V Rakbam

If you say Philosophartist out loud, you’ll hear PhilosoFartist, and yes, that’s intentional. I am a Philosopher-Artist.

Music is a universal language: it can be felt and can transform mood even when the listener knows nothing of theory, composition, or the language of the lyrics. Few can speak it, understand it deeply, or respond to it with both emotional and rational clarity. I have spent most of my life studying music and developing the ability to compose and respond with all three: rational, emotional, and stylistic insight. For years I used these skills as a music educator. I also wanted to be a philosopher, a yogi, a mystic. The world made clear that the path forward was to use the voice and talent I was given: to write and release my own music.

I call the genre I create Philosofolk, and I call myself a Philosofartist. The music has rock energy, strong guitar riffs, catchy hooks, and tasteful progressions - but it is driven by something more. Many of the artists who moved me emotionally early on later proved to have offered only temporary emotional release rather than tested, responsible guidance toward truth-seeking, self-development, and God-awareness. I write to do the opposite: to leave work that can serve as a companion for those who have endured similar struggles, who study history and ethics, and who are earnestly seeking.

I am not trying to mislead or simply satisfy myself. I hope to be a good comrade on the path - a light that can help rekindle a dimmed or extinguished flame. Lighting another candle takes nothing from one’s own; both burn brighter together.

If you enjoy solid rock, pop, alternative, or singer-songwriter music, and if you are also listening for the folk being passed down, then you are my Philosofolks.