Melbourne DJ Phil K dies, aged 51
News
Melbourne DJ Phil K, AKA Phil Krokadis, has died following a battle with bladder cancer, aged 51 years. He received a diagnosis in 2018, with friends and family launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for increasing medical costs in 2019 with the goal of extending his life.
The sad news broke yesterday, 1st November, leading to an outpouring from the global dance music community. Tributes have come from the likes of Melbourne’s Rainbow Serpent festival, and UK DJs Dave Seaman and James Zabiela.
In addition to solo work and club appearances, Krokidis formed one half of electronic duo Lo-step alongside Luke Chable, and one-third of The Operators with Damon Fonooni and Dave Preston.
Our community lost one of its finest yesterday. Phil K was a pioneer of the Australian electronic music scene, a Rainbow…
Posted by Rainbow Serpent Festival on Sunday, 1 November 2020
View this post on InstagramAbsolutely devastated to hear that one of the best human beings I ever had the chance to meet has lost his battle with cancer Phil K was not only one of the best DJs ever but more importantly, was one the kindest, most genuine human beings whose enthusiasm and lust for life was so infectious, it was always such an enlightening and inspiring pleasure to spend time in his company. He was a real one-off. I will treasure all the wonderful memories mate. RIP my friend. You will be truly missed
View this post on InstagramRIP Phil. I’m profoundly saddened to have lost my friend Phil. For those that aren’t aware, DJ Phil K was a Breakbeat innovator and an amazing technical DJ residing in Melbourne who was a great inspiration to me. He mixed the @balance_series 004 (!) compilation way back in 2002* (link in my Bio for anyone wanting to listen). Before I’d crossed paths with Phil, I can remember @djsashaofficial saying something to me about how I was “going to love this guy”. He was right. Phil was someone who had a hugely positive impact on me. It was Phil who opened my eyes to what was possible with some CDJs and an FX unit, beyond mixing just one track into the next. He was my favourite DJ to just stand and watch (and learn) and I have him to thank for both my obsession and involvement with Pioneer. I recall Phil telling me that the Pioneer’s EFX500 was actually a sampler. He made me look for all the cheat codes. Whenever we DJed together Phil would often pull off some wizardry that would leave me in awe and I would always try and do something to impress him, because impressing him was important to me. You always want to impress your heroes and Phil was definitely one of mine, on either side of the decks. His enthusiasm was contagious and after every encounter he always left me feeling inspired. He was like a spark plug. I could’ve done with being on the same continent as him more often over the years. He was generous, funny and always encouraging. I feel lucky that I was able to tell Phil how much he meant to me, we don’t always get that chance and if any of you ever have the opportunity to do the same to someone that means a great deal to you, then my advice is to spill it. My love to Phil’s family and friends. I will miss him.
