Phi-Psonics is a meditative, immersive instrumental group from Los Angeles, led by bassist/composer Seth Ford-Young. Their deeply soulful music draws on jazz and classical influences, woven together with Ford-Young's own diverse musical experiences creating something that is unmistakably its own. The project's name reflects it’s central aim: to find 'Phi' — the golden mean — in art, nature, and self.

Active since 2020, they have released three successful albums and one EP on Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana records. With millions of streams and thousands of physical copies sold, these albums have reached a world-wide audience with 71k listeners per month on Spotify alone. Radio support has been strong worldwide including; BBC 1,3, and 6, KEXP, KCRW, KMHD, FIP(FR), KAYA(ZA), RTE(IE), and RTBF(BE) along with notable internet outlets like Worldwide FM, NTS, Dublab, The Lot Radio, and Radio Alhara. Their most recent LP “Expanding to One” was recorded live, incorporating special guests along with freer improvisation to create a truly vital, communal feel. Mojo gave the album 4 stars, noting “These diverting meditations soothe the soul…”.

The band has developed a dynamic live experience, with introspective moments balanced by high energy peaks. The core band of Ford-Young - bass, Randal Fisher and Sylvain Carton - woodwinds, Mitchell Yoshida or Zach Tenorio - keys, and Josh Collazo - drums are often joined by special guests. Recent guests include; Jeff Parker, Jay Bellerose, Dylan Day, Rocco DeLuca, Dave Harrington, Spencer Zahn, Max Jaffe, and Mathias Künzli. Shows at beloved Los Angeles venues like Zebulon, Townhouse, Gold-Diggers, and Healing Force of the Universe, along with festival stages including Azz-Is Venice Rebel Jazz Festival, and Abbot Kinney Festival, have brought the communal joy of the bands’ music to a growing live audience.

A fourth album on Gondwana is due in Fall of ‘26, with upcoming US and European shows in support.

recent quotes…

“Very exciting group. Beautiful!” - Gilles Peterson

“…a proverbial giant leap for the group, capturing the unparalleled spirit of improvisation…Testament to the LA music community” - Aquarium Drunkard

“a spiritual journey through the history of jazz – calling to mind Coltrane…but also Dorothy Ashby, Kahil El’Zabar, New Age percussionist Carlos Niño and his many references – one that feels as at home in the 1970s as it does within the new jazz of the past decade.” - HHV Mag

Contact

Live videos

live recording for Expanding to One

First Step live at Zebulon (LA)

Listen below or click through for the album pages on Bandcamp



INSTAGRAM

Expanding to One has been out for one year! Thanks to everyone who listened, shared, and purchased this album. Your ears, time, and connection are much appreciated. It makes the experience of making and releasing records so much more meaningful, and
This Bandcamp Friday we are offering limited copies of the original self press of The Cradle! Six years ago this month we released this album amidst a global pandemic. It was not the start I imagined for this band, but the world slowed down for a mo
Expanding to One has been out for six months ! Thank you all for listening and spreading the word. Big thanks to all the musicians who contributed and made this album possible…. Seth Ford-Young - acoustic bass, percussion Sylvain Carton - teno
Thank you for listening to Expanding to One! It’s coming up on 6 months and we are so appreciative of all the love you’ve shown since we shared it with you. Here’s a little clip of us recording New Pyramid, you can watch us recordin
November 1 we are honored to return to @rebel.jazz festival in Venice! Outdoors by the beach and packed with great artists. No tickets required, but donations are encouraged. Hope to see you there!
Thanks to everyone who came out last week for our @townhousevenice show. Feeling grateful for the great energy coming from the audience, and the welcoming atmosphere. Playing with @jeffparkersounds took us to some new places, hopefully we will join f