Phil Kline is a contemporary American composer and sound artist, born in 1953, with a reputation for creating innovative and exploratory work that defies traditional genre boundaries. With a background in English literature and a stint as a guitarist in the New York City downtown scene, Kline's unique perspective and multifaceted experiences heavily influence his compositions. He is known for integrating technology, theatrical elements, and classical forms into his music, resulting in a body of work that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally compelling.

Kline's "Unsilent Night" is arguably his most famous composition, a participatory sound piece that has become an annual holiday tradition in cities around the world since its inception in 1992. Participants in the event play one of four tracks of music on their own boomboxes or mobile devices, creating a moving soundscape through public spaces. "Zippo Songs," another notable work, takes inspiration from the poems that soldiers etched onto their Zippo lighters during the Vietnam War, fusing them with original music to explore themes of war and personal expression. "John the Revelator," a modern take on the form of the traditional Mass, written for the vocal quartet Lionheart, showcases Kline's ability to bridge the gap between ancient liturgical music and contemporary classical innovation, delivering a haunting and introspective experience. Each of these pieces underscores Kline's role as a boundary-crossing artist who uses sound to uncover deeper human truths and shared experiences.