A local songwriter had to pinch himself when it was announced the songs he co-wrote charted first and second in the same week.
Phil Plested, who grew up in Croxley Green, celebrated after Lewis Capaldi’s song Forget Me reached UK number one on September 16, with David Guetta’s I’m Good (Blue) featuring Bebe Rexha occupying second.
He told the Watford Observer of his surprise and explained how his days at Rickmansworth School with best friend and manager Hannan Malik contributed to his success.
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Phil said: “When I found out about the songs’ positions, it was one of those pinch me moments.
“Writing songs was a hobby and then it became my job.
“Charting isn’t an aim, but it is a bonus.
“I can’t believe it.”
The songs’ positions have come as even more of a shock for Phil, 29, considering I’m Good (Blue) was written five years ago.
He said: “The song made its way on TikTok and then they released it.
“The universe did its thing.”
And Phil was able to celebrate with Lewis Capaldi when Forget Me went to number one.
He said: “Lewis threw a karaoke party.
“You hear horror stories of people in the public eye not being so nice, but he is one of the good ones.
“He looks after his writers.”
Phil now lives in Abbots Langley but often spends time in LA for work.
But the jet-setting lifestyle hasn’t stopped him from remembering his roots.
He said: “When I was at school Hannan, me and our friends would spend our breaks making music.
“For anyone who wants to get into the industry and lives in Watford, I would say take advantage of your surrounding areas.
“There is a massive benefit to be in Watford because you are close enough to London.
“Out of about 200 of my songs there was one good one when I first started, but I kept trying.
“In this day and age, you need to get your music out there and eventually people might hear it.”
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