Phantom Wizard, the self-taught pianist and unbound composer announces the independent release of his debut album, True Love Is Always Worth It, on March 28th 2025. This four-part composition, recorded primarily on a grand piano in a historic church in Amsterdam explores phases of love; its infancy, heartships, maturity, and ultimate transcendence. Building upon his previous EPs, including Resurrection, which captured transformative visions and spiritual awakenings, Phantom Wizard’s latest work delves deeper into the metaphysical. The album’s rich sonic palette fuses grand piano textures with vintage analog synths, a fleet of woodwinds, a cascade of percussion and a bunch of cassette loops and field recordings.
“This album is a sonification of the love stories of my ancestors,” says Phantom Wizard. “It’s an ode to the most powerful force in existence, which will liberate us once we embrace it. This message is urgent. This is the music that needs to exist by any means necessary.”
Rooted in decolonial philosophy, Phantom Wizard’s artistry is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity outside traditional institutions. It is a reminder that, even in solitude and struggle, there is purpose and freedom. Phantom Wizard is a composer and multidisciplinary artist whose work dissolves boundaries and reimagines traditions. Rooted in decolonial philosophy and self-taught as a multi-instrumentalist, Phantom Wizard’s artistry developed outside traditional institutions. Emerging from Amsterdam’s Southeast, a historically Caribbean and Afro-diasporic neighborhood, this environment has profoundly shaped the creative vision. It is here that the Fribari philosophy began to take shape: a fluid, untamed concept that unfolds through compositions,azz, minimal, electronic, and the vibrant sonic palette of the Caribbean, offering a fresh perspective in contemporary music.
Press contact:
Marieke McKenna | marieke@mink-records.com.
12’’ vinyl distribution: Mink Records (LAB Music).
Catalogue number: PW002
TRUE LOVE IS ALWAYS WORTH IT - CREDITS
Produced by Phantom Wizard
Pocket trumpet played by Jeffrey Forster
All other instruments* played by Phantom Wizard
Composed by Phantom Wizard
Arranged by Phantom Wizard
Grand piano recorded by Joeri Saal at Studio 150 in Amsterdam
ARP 2600, Juno-6, Minimoog and Moog Rogue recorded by Phantom Wizard at Willem Twee Studios in Den Bosch
All other instruments* recorded by Phantom Wizard at home studio in Amsterdam South-East
Mixed in stereo and spatial audio by Richard Burki at Future Phonic Studio in Amsterdam
Mastered by Rick David at Pink Bird Recording Co. in London
Artwork photo by S*an D. Henry-Smith
Artwork design by Phantom Wizard
Special thanks to my parents, my sister and my (ex) lover Sami
Distribution by Mink Records
* other instruments used
Electronic:
ARP Odyssey clone synth, cassette loops, digital tanpura sample, DIY synth, electric organ, field recordings, JV-1080 synth, MicroKorg synth, ocean field recording, sister’s old voice note, vinyl bird samples, vinyl gong sample, Volca Beats drum machine, Yamaha YP-40 keyboard.
Percussion:
Agogo, apinti, baoding balls, tabla baya, bell shakers, chakapa, chimes, đàn môi, finger cymbals, glockenspiel, handbells, ingi maraca, kouxian, seed shakers, talking drum, xylophone.
Winds:
Alto recorder, B♭ clarinet, B♭ pocket trumpet, bass clarinet, hulusi, soprano recorder, vocals.
Strings:
Box zither, ektara.
This website is spiritually protected
i live to serve through the arts
the ancestors are with me
i live to serve through the arts
the ancestors are with me