Music is communication, the ultimate universal language. Now imagine creating music using all our other languages.
That is exactly what Phileas has done on ‘Spoken Wor(l)d’, his debut solo album. Taking his name from one of the most famous travellers the world has ever known, Phileas himself spent three years wandering the globe collecting voice samples in more than 30 languages.
The theory behind this unique concept is that the music unifies all these diverse voices. And while this might sound a little high-minded, Phileas’ music is still firmly rooted in fun: ‘Spoken Wor(l)d’ is not only a highly entertaining electro-pop record, but also a seductive call for a liberating session on the dancefloor.
Hailing from Lima, Peru, Phileas has been experimenting with human speech for 10 years, since working for LOT, a Peruvian theatre company that focused on spoken word performances. However, what makes his music different is that the voice is used just as others might use an instrument: the meaning of the words is less important than the sound that they make.
Phileas’ infectious, foot-tapping brand of dance oozes the kind of soulful feel so often lacking in this genre. So many voices, all speaking their own language, but somehow brought together to sound as one, guide the listener through a colourful journey filled with excitement and joy.
As Phileas himself says, ‘Spoken Wor(l)d’ is more than a record: “It is a positive message about the diversity and similarity of the people of this world”. And it is a simply great pop record all at the same time. A rare achievement indeed…
Sounds Like
Early JMJarre, Kraftwerk, Vince Clark, Daft Punk, TelefonTel Aviv
Roger Velasquez a.k.a. PHILEAS (Lima, 1976), electronic music artist and researcher. Producer of 'Spoken Wor(l)d' (2008), an electronic music celebration of human diversity through speech and language. In 2008 'Spoken Wor(l)d' was included by the UNESCO in the celebrations for the International Year of Languages, and was nominated Best Dance/Electronica Album of the Year in the 8th. Independent Music Awards. Tracks from 'Spoken Wor(l)d have been airplayed in countries like the U.S.A., Peru, France, Spain and Estonia, and have been included in several independent music compilations. PHILEAS lives and works now in Paris, France. More information at www.phileasworld.com
Greetings Phileas, A quick note to let you know that I just played your amazing spokenword song "Red Drowning Sun" on-air and on-line on this evening's edition of The World Beat. Peace, - Mark
Thx alot for the friendship and a beautiful weekend for you <3 Check out our new song "NIGHT FLIGHT" and get a free download today Read our BLOG to get the song !!! . Dont forget ...we LOVE comments.
Te felicito por el muy justo reconocimiento de la UNESCO!!! No había leído el blog!! Vaya que orgullo haber tenido la oportunidad de encontrarte en esta gran comunidad!
Enviaré la información a prensa local aquí en Caracas.
Mi regreso, un poco lento por problemas técnicos con la PC y secuenciadores . Familiarizándome con lo nuevo y haciendo ensayos todavía muy deficientes.
Muchas gracias, Phileas! Tu filosofía de la tolarancia es la que debería imperar en el mundo. Me impresiona tu trabajo minucioso, el recopilar sonidos de diversas culturas, y cohesionarlas en lo que refleja uno de los aspectos biológicos innatos que los seres humanos tenemos en común: la capacidad de construír lenguajes para comunicarnos. Arquitectura de la comunicación? Te felicito! Un abrazo, O.
Merci pour le petit commentaire dans l'invitation ! J'ai aussi écouté tes musiques, très aériennes. Pour Folisophie sache que j'l'ai enlevé dans la journée pour en mettre la version live du 21 juin dernier quand j'étais sur scène.
Your music is nice and have lots of nice ideas in "electro" range .. i like this... so i wish you a great lucky and inspiration... i..m glad to have you in my friends area ;-)
PS: BTW ..for your tracks....my favourite of your profile is "picture game" ..for nice wide synths on background and good rhytmic fragments with peacefull mood ;-)
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