Joel RL Phelps is musician and songwriter originally from Montana, now living in Vancouver, known for his work with the indie rock bands Silkworm and The Downer Trio. He started playing music in around 1982, co-founding a regionally infamous post-punk group, Ein Heit, in Missoula in 1983, and then formed rock ‘n’ roll ensemble Silkworm in 1988. After 3 LPs and many national tours, Phelps left Silkworm in 1994. Silkworm, having staked a claim as one of the U.S.’s most important bands, has reunited with Joel in 2025/26 to play several US dates. Joel struck out on his own in 1995 forming his own group, The Downer Trio, featuring Seattle residents William Herzog (formerly of Citizen's Utilities, Neko Case, Sunn O))),and Earth) and Robert Mercer (Zebra Hunt, Fallen Oaks), musicians with a similar minimal sensibility. With five albums, two EP’s and two singles and some compilation appearances to their collective credit, the group has assembled an accomplished and formidable body of work: no matter what the self-effacing Phelps might tell you to the contrary.