Phil Selway
Encyclopedia
Philip James "Phil" "The Graf" Selway (born 23 May 1967) is an English
musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer
of English rock group Radiohead
. He also drums and provides backing vocals, along with occasional guitar
and lead vocals, for 7 Worlds Collide
. Selway is well-known for his precision and proficiency in various styles and unusual time signatures, being named the 26th greatest drummer of all time by Gigwise in 2008. He has worked with Samaritans
since 1991.
Selway released his debut solo album, Familial
, on 30 August 2010.
). Before that he had studied maths alongside Emma Huzzey's uncle and worked for various touring musicians and worked as an English
teacher as well. In the very early '90s, Selway left Radiohead's early lineup (then called Shindig or On a Friday) to move to Ireland, and only returned to the band when a relationship fell apart.
His timing and varied drumming helps to give the band its sound. Whereas his technique on earlier albums such as Pablo Honey
and The Bends
corresponded to the classic rock feel of the band's original style, the more experimental and atmospheric feel of their more recent work has been complemented by Selway's transition to a more solid, repetitive technique, often featuring a motorik
sound. One of his best performances is in the 2003 live Glastonbury
festival performance of the song Idioteque
, in which his improvisation and execution on the track received great acclaim.
Apart from his regular band duties, Selway also occasionally sings backing vocals
during live performances, especially notable on "There There
", "2+2=5
", "I Will" and "Go to Sleep
". Since the album Kid A
, he has also contributed drum machine
programming.
Selway has studied drums in London at Drumtech under the tutelage of Francis Seriau along with fellow Radiohead member Ed O'Brien
.
as a listening volunteer since 1991. He performed with the band Dive Dive
in March 2005 and appeared in the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as a member of the band "The Weird Sisters" along with Radiohead bandmate Jonny Greenwood
and Pulp
frontman Jarvis Cocker
.
Selway has also toured and recorded with Neil Finn
as part of the 7 Worlds Collide project. He drummed on their eponymous 2001 live album
, and provides drums, guitar and occasional lead vocals on their 2009 studio album, The Sun Came Out
, where he also penned two tracks.
He appears on two tracks - "Rest on the Rock" and "Out of Light" - on the album, Before the Ruin
, by Roddy Woomble
, Kris Drever
and John McCusker
.
In 2009 Selway played on guitarist Martin Simpson's studio album True Stories.
Selway released his debut solo album, Familial
, on 30 August 2010. The album features Selway on guitar and vocals, along with Wilco members Glenn Kotche
and Pat Sansone
as well as fellow 7 Worlds Collide
artists Lisa Germano
and Sebastian Steinberg
. He announced a solo tour on 4 February 2011.
, Berkshire
(now Oxfordshire
, England
). He and his wife Cait have three children: Leo, Jamie, and Patrick (to whom Kid A
, Amnesiac
, and Hail to the Thief
were dedicated, respectively).
His mother Thea died during a Radiohead tour in May 2006. The band cancelled one of their dates in Amsterdam
, so that Selway could carry out his family duties:
The band later returned to Amsterdam in August to play the missed show. The discbox and CD release of In Rainbows
mentions a dedication to Thea Selway.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
of English rock group Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
. He also drums and provides backing vocals, along with occasional guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and lead vocals, for 7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
. Selway is well-known for his precision and proficiency in various styles and unusual time signatures, being named the 26th greatest drummer of all time by Gigwise in 2008. He has worked with Samaritans
Samaritans (charity)
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline. The name comes from the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, though the organisation...
since 1991.
Selway released his debut solo album, Familial
Familial (album)
Familial is the debut solo studio album by English musician Philip Selway, best known as the drummer of alternative rock band Radiohead. It was released on 30 August 2010 in the United Kingdom...
, on 30 August 2010.
Radiohead
Before Radiohead became successful, Selway studied Literature, Life and Thought (English and History) at Liverpool Polytechnic's CF Mott Campus near Prescot (prior to it being renamed Liverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University is a British 'modern' university located in the city of Liverpool, England. The university is named after John Moores and was previously called Liverpool Mechanics' School of Arts and later Liverpool Polytechnic before gaining university status in 1992, thus...
). Before that he had studied maths alongside Emma Huzzey's uncle and worked for various touring musicians and worked as an English
English studies
English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
teacher as well. In the very early '90s, Selway left Radiohead's early lineup (then called Shindig or On a Friday) to move to Ireland, and only returned to the band when a relationship fell apart.
His timing and varied drumming helps to give the band its sound. Whereas his technique on earlier albums such as Pablo Honey
Pablo Honey
Pablo Honey is the debut studio album by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released in February 1993. The album was produced by Sean Slade and Paul Q. Kolderie and was recorded at Chipping Norton Studio and Courtyard Studio, Oxfordshire from September to November 1992...
and The Bends
The Bends
The Bends is the second studio album by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released on 13 March 1995 by Parlophone. The Bends was produced by John Leckie at EMI's studios in London, and engineered by Nigel Godrich, who would go on to produce all future albums by the band...
corresponded to the classic rock feel of the band's original style, the more experimental and atmospheric feel of their more recent work has been complemented by Selway's transition to a more solid, repetitive technique, often featuring a motorik
Motorik
Motorik is a term coined by music journalists to describe the 4/4 beat often used by "Krautrock" bands such as Neu! and Kraftwerk...
sound. One of his best performances is in the 2003 live Glastonbury
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is a small town in Somerset, England, situated at a dry point on the low lying Somerset Levels, south of Bristol. The town, which is in the Mendip district, had a population of 8,784 in the 2001 census...
festival performance of the song Idioteque
Idioteque
"Idioteque" is the eighth track from the British rock band Radiohead's 2000 album Kid A. It was seen as a departure for the rock band, as the song is driven by electronic beats. The song has been played at nearly every concert since 2000...
, in which his improvisation and execution on the track received great acclaim.
Apart from his regular band duties, Selway also occasionally sings backing vocals
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
during live performances, especially notable on "There There
There there
"There there." is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, featured on their album Hail to the Thief and released prior to the album as its first single. "There There" reached number four in the UK Singles Chart and number one in Canada...
", "2+2=5
2 + 2 = 5 (song)
"2 + 2 = 5" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released as the third and final single from their sixth album Hail to the Thief in 2003. The song reached number 15 on the United Kingdom singles chart.-Lyrics and background:...
", "I Will" and "Go to Sleep
Go to Sleep
"Go to Sleep" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released as the second single from their sixth album Hail to the Thief in 2003. The song has an initial time signature of 4/4, which alternates with 6/8 time throughout the duration of the song. The alternate title for the song as listed...
". Since the album Kid A
Kid A
Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in October 2000 by the Parlophone label. A commercial success worldwide, Kid A went platinum in its first week of release in the United Kingdom. Despite the lack of an official single or music video as publicity, Kid A...
, he has also contributed drum machine
Drum machine
A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums or other percussion instruments. They are used in a variety of musical genres, not just purely electronic music...
programming.
Selway has studied drums in London at Drumtech under the tutelage of Francis Seriau along with fellow Radiohead member Ed O'Brien
Ed O'Brien
Edward John O'Brien is an English musician, songwriter and guitarist for the rock band Radiohead. He is also responsible for harmony vocals during live concerts and on many tracks from the band's albums...
.
Work outside of Radiohead
Selway has been associated with emotional support group SamaritansSamaritans (charity)
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline. The name comes from the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, though the organisation...
as a listening volunteer since 1991. He performed with the band Dive Dive
Dive Dive
Dive Dive are a British rock band, composed of Jamie Stuart , Ben Lloyd , Nigel Powell and Tarrant Anderson...
in March 2005 and appeared in the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as a member of the band "The Weird Sisters" along with Radiohead bandmate Jonny Greenwood
Jonny Greenwood
Jonathan Richard Guy "Jonny" Greenwood is an English musician and composer, best known as a member of the English rock band Radiohead. Greenwood is a multi-instrumentalist, but serves mainly as lead guitarist and keyboard player. In addition to guitar and keyboard, he plays viola, harmonica,...
and Pulp
Pulp (band)
Pulp are an English alternative rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. Their lineup consists of Jarvis Cocker , Russell Senior , Candida Doyle , Mark Webber , Steve Mackey and Nick Banks ....
frontman Jarvis Cocker
Jarvis Cocker
Jarvis Branson Cocker is an English musician and frontman for the band Pulp. Through his work with the band, Cocker became a figurehead of the Britpop movement of the mid-1990s. Following Pulp's hiatus Cocker has led a successful solo career...
.
Selway has also toured and recorded with Neil Finn
Neil Finn
Neil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...
as part of the 7 Worlds Collide project. He drummed on their eponymous 2001 live album
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
, and provides drums, guitar and occasional lead vocals on their 2009 studio album, The Sun Came Out
The Sun Came Out
The Sun Came Out is a charity studio album released on 31 August 2009 by New Zealand singer/songwriter Neil Finn for the benefit of Oxfam. The album was recorded at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios and is a follow up to the 7 Worlds Collide live album of 2001...
, where he also penned two tracks.
He appears on two tracks - "Rest on the Rock" and "Out of Light" - on the album, Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin is a studio album by Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble, released 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at #156 and the Scottish Albums chart at #45...
, by Roddy Woomble
Roddy Woomble
Roderick "Roddy" Woomble is the lead singer of Scottish rock band, Idlewild and a solo contemporary folk musician. To date, Woomble has released six full-length studio albums with Idlewild, and two solo albums, My Secret is My Silence and The Impossible Song & Other Songs...
, Kris Drever
Kris Drever
Kris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
and John McCusker
John McCusker
John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
.
In 2009 Selway played on guitarist Martin Simpson's studio album True Stories.
Selway released his debut solo album, Familial
Familial (album)
Familial is the debut solo studio album by English musician Philip Selway, best known as the drummer of alternative rock band Radiohead. It was released on 30 August 2010 in the United Kingdom...
, on 30 August 2010. The album features Selway on guitar and vocals, along with Wilco members Glenn Kotche
Glenn Kotche
Glenn Kotche is an American drummer and composer, best known for his involvement in the band Wilco. He was named the 41st greatest drummer of all time by Gigwise in 2008.Prior to working with Wilco, Kotche released a four-track album...
and Pat Sansone
Pat Sansone
Pat Sansone is a multi-instrumentalist in the rock bands Wilco and The Autumn Defense.Sansone was born in Meridian, Mississippi...
as well as fellow 7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
artists Lisa Germano
Lisa Germano
Lisa Germano is an American singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has released seven albums featuring her often-hushed vocal style, confessional lyrics, and distinctive violin. Her 1994 album Geek the Girl received widespread critical acclaim, including being featured as a top album of...
and Sebastian Steinberg
Sebastian Steinberg
Sebastian Steinberg is an American bass player, best known for his work in the band Soul Coughing.- Biography :Steinberg played with Soul Coughing throughout the band's entire history, from 1992–2000. He also recorded and performed with guitarist Marc Ribot and appeared on William Shatner's 2004...
. He announced a solo tour on 4 February 2011.
Personal life
Selway was born in AbingdonAbingdon, Oxfordshire
Abingdon or archaically Abingdon-on-Thames is a market town and civil parish in Oxfordshire, England. It is the seat of the Vale of White Horse district. Previously the county town of Berkshire, Abingdon is one of several places that claim to be Britain's oldest continuously occupied town, with...
, Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
(now Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is a county in the South East region of England, bordering on Warwickshire and Northamptonshire , Buckinghamshire , Berkshire , Wiltshire and Gloucestershire ....
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
). He and his wife Cait have three children: Leo, Jamie, and Patrick (to whom Kid A
Kid A
Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in October 2000 by the Parlophone label. A commercial success worldwide, Kid A went platinum in its first week of release in the United Kingdom. Despite the lack of an official single or music video as publicity, Kid A...
, Amnesiac
Amnesiac
Amnesiac was generally well-received by critics. It was also ranked as one of the best albums of the year by several publications. The Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll ranked it number 6 on their top 10 albums of the year. Alternative Press declared it the #1 album of the year...
, and Hail to the Thief
Hail to the Thief
Hail to the Thief is the sixth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in June 2003 through Parlophone Records. After two Radiohead albums that featured heavily processed vocals, less guitar, and strong influence from experimental electronica and jazz, Hail to the Thief was seen...
were dedicated, respectively).
His mother Thea died during a Radiohead tour in May 2006. The band cancelled one of their dates in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, so that Selway could carry out his family duties:
Just wanted to say sorry to the people who were due to come to our show in Amsterdam last night, particularly those who made wasted journeys. My mum died suddenly in the early hours of yesterday morning and so I just wanted to be at home with my family. Mum was a big Radiohead fan, and was very proud of all we've done as a band. I love and miss her very much.
The band later returned to Amsterdam in August to play the missed show. The discbox and CD release of In Rainbows
In Rainbows
In Rainbows is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was first released on 10 October 2007 as a digital download self-released, that customers could order for whatever price they saw fit, followed by a standard CD release in most countries during the last week of 2007. The...
mentions a dedication to Thea Selway.
Discography
- FamilialFamilial (album)Familial is the debut solo studio album by English musician Philip Selway, best known as the drummer of alternative rock band Radiohead. It was released on 30 August 2010 in the United Kingdom...
(2010) - Running Blind EPRunning Blind EPRunning Blind EP is the second solo release by English musician Phil Selway, best known as the drummer of alternative rock band Radiohead. It was released on 25 July 2011 in the United Kingdom and 30 August 2010 in the United States....
(2011)