Christian Gates, known as The Philharmonik, has been part of Sacramento’s music scene since 2016, blending soul, funk, and hip-hop into a sound that is unmistakably his own. He won NPR’s 2024 Tiny Desk Contest with his song “What’s It All Mean,” which was shot in a Sacramento real estate office, catapulting him to national and international recognition. A vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, and music producer, he is celebrated in Sacramento for his music, strong work ethic, support of young local musicians, and advocacy for mental health.