After a 15 year hiatus, Amsterdam-based hip hop duo Pete Philly & Perquisite have reunited and released their eclectic third studio album ‘Eon’ 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.”
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, full dates below.
