Contirbutor
Fresh off the back of his single release Gambit on AH Digital we spoke with Phillosopher to get a deeper insight in to the progressive cut, creative process and more.
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Gambit feels like a sonic journey that balances energy and emotion. What was the initial inspiration behind the EP?
The inspiration came from this idea of calculated risk. Like a strategic move in chess that carries weight and intention. I wanted to capture the tension between what is known and the unknown. It’s about trusting your instincts and letting the music push forward even in uncertain terrain.
Can you describe your creative workflow when developing a track like “Gambit”? Do you start with a groove, melody, or something else?
I almost always start with groove! By sculpting a proper groove that sets the tone is imperative to moving a track forward. For Gambit, I built the drums and bassline first, layering textures that felt unpredictable yet balanced. From there, I’ll dial in the atmosphere, and the melody usually emerges organically. It’s like the track reveals itself piece by piece.
The EP includes powerful remixes by Ovlak and Rama (AR). How did these collaborations come about, and what did you think when you first heard their versions?
I’ve admired both of their work for a while! Their sound is refined, unique, and I knew they’d bring something deep and meaningful to the EP. We connected through the underground progressive community, I met Ovlak from a remix request for his collab track with VegaZ: Wiskers in the Wind. I discovered Rama(AR) from some of his Organic work with Amitabha, and instantly loved his sound! When I heard their remixes, I was honestly floored. They didn’t just reinterpret Gambit, they expanded its universe.
There’s a strong atmospheric and cinematic quality to your music. What non-musical influences (films, art, philosophy, etc.) shape your sound?
I’m constantly drawn to philosophy, especially ideas around duality and transformation. Visually, I love surrealist art and sci-fi films where time and space bend a little. Those influences push me to make music that isn’t just about rhythm, but about transporting the listener somewhere else entirely, almost like scoring an imaginary film.
You describe your sets as an “endless dance experience that uplifts.” What elements do you prioritize to create that kind of emotional impact?
For me, it’s about building trust with the crowd. I prioritize flow with long, evolving transitions, tension and release, and emotional arcs. It’s less about peak moments and more about guiding people to connect with the music, and hopefully with themselves. I grew up listening to long emotive electronic tracks and have a deep appreciation for evolving music that reveals itself over time. I enjoy sharing that vibe with modern active listeners.
How do you maintain originality while operating within the structure of Progressive House?
Progressive House gives you a beautiful framework, but within that, it’s all about intentional abstraction. I stay original by pulling in unconventional textures, imperfections of tone, even unexpected emotional keys. I ask myself, what does this track feel like at 3AM on a rooftop or deep in the forest? That emotional specificity helps me carve out something personal.
Your music has been supported by heavyweights like DJ Ruby and Mariano Mellino. How does industry support shape or motivate your artistic direction?
It’s incredibly humbling, not just because of who they are, but because it affirms that emotional depth and storytelling still matter on the dancefloor. Their support motivates me to stay authentic. I don’t chase trends, I chase resonance. That support tells me I’m on the right path.
Gambit has a kind of late-night tension to it. Is there a particular dancefloor or memory you had in mind when producing it?
Absolutely. I was the direct support act for Paul Van Dyk in Atlanta, and I had a strong track I wanted to share with my audience. The energy I felt when I released those sounds into the crowd that night was surreal. I was so immersed in that moment, and it inspired me to create a track with my signature sound that brings me back to that state of being.
Do you see your music evolving in a certain direction over the next year? Any stylistic experiments on the horizon?
Definitely. I’ve been experimenting more with organic percussion, downtempo interludes, and deep, meaningful cinematic narratives The aim is to blur lines even further between dance music and ultra rich emotional moments. I thrive in a musical environment where I can experiment and explore with an array hybrid sounds.
If you had to sum up Gambit in a single sentence or metaphor, what would it be?
It’s the sound of stepping into the unknown.
Pick up a copy of Gambit here – https://www.beatport.com/release/gambit/5063238