Phil Jamieson was first introduced to Australian music fans back in 1995, with Grinspoon becoming the first act to win triple j’s Unearthed High competition with their debut single ‘Sickfest’. The band then became one of Australia’s most in-demand names - young leaders of a new wave of alternative music that would prove to be a strong thread in the tapestry of new Australian music.
The band’s graduation from Unearthed High to triple j mainstays ran alongside broader industry success. Grinspoon have enjoyed multi-platinum album sales, ARIA success, six Top 10 debuts and a strong presence in the hallowed triple j Hottest 100, where they have made the list 17 times, twice with the hit ‘Chemical Heart’ (#2 in 2002; #63 in 2013’s Hottest 100 of All Time).
With thousands of shows to his name with Grinspoon, Jamieson’s live performance talents have continued to diversify and develop as he has explored new stages and formats. Embracing a solo career that has seen him perform over 100 shows Australia-wide over the years, Jamieson made the transition from live music venues to the boards of theatres around the country in 2017, being cast as St. Jimmy in the Australian stage production of American Idiot. The Broadway musical made an impactful debut with its initial Australian premiere in Brisbane, leading to a national tour in 2018 - a performance that earned Jamieson acclaim.
As well as performing and songwriting, Jamieson has been involved in a number of philanthropic and industry-specific initiatives.
In 2013, Jamieson and Adam Zammit co-founded the Rock N Ride Tour for the national Youth and Mental Health Foundation, headspace. Bringing awareness to mental health issues faced by young people, the initiative saw a group of media figures, musicians and friends of Jamieson’s engage with local communities across a five-day motorcycle road trip, taking in over 5000km on the road.
While 2020 has seen Jamieson dedicate time to his new music, he was also seen on various stages around the country before COVID-19 forced the music industry (along with the rest of the country) to come to a halt.
Participating in the massive Firefight Australia event in Sydney in February 2020, Jamieson and Grinspoon were part of the charity effort that raised over $10.7 million. Additionally, profits from Jamieson’s solo touring have been donated to national initiative Support Act, who continue to assist and uplift those in the music industry who are in need.
Since 2015, Jamieson has been an industry judge for the prestigious Australian Music Prize. The Australian equivalent of the UK’s Mercury Prize, the prize awards $30,000 to an artist for a decided Australian Album of the Year - winners during Jamieson’s tenure including Courtney Barnett, A.B. Original and Sampa The Great.