the most important thing is that it resonates with me."
This renewed perspective extends beyond the music itself. Having previously found indie success with his breakout single 'Pride', La Rosa is no stranger to crafting songs that serve as anthems for self-acceptance and empowerment.
'The Impossible' continues that tradition, serving as a beacon of hope for those in the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone struggling with self-doubt. "Being true to who you are and not being afraid to take that leap is something we all have to do every day," he reflects. "This song is a reminder that even what feels impossible can be overcome."
His reconnection with music has also led to new creative partnerships. One of the most significant is with his best friend, a poet and author, who shared an unpublished book of poetry with him.
"I started pulling different poems together to create lyrics, and it completely changed my approach to songwriting," La Rosa shares. "I've always leaned into rhyming conventions, but this helped me break free of that and go deeper."
With a more introspective approach to songwriting, La Rosa is now focused on creating music that tells authentic stories, drawing from his own life and emotions. "I think my music has matured a lot," he says. "It's no longer just about crafting catchy hooks; it's about telling my story in a way that feels raw and real."
With a renewed creative spark and a thirst for new challenges, La Rosa is looking forward to what lies ahead. Instead of releasing a full album, he's opting for a steady stream of singles over the next eight months, each exploring new sonic territory, with 'Bittersweet' to be the follow-up song to 'The Impossible'.
"There are 12 release dates already locked in," he reveals. "I'm experimenting with new sounds, new ways of writing – it's exciting."
Live performance is also back on the horizon; something he hasn't done in years. "I want to be back onstage again, feeling that energy," he says, "but most importantly, I want to keep making music simply because I love it."
His return isn't just about making music, it's about embracing the process. "Being in the studio, watching a song take shape from just a few chords and lyrics to a fully produced track – that's the part I love the most. It's what keeps me going."
For anyone struggling with creative burnout, La Rosa's advice is simple: step away, but never give up. "Trust your gut. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. If a song makes you feel something, whether it makes you cry or dance, that's all that matters."
