I'M NOT CRYING, YOU ARE. Miles Blvd's new single, "Pimps Don't Cry," explores holding himself accountable during a hard time in his life. (Photo by Brandon Anderson)

Taking accountability for the decisions we make is essential for self-growth. Eau Claire-based hip-hop artist, Phil Faucett (known musically as Miles Blvd) knew he had to make a change in his life. His newest single, “Pimps Don’t Cry,” explores his journey while sprinkling in some humor.

The song was written during a time of extreme emotional distress for Faucett. “The reason I felt like that is because I wasn’t taking accountability for my actions,” he said. “I wasn’t taking accountability for the people I was around, the space I was in, the drugs I was doing, and the unhealthy habits. All of that was contributing to my state of being.”

The song’s sound follows Miles Blvd’s signature low-key rhythm, heavy bass, and focus on deep and fast-paced lyricism, but this is the first time he’s gone this personal with the subject matter. Faucett said he was fearful about releasing the single and the accompanying artwork – a wilted rose on a table next to lines of cocaine – which was an actual photo that Faucett took during a particularly dark period.

“These two competing energies, that’s how I feel constantly,” Faucett admitted. “I’m bipolar myself, so having those two extremes right next to each other just seems so fitting.”

“We forget that you just gotta slow down, and that’s what this song is about. It’s about me owning my space, unabashedly.”

phil faucet A.K.a miles blvd

The juxtaposition carries into the song as well, since Faucett tried to include both serious and humorous themes components – the seriousness of the lyrics meeting overlays of Faucett laughing in the beginning. Even the song’s title, “Pimps Don’t Cry,” is rooted in his sense love for irony, since Faucett himself says he’s a very emotional guy.

A local labor of love, the song was produced originally by Eau Claire producer Jack Greenwood, then recorded and mixed over the winter by Jordan Hoversholm at Halliewood Studios. The song was officially released on all streaming platforms on May 2 and has already touched many listeners, some of whom have reached out to Faucett to share similar stories and feelings of their own.

“Already in real time I can see the effects it’s having on people, and I want people to take their time and own their space. Because you’ve got this,” Faucett said. “We forget that you just gotta slow down, and that’s what this song is about. It’s about me owning my space, unabashedly.”

While still promoting his previous single, “Resume Carnage,” which he released March 15, Faucett will continue to release new singles, with something big in the works for the end of the year. He’ll also be performing live locally and in the Twin Cities, with performances locally at Passion Board Shop (218 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire) on May 18 and the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in Phoenix Park on June 20.

Stream “Pimps Don’t Cry” on all platforms. Follow Miles Blvd on Facebook and Instagram.