Friends Remember Phil K with Stunning Tribute Tune and Mixes
It’s hard to believe it’s six months since Greek Australian DJ Phil K passed away after bravely fighting cancer. An exceptional DJ and producer, Phil was a technically gifted manipulator of machines. His death provoked a global outpouring of love on social media. While he was sadly taken from us too soon, Phil’s friends in the industry are keeping his memory alive.
First came a special 12-hour Phil K tribute show on Kiss FM Melbourne in December. Now comes a stunning new track in Phil’s memory created and remixed by his producer friends. Gone to Heaven by Greek electronic producer Stelios Vassiloudis is 11 minutes of blissful, evocative and majestic electronic ambience.
The Remixes
The remixes are designed for the dancefloors Phil was known for crushing. Anthony Pappa and Infusion’s Jamie Stevens team up and turn in a bouncy, driving remix. Their interpretation catches its breath in a breakdown of emotive strings before championing its way home. Fellow Greek and another long-time friend of Phil’s, John Dalagelis turns in two mixes. John’s remixes create a sense of light and darkness with the hook skipping across slightly menacing undercurrents.
The excellent package will be released on Dave Seaman’s Selador Recordings on Thursday 6 May – what would have been Phil’s 52nd birthday. All proceeds from the release will be donated to two charities close to Phil’s heart – the Mess Foundation in Melbourne, an organisation dedicated to supporting the creation of all forms of electronic sound and music, and mental health organisation Tonic Music.
Check out a preview of Gone to Heaven by Stelios Vassiloudis and clips of the remixes below.
Memories
In the spirit of remembering Phil K, Stelios, Anthony, Jamie and John share fond memories of their sorely missed friend…
Stelios Vassiloudis
“There’s no possible way a mere piece of music can do justice to Phil’s legacy and influence or even come close to expressing how his untimely passing has affected us all. Gone to Heaven was inspired by what was to be our last meeting in Melbourne on a perfect spring evening: great food followed by drinks and then a long drive around town listening to an impeccable selection of tunes selected by the man himself. A memory I’ll treasure forever.”
Anthony Pappa
“In January 2020, just before Covid hit, Dave Seaman was in Melbourne to play a gig. He had an extra day off here on his tour so we organised a catch up at my place with Dave, Phil K, Jamie Stevens and crew. An opportunity for all of us to be together, it was a very special day. It was just like old times. Friends coming together for some drinks and food and laughing and talking about music. Phil happily volunteered to let my partner’s daughter Ruby paint his fingernails and adorn him with her favourite unicorn stickers. A moment in time that l will cherish forever.”
Jamie Stevens
“A couple of years ago, I was asked if Infusion could perform at a Sunny event here in Melbourne. Soon after, Phil and I were at a wedding of mutual friends. I was chatting to him about it, unsure whether or not we’d do the gig. One of the Infusion members had moved on from the outfit, which left two. After chatting with Phil about live jamming and performing, I suggested: ‘You could be an honorary member!’ Phil was synonymous with Sunny’s infamous Melbourne parties so it made sense that he’d be a part of something special. He teared up and said: ‘Man, I would love to.’ This was after he had been diagnosed.
“Phil came over to the studio in the lead up to the gig when he was well enough to do so. Even though he was often in physical pain, he was still just as enthused about making music as ever. His eyes would widen and he’d produce his huge, cheeky grin when the musical pieces gelled and a groove was happening. He would proclaim: ‘Awww! That’s maaaaad!’ He was in his happy place and I will never forget his dedication and joy.”
John Dalagelis
“Hey a**holes! Are you Greeks? I’m Greek too!” Those were the first words Phil said to me, my brother Nick and Stelios when we first met in Miami. It was the mid 2000s, while he was DJing and scratching and the three of us somehow ending up behind the DJ booth. That was Phil – so original, spontaneous, fun to hang out with and respected by everyone. I mean everyone, he was a pioneer.
“From that moment, we were so connected. Whenever he travelled to New York, he would stay at our house in Queens and tell us the craziest stories about travelling, music and technology. I’ll never forget our big fat Greek meals in Astoria, our summer in Lefkada, Greece, and the last time we hung out.
“Last summer, he came to visit us in my hometown of Ioannina, Greece. He was so excited to catch up and just be with us. He filled us in on his awful disease. I couldn’t stop thinking, ‘How did he get here… his life, to suffering with this cancer, to my hometown all the way from Australia?’ He was so full of energy and so positive. After our meal he wanted to go check out caverns, castles and museums and so we did. I didn’t think for a moment that I would never see him again. ‘Get involved…’, that’s what Phil always said, ‘Get involved!’
Phil K photos: Jessica Middleton
Also read: Replay the Music, Memories and Laughs of the Phil K Tribute Show
