Meet the Artist: Phaeleh

image via Facebook/Phaeleh

Phaeleh, 30
DJ and Producer
Bristol, United Kingdom

Phaleh has been carving a niche for himself for quite sometime. He's a well versed artist that produces everything from dubstep-realted beats, to deep and soulful trance-like sounds. Not only does he create his own sounds, but he also co-runs the label Urban Scrumping. Which is no easy feat, on top of that he also is in the process of finishing up his next album. Read on as Phaeleh brings us into his world of music. 

How did you first get introduced to music? What made you gravitate to dubstep?

I just grew up with a lot of music around me and played a few instruments as a kid before getting more serious about music later on. I played in loads of bands as a teenager but also made my own stuff on an ancient copy of Cubase my teacher at school gave me. That's what got me into production. I've always made loads of styles, but it was actually the more breakstep sound which interested me rather than the halfstep stuff, I just loved the creative freedom people had back then with their tunes and sets. I think the scene is a lot more prescriptive these days.

You collaborated with Soundmouse for quite a few tracks a couple of years ago. What was it like working with her, and how is it different from working solo? Are there any plans for collaborations with other artists in the future?

Well I tend to separate features and collaborations, all the tracks Soundmouse has sung on were finished before she heard them so the creative process was pretty normal, where as production work with VVV or Clubroot for example was a shared creative experience. Lu (Soundmouse) did a great job all those tracks though and think it was more about her coming up with stuff which complemented what was already there. I've worked with 6 singers recently, though not sure what's going to end up on the album yet so I'll sit tight on that info for now.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you start to write/produce music? Describe your creative process.

100% from my mood and general feeling. I have to be feeling something to write or else you're essentially painting by numbers and going through the motions. Basic tracks like "Afterglow" or "The Cold In You" were written in one sitting, and then just tidied up a bit, whereas stuff like "In The Twilight" or "Should Be True" will have the basics down in the original all night session, but then I'll spend a while adding textures and subtle noises to help bring all the elements together and hopefully create a coherent sound.

What has been your favorite performance/tour so far? Why?

That's always a tricky one to remember as the gigs all tend to merge into one in my head, but Outlook in 2011 was probably my favourite show I've ever done, just because I wasn't expecting a great turn out and there ended up being a load of people who were genuinely connecting with the music, and it was a very emotional experience.

What's on your iPod at the moment?

The tunes on my phone are probably the same I was listening to 10 years ago to be fair. Lots of Brian Eno and Philip Glass alongside Prodigy Experience, old LTJ Bukem mixes. I'm not particularly familiar with much music released since I was a teenager.

How would you describe the music scene in Bristol in comparison to other major cities or music capitals?

It's a very diverse place musically, but seems to be something which brings people together. You often see a lot of promoters working together and it generally seems to be good vibes. It's hard for me to say, as haven't properly been out in Bristol since about 2008.

Top 3 places to visit in Bristol?

The view from Cabot Tower is definitely worth seeing so that would be one, maybe the suspension bridge is worth a look too. East Street in Bedminster is always an entertaining experience too.

A phrase you use too often:

I use the words "lush" and "mincey" too much I'm told, but I can't think of any specific phrases off the top of my head.

What’s the best advice you've been given?

Probably to never to rely on anyone but yourself.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

The first instrument I attempted to play as a child was the Euphonium. I couldn't read music at that point, so it was a bit of a fail in all honesty.

If tomorrow was your last day on this earth what are the top five things you would do?

I'd probably try and finish off my album first, as I'd be annoyed if no one got to hear the tunes, then I'd catch up with some people I care about. Probably get an epic curry, then have a nice cup of tea and chill. Maybe one final game of Mario Kart on the N64.

You can check out Phaeleh on Soundcloud,  Facebook and Twitter.