A figure near and dear to Australia’s electronic music community passed away on Sunday morning. Melbourne DJ and producer Phil Krokodis, known professionally as Phil K, died at the age of 51 after a battle with bladder cancer.
Krokodis was diagnosed with the illness in July 2018. NME reports that his condition worsened in February 2019, at which time he shared his state of affairs with the public and his supporters and loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical costs.
Remembering Phil K
In 1985, Krokodis began DJing at his school’s disco. He emerged as a prominent personality in Australian breakbeat but was was no stranger to house, techno or ambient. As one half of Free Radicals with DJ and producer Andy Page he released his first record, Summer Breeze, in 1996. The two went on to launch a label called Zero Tolerance Records in 1998; it remained active until 2004.
DJs like Dave Seaman and James Zabiela paid tribute to Krokodis on social media upon hearing of his passing, as did Australian event brand Rainbow Serpent Festival and record label Balance Music.
“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,” wrote Seaman. “He was a real one-off. I will treasure all the wonderful memories mate.”
No memorial details for Phil K have been shared with the public at the time of writing.
