Pete Philly & Perquisite - Eon (Album) + Q&A
Picture Credit: Roeltje van de Sande Bakhuyzen
After a 15 year hiatus, Amsterdam-based hip hop duo Pete Philly & Perquisite have reunited and will release their eclectic third studio album ‘Eon' on May 3rd via Dutch label Unexpected Records, followed by a European tour.
Aruba born vocalist/songwriter Pete Philly and Dutch composer/producer Perquisite enjoyed major success after joining forces in 2003, as they traveled across the globe with their catchy beats and melodious raps. Before going their separate ways in 2009 to pursue solo projects the pair earned critical acclaim and multiple awards for their 2005 concept album ‘Mindstate’ as well as their 2007 remixed version ‘Remindstate’ and sophomore offering 'Mystery Repeats.’ Their 2009 ‘Final Celebration Tour’ was a big triumph as they said their goodbyes to their loyal following.
Over the next 14 years, both Pete and Perq focused on their solo careers. Pete Philly released two solo albums, an EP and several singles, including Favorite Song, and produced music for commercials. Perquisite composed around a dozen film scores including Carmen of the North and Niemand in de Stad and collaborated with Kris Berry, Jeangu Macrooy and several other artists on new songs and albums.
Thankfully, collaborative inspiration struck again as they announced their reunion last year, eager to work together again. It all started with Pete contacting Perq at the beginning of 2023, talking through the idea of possibly reuniting and them both agreeing that now was the time to do so. They would eventually go on to re-instate their live band and play a big show in the AFAS Live in Amsterdam for 4.000 people. Pete & Perq reignited their passion to make music together, and were soon writing and recording again, the result; their third official studio album Eon, a layered, heartfelt and worthy successor of their previous two albums.
Perquisite: “It had been so long since we’d made music together it feels really good to come back together, especially with a different perspective, and a lot of experience we didn’t have the first time round.”
“This is a new chapter in our story, but a continuation of our sound. Our trademarks are still there: Pete’s way of rapping and singing, my way of making beats, the way we work with instrumental solos. But there are also differences; we tend to make shorter, more compact songs now. And there’s a bigger role for electric guitar on this album. On the whole it feels like a more grounded, balanced sound.”
Picture Credit: Roeltje van de Sande Bakhuyzen
The new 12-track album delivers that same relatable vibe that first won Pete Philly & Perquisite an army of fans when they started back in 2003 - a fusion of open-minded hip-hop with influences from soul, funk, jazz, world and electronic music, enthralling solos and unexpected twists.
However the duo’s current stages of life give the record a deeper, more meaningful dimension. Title song Eon is an ode to Pete’s daughter, Carry You is about the relationship with his father and Raindrop bids farewell to a past stage of dealing with health issues. There’s also still plenty of lighthearted songs, such as the first single Hot Sauce, joyful Spiffy and the latest single My Stereo – an addictive tribute to the duo’s sources of inspiration and the unifying nature of spirited and soulful music.
To celebrate the release, the duo embark on a new international tour, hitting some major European cities and bringing their positive energy with them. Known for making their audience a part of their shows, the duo are joined by five other members: Pete on lead vocals, Perq on cello, SPD and backings vocals, Noah Bouwman on drums, Kasper Kalf on double bass and e-bass, Sander de Bie on keys, Marnix Dorrestein on electric guitar and Floris van der Vlugt on saxophone.For the UK, they play Camden Assembly in London onMay 30th.
1. Tell us about the new record Eon?
‘Eon' is our third album together. It was released on May 3rd 2024 and is our ‘comeback' album so to say as our last album ‘Mystery Repeats’ was released in 2007 :)
2. For our readers who aren't familiar with you, describe your sound:
I would say we make eclectic hip hop. Hip hop is sound wise, in the core of what we do but we don’t let it limit us. So in our music you can also hear influences from soul, jazz, African, Latin and electronic music.
Picture Credit: Roeltje van de Sande Bakhuyzen
3. It's been 15 years since your last record together. How has your sound evolved? And what was it like getting back together to make a new album after so long?
I think we have both evolved a lot in what we do. Since our break up in 2009 I’ve been composing a lot of film music and have produced albums for the likes of Kris Berry and Jeangu Macrooy who are more soul-oriented than hip hop. Pete has released two solo albums and has also evolved a lot as a songwriter. Also, I tend to mix in a different way now then back then. It was really exciting to work together again after all these years. But funnily enough it felt very familiar and easy as well. Once we started, we laid down the foundation of a new song in each session we did.
4. Who were your musical influences when you first started out, and who if any were your influences when writing Eon?
For me my biggest influences in hip hop are A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, J Dilla, The Pharcyde, Slum Village, Mobb Deep, DJ Premier, Common, The Roots, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland. Outside hip hop, there are too many to mention: Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, Joni Mitchell, Otis Redding, Herbie Hanckock, Nirvana, Vampire Weekend, Inti-Illimani, Paul Simon, Dionne Warwick, Michael Kiwanuka, James Blake, Ane Brun, Brad Mehldau etc. etc.
My influences are not that different now when they were 15 years ago. Of course I’ve got to know some different artists that weren’t there back then but overall my musical taste didn’t change that much.
5. With your previous success what are some of your proudest moments from that time?
To me it was very special to open up for the late James Brown in Rotterdam in what turned out to be his last show in The Netherlands. Also, it was very nice to play at SXSW in Austin and at the Cape Town Jazz Festival, especially the second time in 2009.
Picture Credit: Roeltje van de Sande Bakhuyzen
6. What's better being solo artists or being a duo and why?
To me it’s not really a valid comparison as on my own I’m not a performing artist. Everything I do is under my artist name Perquisite, but I'm mostly active behind the scenes as a composer and producer. I did make a solo record but that dates back to 2010 :) So; in short: I like both a lot :)
7. With your upcoming tour, what can people expect from a Pete Philly & Perquisite live show?
An energising, positive and versatile live show with a lot of room for actual live music. We play with a 7-piece band right now: Pete on lead vocals, me on SPD, cello and backing vocals, then we have Kasper Kalf on double bass & electric bass, Noah Bouwman on drums, Sander de Bie on keys, Marnix Dorrestein on electric guitar, charango and backing vocals and Floris van der Vlugt on saxophones, flute and backing vocals.
8. Will there be more albums in the pipeline? Are you guys back for good?
Noone knows :) Let’s see!
9. Finally, recommend one piece of new music (song or album from another artist) that we should check out:
Raye - My 21st Century Blues.