Phillip Phillips talks new music, 'American Idol,' and returning to Indy

Phillip Phillips has stayed true to his sound through the years: a smooth, folky, acoustic style that started on the "American Idol" stage, continued through his season 11 victory and into his first two albums.

But Phillips said his next recording will showcase major artistic growth.

“There’s funk and rock and a little sexy R&B, some straight acoustic songs with a cello,” Phillips said. "I was also pushed a different way vocally. As a musician, we’re always evolving, and this new record really shows that.”

Phillips is on the road as the supporting act for the Goo Goo Dolls' "Long Way Home Summer Tour." The show makes a July 25 stop at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park, where Phillips will preview songs from his third album.

“I’m really telling some stories through these,” Phillips said. “I co-wrote just about all of the songs. Most of them were just ideas that I took into a room with someone I trust writing with, and they turned out so much better than I thought they would.”

Phillips last visited Indianapolis during the summer of 2016 while touring with Matt Nathanson. Since winning "Idol" in 2012, he has also toured with Matchbox Twenty, O.A.R. and John Mayer. An avid Goo Goo Dolls fan, Phillips said he's excited to hit the road with such an influential band.

“I got the offer to open up for them and I immediately said yes,” Phillips said. “When I went back to listen to their songs, I had forgotten how many hits they had. It’s going to be a fun summer.”

Phillips told IndyStar in a phone interview that he has spent the past two years touring, recording and making some difficult decisions.

After dealing with health complications that kept him from touring, along with settling recent legal issues with 19 Entertainment, Phillips said he’s ready for the fresh start that the upcoming tour and release of a new album promise.

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“We’ve worked through everything, and I can’t wait to move forward and get this new music out, keep touring, and put the past in the past,” Phillips said.

"American Idol" is returning to ABC for a new season this year after the series ended its 15-season run on Fox in April 2016. Philips supports the return of "Idol," and provides a word of advice for those that are hoping to jump start their musical career on reality TV:

“Know who you are as an artist, and don’t be afraid to make that statement on television,” Phillips said. “It’s a great platform to get you out there and get fans … but know what you want out of your career before you just go out for a show.”

Although Phillips is grateful for his "American Idol" experience, he said he still feels like he pulled a lucky win. He credits a lot of his success to the hard beginning before the TV show.

“It’s also good for musicians to know how it feels to suck, to know what it’s like have no one there at a show, to know what it’s like to only get paid 50 bucks for 3½ hours,” Phillips said. “It’s good to have that under your belt. It makes you appreciate when people are actually listening.”

Goo Goo Dolls and Phillip Phillips

>> WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 25.

>> WHERE: Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.

>> TICKETS: $29.50 to $89.50.

>> INFO: Visit LiveNation.com, or call (800) 745-3000.

Call IndyStar reporter Emilee Robinson at (317) 444-7756. Follow her on Twitter: @emilee