Filosofische Stilte

Filosofische Stilte

Filosofische Stilte is the musical project of Luuk Graham from Den Haag. He starts out making music out of a love of rap, but moves away from rapping over his own beats and instead focuses on sound design and live beat construction.

Style and approach

His work makes frequent use of Commodore 64 and Nintendo sounds, which he turns into arpeggios, bright synth lines, heavy bass and digital texture. He describes the balance between beats, melody and atmosphere as central to the music. His influences include UK garage, UK bass, hip hop, Mount Kimbie, Shlohmo and Starkey.

Live performance

Filosofische Stilte performs as a live act rather than a DJ. He plays sets on a Roland SP404SX and edits tracks live using the effects on that machine. His music has been taken to clubs including PIP, Paard Van Troje, Sugarfactory and The Monarch in Germany.

Releases and recognition

His releases include Golden Tooth on Lowriders Recordings, Beatjecualtion Beattape as a self-released title, Ill Chronicles on Frieteboerism, and the EP Poly on Lowriders. DJ Broadcast Magazine names him as one of the most promising artists of 2013.

Name

The name translates as “Philosophical Silence”. Graham says the name reflects both his family’s view of him as the philosopher in the family and the fact that he does not talk much.