Bio

Franz Cipher formerly known as HAVEN (Also known as Dcipher, born Franz Neil Arzadon on December 9, 1981) is a California-based Pacific Islander who was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. An MC/producer which writings are focused mostly on sociopolitical concerns, love and spirituality. Essentially positive and innovative interspersed with revolutionary rhymes. The beats he produces feature samples from different music genres with experimental arrangement, soulful sounds, live instrumentations and that old “Manila Sound”. Particularly the 70’s, which most people believe Original Pinoy Music (OPM) is at its best. Franz had developed a passion for MCing and Poetry Writing by high school and started beatmaking when he migrated to America at age 21, using his own bedroom studio which also led him into learning sound engineering and the art of DJing. His major influences are Bob Marley, Francis Magalona, KRS-ONE, Arkane, Trip Tha Light Phantastic, Wordswrath, Tupac Shakur, Michael Franti, Asin, Dong Abay, Dead Prez, Common, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, J-Dilla, DJ Q-Bert and DJ Kool Herc. Last name replaced with "Cipher", derived from "Caesar Cipher", named after Julius Caesar's secret writing to protect messages of military significance. The word “cipher” best describes Franz’s simile and metaphor driven concentrated lyrics delivered to beats by utilizing a metrical, almost spoken word-like flow. Franz Cipher has performed throughout Metro Manila as well as other cities outside the capital sharing the stage with several noted artists in the Filipino Hip-Hop underground scene. Collaborating with prominent artists, Cipher appeared in numerous compilation albums and mixtapes. Originally from the part of Manila which defines Third World, Franz migrated to the US where he continues his passion for music. He has performed in multiple political organization events, community benefit shows, protest rallies and small clubs around Los Angeles. Franz Cipher independently released his debut mixtape, A Cartographic Sketch, in 2006 under his own label Aswang Music.