Exploring Musical Ambitions: Philip Selway's Journey from Radiohead to Solo Artist
Drummer Philip Selway, known for his work with Radiohead, released his first solo album, "Familial," in 2010 after putting his solo ambitions on hold to focus on the band's career. Influenced by bands like King Crimson, Pink Floyd, and Can, Selway reflected on his musical journey and the impact of prog music on his upbringing and drumming style.
Growing up with two older sisters who listened to a variety of music, including King Crimson and Pink Floyd, Selway initially favored post-punk and new wave music. Despite rejecting prog music during his formative years, elements of bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd have influenced Radiohead's music, showcasing a connection to musical ambition and soundscapes.
Selway's drumming style evolved with the discovery of bands like Can, Faust, and Neu!, incorporating rhythmic patterns and textures into Radiohead's music, particularly from the album "Kid A" onwards. His approach to drumming as a singer-songwriter focuses on how drums fit into the songwriting process, creating a rhythmic texture that complements the overall sound of the song.
While Radiohead has been a collaborative effort, Selway always had a desire to develop his songwriting and pursue a solo career. He acknowledged the importance of focusing on drumming for Radiohead's success but also recognized the individual musical voices and output of each band member, leading to diverse solo projects and collaborations outside of the band.
Selway's debut solo album, "Familial," released in 2010, marked a significant milestone in his musical journey, allowing him to explore his own voice as a solo artist. Despite wishing he had started making solo albums earlier, Selway embraced the learning curve and growth that came with launching his solo career, leading to a natural progression in his musical development.
Looking ahead, Selway is already envisioning his next solo album, fueled by new ideas and songs that are starting to take shape in his mind. While initially considering his solo work as a trilogy of records, he now looks forward to continuing his solo career and exploring new musical experiences, including soundtrack work and collaborations with other artists.