Phil Karis is a musician from The Netherlands who creates smooth, tasteful instrumental guitar music inspired by elements of rock, soul, jazz, and blues. But in recent years, his creative world has expanded in unexpected ways.

Born into a musical family with a father who was a guitarist himself, Phil naturally developed a love for music from the 70’s and 80’s. While he occasionally dabbled in formal studies, first at a local Dutch conservatory and later at Musicians Institute in LA, he is largely self-taught, which accounts for his distinctive style.

His record ‘Hidden Treasures‘—an 11-year labor of love—showcases Phil’s uncanny blend of technique, emotion, and feeling as a guitarist. Each of the album’s 12 songs takes on a life of its own, reflecting the diversity and versatility of Phil’s background. But completing that album did more than showcase his artistry; it opened a door to new creative freedom.

After more than 20 years away from vocals, Phil has returned to singing. The songs—lyrics and melodies together—kept coming to him, and he finally embraced what they were asking: to find his voice. His new lyrical work is deeply personal, drawing from his journey through burnout toward greater presence, consciousness, and self-belief. These songs are empowering and transformative, reflecting the inner work that has reshaped both his life and his art. Now he shows up daily to receive new music, aiming to finish at least one song each month, with or without lyrics. It’s a practice rooted in presence over pressure, progress over perfection.

This shift in mindset led to Music Momentum—a framework helping other musicians move through creative blocks and show up consistently for their art. Through his own 100-day challenge of “Saying Yes to My Music,” Phil discovered that the creative journey is as much about mindset as it is about musicianship. That discovery became an invitation: for any musician ready to stop waiting and start creating.

Phil continues to explore new sonic territory—both instrumental and vocal—while staying devoted to music that is compelling, heartfelt, and easy on the ears. This year, he has committed to finishing 12 songs in 12 months: music rooted in presence, transformation, purpose, and awareness. And he’d love nothing more than to have fellow musicians walk that path alongside him.

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