Why the name Phaedrus?

Posted by Sebastian on June 5, 2009

Why NOT the name Phaedrus?

I first came into contact with the name Phaedrus when I read Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance when I was 17. As was the usual custom at that time in my life, I never finished the book. But the name stuck with me.

A few years later I saw a book with the name Phaedrus on my godfather’s bookshelf. It was by Plato.

In my heart I believed it to be destiny. Although, now I no longer believe in destiny. Figure that out.

Everything about it just seemed right. I don’t really think I can rationalise it in a way that would make people understand. When you have a connection with somebody or something moves you deeply, to rationalise it and place labels to it is to diminish it, and it loses its value in some way.

The opening line ‘My dear Phaedrus, where is it you’re going, and where have you come from?’ immediately struck a chord within me, and from that point my fate had been sealed. I would write and perform my music under the name Phaedrus. The rest of the book itself I found fascinating and illuminating. I highly recommend it.

But I want to say that Phaedrus isn’t only a name for my music. It’s an idea, in the sense that when you step into the world of Phaedrus you are (hopefully) taken to somewhere you haven’t been before, a new experience that brings some kind of value to your life.

At least that’s what I hope.

You could also see it as just some music you mildly enjoy/hate and then move on your merry way.