Philip Selway To Release Debut Solo Album This Summer

Falling in line with band-mates Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, Philip Selway is set to release to his first solo album, Familial, August 31 on Nonesuch Records. In Radiohead, Selway provides the infectious beats that accompany Yorke’s caustic song writing. For his own album however, he’s stepped out from behind the drum kit, picked up a guitar and is singing his way to the top of everyone’s most anticipated album list.

The album started taking shape in 2008 when Selway teamed up with the likes of Johnny Marr, Lisa Germano, former Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, members of Wilco, Eddie Vedder, and fellow Radiohead member Ed O’Brien to revive their 2001 collective work titled 7 Worlds Collide, which was created to Neil Finn. Unlike the first time around, the singing/songwriting responsibilities were divided between the different artists.

While recording at Finn’s studio, Selway recorded “The Ties That Bind Us”—one of the tracks on his new album and his debut as a lead vocalist. “The Witching Hour”—another song from Familial—was recorded around the same time as the 7WC project. When Selway returned home he contacted Germano, Steinberg and Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche, and the group began recording what is now Familial.

It’s safe to say that this album will be better than most break-off solo albums. Just look at the work Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke have put out by themselves. Plus, when you mix a bunch of outstanding artists together from different musical backgrounds that outcome is more often than not remarkable.