Bontan

Andrew Phillips, known to many as Bontan, carved his niche in the pulsating heart of Liverpool’s underground scene. He was not born into glory; instead, he began as a humble resident DJ in 2011, spinning records in the cramped, overheated basements of Southport. As he honed his craft, supporting music legends like Dennis Ferrer, Bontan’s resolve solidified—he wanted to leave a mark.

Fast forward to 2025, and his trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. With multiple Beatport #1s under his belt and accolades like Radio 1 Future Star, Bontan has become a fixture at festivals such as Coachella, with a touring schedule that has seen him leap from the UK to the vibrant landscapes of North America, South America, and beyond. The numbers tell part of his story—a remix for Major Lazer, sold-out tours, and a slew of releases on prominent labels—but they only hint at the pulse of a man driven by passion and perseverance.

While his accolades stack high, ambiguity lingers: is he a product of sheer talent, or does his rise stem from an insatiable work ethic? Perhaps it’s a tapestry woven from both, as Bontan continues to align his name with some of the biggest in the business. Conversations about him are often peppered with reverence, yet there’s an undercurrent of skepticism about whether the scene has room for his relentless drive.

In the backdrop, Bontan launched North Drum, an imprint splashed with the essence of community—a platform not just for his music but for fresh talent as well. As another year draws to a close, there’s a sense of collective holding of breath; can he maintain this momentum? With Bontan, every beat resonates with the rhythm of possibility, leaving his audience eager for each new chapter.