Phaeleh

Phaeleh is the recording name of Matt Preston, a British electronic producer from Marlborough, United Kingdom, who is based in Bristol. He is pronounced “Fella”. Since his debut release in 2008, he has built a style of cinematic electronic music that moves between dubstep, garage, electronica and house.

Style and background

His music is described as downbeat and emotionally direct, with a strong use of sub-bass and an interest in atmospheric, filmic arrangements. It draws on Bristol’s electronic heritage, with influences associated with Massive Attack, Smith & Mighty and Portishead, while also reflecting wider references such as Philip Glass and Boards of Canada. His work sits within ambient, electronic and electronica, and also connects with dubstep and grime-adjacent sounds.

Releases and recognition

Phaeleh releases two long-player albums on Afterglo Records, Fallen Light and The Cold In You, both of which help establish his reputation. His second album proper, Tides, continues this approach with more tightly structured songwriting and a melancholy tone. It features vocals from Jess Mills, Soundmouse, and Augustus Ghost, who is one half of Snow Ghosts with Throwing Snow.

His catalogue generates substantial online attention, with Fallen Light and The Cold In You selling over 200,000 downloads and his videos attracting more than 2 million monthly views on YouTube. He also has a strong following on social media and streaming platforms, and receives airplay on BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, 1Xtra, Kiss and Rinse FM.

Remixes and collaborations

Phaeleh is also known as a remixer, working on music by Rudimental, Ludovico Einaudi, Charli XCX and Niki & The Dove. He collaborates with vocalists on his own recordings and keeps a connection to the live circuit through performances with featured guest artists.