“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
November 4, 2011
The elusive 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 full-length ‘Phonat’ being critically acclaimed as a land mark genre-defining electronic album. Having already toured Asia, Europe and Australia this year, he now for the first time flies across the Atlantic for a series of US and Canadian shows. With major US dance labels eager and hungry to sign the Italian, this tour is expected to be the first of many.
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 color 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.
Wednesday 23-NOV-11 New York USA Webster Hall
Thursday 24-NOV-11 Montreal Canada Le Belmont
Friday 25-NOV-11 Toronto Canada Mod Club
Saturday 26-NOV-11 WashingtonUSA Fall Massive
Thursday 01-DEC-11 Denver USA Beta
Friday 02-DEC-11 Hollywood USA Avalon
Saturday 03-DEC-11 San Diego USA Voyeur
Check out the new DJ mix at http://soundcloud.com/mofohifi/phonat-mix-fall-2011