Phil K Needs Your Help
The legend has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and A fundraiser has been set up to assist with life saving medication…
I can remember back in 2002 living in London and picking up the latest edition of the Balance Series CD compilation mixed by Phil K. At that stage, he was a reasonably unknown variable for me, but after one listen it was apparent, he would feature fairly prominent from then on in my musical diet. The 2CD mix was a cool and incredible ride through organic breaks and tribal house - and at the time it felt like he was creating new musical threads. The sounds on it seemed utterly cosmic, yet at the same time felt very much from this planet. And of course, it was mixed in that immaculate smooth way that would become a Phil K hallmark.
In 2003 DJ Mag released a series of cover mag CD’s called World Series. It featured prominent DJ’s from around the world, all considered leaders in their respective musical fields: techno from Slovenia mixed by Umek; drum n bass from the USA mixed by Dieselboy, and breakbeats from Australia mixed by Phil K. It featured the cream of Australia’s producers and is considered by many to be the finest breakbeats mix ever compiled. Needless to say, Phil’s mix was my favourite in the series.
Phil went on to release more compilations which I could write way more paragraphs about, but the point I’m trying to make is this: Phil K is a fucking legend of the local Australian scene, an unassuming spoken genius and a true gentleman who is respected by his international peers.
It is a shame that the new generation of music lovers are oblivious to his influence and genius, but without even being aware of it, they really are aware of his reach. If you have ever played on a CDJ, you need to tip your hat towards Phil K. When Pioneer initially designed the first concepts of the now ubiquitous technology, they contacted fellow pioneer Phil K for his valuable input. Naturally, he obliged by adding his insights via regular trips to Pioneer HQ in Japan. If you want a good read on all of that, check out this fascinating piece on Phil.
His technical nous is legendary, and his proficiency on the decks will make an experienced DJ feel like an amateur. Watching Phil K DJ is watching a master at work, a rare once-in-a-generation artist whose path towards being a master of his craft was written in the cosmic prophecies well before the Big Bang. He is a walking, talking breathing embodiment of a real-life flow state - and he lives right here in Melbourne.
All of the above makes the news that Phil has been diagnosed with a terminal illness even more tragic. Not only is the thought of losing a top human being the last thing we need (because the planet needs all the Phil K’s we can find to balance out shit blokes like Donald Trump), but the thought of losing a musical talent like Phil will make the world a faaaaar darker place. And if there is anything we can do to help that from happening we should.
Please stop drinking 3 coffees this week and donate $10. Or alternatively, go and support the man in the below fundraiser which will feature a whole bunch of local artists - including Phil himself. Whatever you can do, please do it - every bit helps.
