Philipp Fankhauser: Switzerland's Blues Ambassador

Philipp Fankhauser is a celebrated Swiss blues and soul singer-songwriter whose career spans over three decades. Hailing from Thun, Switzerland, he has become a cornerstone of the European blues scene, earning multiple Swiss Music Awards and achieving gold status for his acclaimed album "Try My Love".

Early career

Born in 1964, Philipp Fankhauser's musical journey began in his teens, deeply influenced by American blues and soul records. His professional debut arrived in 1990 with the self-titled album "Philipp Fankhauser", which immediately showcased his powerful, soul-inflected voice and established his commitment to the blues genre within the Swiss music landscape.

Breakthrough

Fankhauser's national breakthrough in Switzerland came with his 1994 album "I'll Be Around". This release, featuring the hit title track, significantly expanded his audience and solidified his reputation. The album's success was a commercial peak, leading to extensive touring and setting the stage for his enduring career as a headline act.

Key tracks

I'll Be Around — This soulful ballad served as his signature hit, dominating Swiss airwaves and becoming a staple of his live performances.

Try My Love — The title track from his 2008 gold-certified album exemplifies his mature songwriting and seamless blend of blues and soul.

Walking In My Shoes — A later-career highlight showcasing his gritty, authentic vocal delivery and skilled guitar work.

On My Way — This track illustrates his ability to craft contemporary blues anthems with broad appeal.

Following his breakthrough, Philipp Fankhauser entered a prolific period, releasing a steady stream of albums like "Momentum" (1997) and "Urban Grizzly" (2001). A major career highlight was his 2013 collaboration with legendary American soul singer Betty Wright on the album "Hold Your Light", which earned him a Swiss Music Award. His 2008 album "Try My Love" was certified gold, a testament to his consistent popularity.

Fankhauser's dedication to the blues tradition is balanced by a collaborative spirit, having shared stages with international greats like Robben Ford and Chris Farlowe. His live performances are renowned for their energy and authenticity, cementing his status as a premier European bluesman. The artist continues to record and tour, his later works like "Roadtrip" (2022) proving his creative vitality remains undimmed.

Listeners who appreciate Philipp Fankhauser's soul-drenched blues style often enjoy the work of other Swiss roots musicians. Hammer shares a similar foundation in classic blues and rock. The Maxim Boogie Band delivers the same high-energy, guitar-driven rhythm and blues. Stiller Has explores a related vein of Swiss-German lyricism set to blues-rock arrangements.

Philipp Fankhauser's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated blues programs, classic rock FM stations, and independent music radio stations across Europe. His timeless sound fits seamlessly into playlists that celebrate guitar mastery and vocal soul.

You can hear the music of Philipp Fankhauser on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his rich catalog of Swiss blues through our curated selection of online radio streams.