Phillosopher returns to Kodai with ‘The Ethereal Path,’ a cinematic and organic house journey steeped in mystic voices, and deep atmospheric tones. This release features smooth groove paired with beautiful thoughtful soundscapes — a sonic exploration that transcends and uplifts.

Featuring stunning remixes from Domingo+Loveclub, Joca, and Mauro Masi, the EP expands into diverse iterations, each adding its own emotional resonance to ‘The Ethereal Path.’

Fresh off the EP’s release, we sat down with Philosopher to discuss all things ‘The Ethereal Path,’ working with Kodai, his dream venue, and more!

Congrats on your latest release on Kodai! Can you talk us through ‘The Ethereal Path’ EP? What feelings did you hope to evoke on the original track?

Thank you! ‘The Ethereal Path’ came from a desire for calmness. I wanted it to feel like a gentle inward journey. Something that feels expansive, and expressive. It’s built for that golden-hour moment when everything slows down and you’re a bit more present with yourself. There’s melancholy, there’s peace, and a sense of timelessness.

The EP features 3 stellar remixes from Domingo + Loveclub, Mauro Masi, & Joca. What was your reaction when you first heard the remixes? Did any of them reveal something new about the original track?

Each remix totally surprised me in the best way. Domingo + Loveclub leaned into this dreamy groove that somehow made the track more mystical and vibrant. Mauro Masi added a dancing pulse I didn’t know it needed, and Joca’s take opened up this warm, introspective mood that felt surreal. It was like hearing the soul of the track from different dimensions.

This EP is geared toward sunset, introspective moments. Do you imagine specific settings or moments when producing music?

Always. I’m often imagining scenes like a walk alone after a long day, a car drive with the windows down into a sunset over a mountain range, and dancing at dusk on a beach. I think music lands differently when it’s tied to a time or place. Sunset is that threshold where day turns inward, and that transition is where I like to exist with my softer sound.

What inspires you in or out of the studio?

Moments of solitude. Nature, especially when I’m in a forest or a large cascading mountain range. Deep, meaningful conversations about the universe with connected people. I also get inspired by abstract paintings, architecture, even photography. There’s a geometry to feeling that I try to translate into sound.

Kodai seems like a perfect fit for this release. What has your relationship with the label been like?

Kodai really gets it. They care about art, they aren’t trying to fit into a box or curate a one-size-fits-all sound profile. There’s intention behind every release, and the owner is very passionate about all aspects of progressive house. It’s been such a pleasure working with them over the years. I feel creatively safe with them, which lets me freely express myself in the music.

Has your approach to music changed since your earlier releases? How has your journey as Phillosopher evolved?

It’s less about proving something now, and more about diving into expression. I’ve let go of some of the overthinking. Phillosopher has always been about introspection, but now it’s a bit more open-hearted, more willing to feel joy, not just explore complexity.

If you could go back in time and tell your younger DJ self one thing, what would it be?

Don’t chase the trend. Make what feels honest, even if it’s quiet. Especially if it’s quiet. Make music for yourself, and find the people who vibe with that.

Do you have any dream venues or dream artists you’d love to play with?

Playing a sunrise set at the Rock of Guatape or at a cliffside venue like Cova Santa would be magic. Artist-wise, Playing with someone like M.O.S. or Double Touch would be a dream — artists who blend the organic with the sacred.

Who are some up & coming artists, organic or otherwise, you’ve got your eye on?

There’s so much talent out there right now. Artists like goodkidmaddcity, Brian David, and Pablo Asturizaga are doing beautiful, unexpected things. I also love discovering producers tucked away in smaller scenes they often have the freshest takes!

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2025?

More travel, more collaborations, and stepping into live performance elements. I have quite a few new releases left to schedule for 2025 so there is plenty more to explore.

‘The Ethereal Path’ EP is available here