Richard Pinhas

Richard Pinhas is a pioneering French electronic and progressive rock musician, best known as the founder of the influential 1970s band Heldon. Blending elements of rock, electronic music, and philosophy, Pinhas brought a distinctively cerebral edge to the experimental music scene. Heldon's sound — rich with analog synthesizers, layered guitar textures, and driving rhythms — was both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in the sci-fi aesthetic of the era. After Heldon disbanded, Pinhas continued to explore ambient, drone, and noise territories in his solo work, often collaborating with artists like Merzbow, Yoshida Tatsuya, and others.

He holds a doctorate in philosophy and once studied under philosopher Gilles Deleuze, whose ideas continue to influence Pinhas’s conceptual approach to music. Albums like Rhizosphere and Chronolyse reflect this philosophical bent while showcasing his affinity for Moog synths and intricate compositions. With a career spanning decades, Richard Pinhas remains a highly respected figure in experimental music circles, constantly evolving his sound while staying true to his avant-garde roots.