Shard
Artist
Previous Events
Bio
Shard is the musical alias of Bochum-based artist Raphael Kromhout, forging a distinct path through broken beats and experimental leftfield sounds. Inspired by the image of glass shards—fractured, sharp, and reflective—Shard’s music is a sonic exploration of irregular rhythms and textures, blending atmospheric layers with bass-heavy, percussive energy. Rooted in sound system culture and shaped by a deep background in techno, Shard draws inspiration from influential artists like Carrier, Azu Tiwaline, and Felix K. His style is experimental yet grounded, weaving unpredictable grooves with immersive soundscapes that challenge and captivate. Prior to Shard, Raphael had long been active under the alias Rakom, known for his techno- focused sets and productions. In 2024, driven by a growing fascination with broken beats and leftfield music, he launched Shard as a dedicated project to separate and explore his evolving musical vision. His musical journey began early—starting with drums at the age of seven, laying a strong rhythmic foundation that continues to shape his sound. By eleven, he was honing his skills on turntables, leading to his first club appearances as Rakom not long after. This lifelong relationship with rhythm, sound, and the dancefloor fuels every Shard set and production, offering listeners an unpredictable yet cohesive experience.
Music style
Experimental Electronic, Broken Beat, Leftfield