“Phonat is EASILY the most underrated producer out there now. Fuck, he’s amazing. I do not know why he isn’t the biggest thing out there.” Skrillex
The allusive 7 foot Italian maverick known as ‘Phonat’ has become one of the most respected and esteemed electronic producers in Europe over the last couple of years, with his debut album ‘Phonat’ being critically acclaimed as a land mark genre defining electronic album.
Michele Balduzzi began making music in his home village in rural Tuscany in Italy and was quickly spotted by MofoHifi Records recording under the name Phonat. Armed with a five year old laptop and a Fender Strat the young Italian moved to a bedsit in Dalston, London where he spent two years recording his debut album in a small basement in London Bridge.
The result is an album that takes the listener on a genre defying musical journey similar to that which Phonat took in his own life moving from idyllic rural Italy to the chaos and colour of London. The album encompasses French house, D&B, nu disco, mash up, metal, trip hop, ragga, down tempo, funk, fidget, electro and rock. From the hypnotic ‘It’s For You’, the ground breaking ‘Learn to Recycle’ and ending in the dysfunctional masterpiece ‘London’. The album is now being released across the globe, with numerous tracks being used in computer games and TV shows. Highly acclaimed videos have been made by long term Italian collaborator Rocco Pezzella.
Phonat is Dj’ing across the globe with tours in Europe, The USA and Japan being scheduled for 2011. Phonat will perform to a crowd of 25,000 on the main stage of the Nanomugen festival in Yokohama in July, accompanied by vocalist Yolanda Quartey.
Along with his album, Phonat has also released several EP’s including the Cockroaches EP and has remixed artists as diverse as Skrillex and Dizzee Rascal.
Phonat’s debut album is being scheduled for release by Atlantic / Big Beat with more info to follow.
“It’s been described as a Acid House Bohemian Rhapsody. It takes in 25 styles during it’s course, I like it” Rob Da Bank on BBC Radio 1
“This guy f**ks with all the rules” Norman Cook
“It’s a proper mash-up!” Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1
“Wickid” Herve
“What a great way to end the show” Pete Tong on BBC Radio1
“Phonat has frequently stunned us with his productions over the last few years, coming across like a hyperactive Daft Punk on happy pills… By the end, you’re exhausted, perplexed, flabbergasted, and left with the feeling that all other music is boring, unimaginative, repetitive trash. Wow. 10/10″ Data Transmission
“Phonat is breaking rules, and pushing boundaries…Keep him on your radar as he continues on his journey to redefine electronic music.” trashmenagerie.com
“A chap called Phonat just blew our little minds with this genre spanning six minute odyssey he sent over…This track simply tears up the rulebook, and if everyone was suddenly sent off to production school, Phonat should be teaching lesson one with this track.” NoisePorn
“My mind was not even ready to grasp the possibility that anyone was capable of manipulating a track to this extent in just six minutes. Holy sh*t, this should be illegal! It is very inspiring and I really think that many artists could take a page out of his book. There is a male vocal sampled and he says “Giving it up for you” Yes, Phonat! I am definitely giving it up for you!” 365 Mag
