{{Use British English|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Phildel | caption = Phildel singing at her gig on 6 December 2012 at St Giles in the Fields Church, London | background = solo_singer | birth_name = Phildel Hoi Yee Ng<ref name="www.directcurrentmusic.com">{{cite web|title=Phildel The Disappearance of the girl|url=http://www.directcurrentmusic.com/music-news-new-music/phildel-the-disappearance-of-the-girl.html|publisher=www.directcurrentmusic.com|accessdate=29 April 2013|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130629002302/http://www.directcurrentmusic.com/music-news-new-music/phildel-the-disappearance-of-the-girl.html|archivedate=29 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth year and age|1983}}<ref name=indie29>{{cite news|title=Phildel, singer, 29 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/phildel-singer-29-8553789.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/phildel-singer-29-8553789.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |publisher=www.independent.co.uk| accessdate=1 May 2013|location=London|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> | birth_place = Kensington, London, England<ref name=gaurdian>{{cite news|title=Phildel: 'I learned to visualise the sounds I could hear' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/31/phildel-interview-disappearance-of-girl |publisher=www.guardian.co.uk| accessdate=1 May 2013|location=London|first=Kate|last=Mossman|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> | genre = Pop, alternative pop, neoclassical, dream pop | occupation = Singer-songwriter, musician | instrument = Vocals, piano, keyboards, ukulele | years_active = 2007–present | label = Yee Inventions | website = {{URL|www.phildel.com}} }}
'''Phildel Hoi Yee Ng''', better known mononymously as '''Phildel''', is an English singer, pianist and songwriter from London. Her name is a composite of her Chinese father and Irish mother's names (Philip and Della).
==Biography== Phildel's parents divorced and her mother married an Islamic fundamentalist.<ref name=gaurdian/> Her name, religion, lifestyle and dress-code were all changed by force. All of her personal possessions were seized, and music became a 'forbidden evil' within the household. This meant no radio, no CD player and no piano. She was renamed Zara. For the next decade, Phildel was treated as a servant within her home.
However, Phildel spent lunchtimes with sympathetic music teachers and the school piano, at the girls' day school in Barnet (Queen Elizabeth's School for Girls).<ref name=gaurdian /> The school became a refuge in which she could write and play her own compositions. She eventually ran away from home at age 17 to escape her home-life and follow her dreams.
She soon purchased a second-hand computer and some music demo software packages and began putting together her first home-demo. Within a short while, it attracted the attention of Roger Watson (a former Chrysalis Music MD), and his support of her music led to collaborations with Spike MaClaren at Massive Attack's studio and Sam Dixon (known for his collaborations with many artists including KT Tunstall and Duffy's 'Rockferry' album).<ref name=lastfm>{{cite web|title=Phildel |url=http://www.last.fm/music/Phildel |publisher=www.last.fm| accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
In 2007, she wrote the piano piece "The Kiss" which was used for a worldwide TV advertising campaign for Apple iPad 3.<ref>{{cite web |title=New iPad TV Commercial: "This Good" |url=http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-tv-commercial-this-good/ |website=OS X Daily |accessdate=9 June 2019 |language=en |date=8 March 2012}}</ref> It was also used for a Marks & Spencer's advert. Her music has also been used in adverts for Persil and Omo washing powder.<ref name=gaurdian /> Another of her tracks "Piano B" was used for an Expedia commercial,<ref name=10qa>{{cite web|title=Q&A's : 10 Questions For – Phildel|date=26 November 2012 |url=http://stevomusicman.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/qas-phildel/ |publisher=stevomusicman.wordpress.com | accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> followed by two more high-profile filmic campaigns in France in 2008/2009.<ref name=lastfm /> In 2008, another track, "Everyone's Memory Is Snow" (renamed "A Better World"), was used for the commercial for an insurance company, which Zizou praised.<ref name=lunavis>{{cite web|title=Phildel The Disappearance of the girl|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://lunanavis.blogspirit.com/tag/phildel&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dphildel%2Bqi%2Balbum%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-ContextMenu%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D848 |publisher=lunanavis.blogspirit.com| accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
She said "Four of my tracks have been used in commercials around the world, two of them in the UK. They all came about in different ways, through different individuals, agencies or publishers. But my publisher Warner/Chappell Music have been very proactive in the realm of pitching my music for advertising. I re-invest whatever income I make into top-of-the-range studio equipment and cameras for documenting everything and creating visuals. So, it all goes back into my music."<ref name=10qa /> She was complimented on her "sonic soundscapes" by Trevor Horn. Her music has been cited as an inspiration by Mariah Huehner, author of the ''True Blood'' and ''Angel'' comic books.<ref name=gaurdian /> They have also been used in theatre productions and by celebrity fashion designer Henrietta Ludgate's live shows. She soon returned the favour by wearing Henrietta's dress at a performance at St Pancras Old Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://festivalsfoodoverforties.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/phildel-the-disappearance-of-the-girl-at-st-pancras-old-church/ |title=Phildel: The Disappearance of the Girl at St Pancras Old Church | Gourmet gigs |publisher=Festivalsfoodoverforties.wordpress.com |accessdate=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911071856/http://festivalsfoodoverforties.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/phildel-the-disappearance-of-the-girl-at-st-pancras-old-church/ |archive-date=11 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
During December 2008, Phildel become a Warner/Chappell Music Publishing artist, alongside bands like Radiohead and Goldfrapp.
In the summer of 2010, she performed at the Latitude Festival on the Saturday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Latitude 2010 - Review (Part 3)|url=http://breakingmorewaves.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/|date=21 July 2010|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
She worked at the world-famous Metropolis Recording Studio, to complete her neo-classical album. Called "Qi" Chinese for Energy. This was then followed by the recording of her artist album (for Decca). Her debut album for Decca ''The Disappearance of the Girl'', was released on 4 March 2013.
She appeared on BBC Breakfast show on Thu 21 March 2013, to promote the album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Singer and songwriter Phildel explains how her strict upbringing inspired the music she writes today |date=21 March 2013 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016nlx9 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk | accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
She was invited on 23 May 2013 by BBC Radio Merseyside's Dave Monks to his 'Introducing' show after a recommendation from Stevo, she performed acoustic renditions of "Storm Song" and "Holes in Your Coffin".
In the summer of 2013, she collaborated with Sleepthief in America, on his new album "Mortal Longing". The two tracks in which she appeared are "Dust & Cloud" and "Where The Heart Is".<ref>{{cite web|title=Sleepthief Third Album |url=http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sleepthief-third-album |publisher=indiegogo.com| accessdate=6 August 2013}}</ref>
She then performed at Vancouver Folk Music Festival on 20 July, as part of her USA and Canada tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=36th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival Highlights |url=http://vancouverscape.com/36th-annual-vancouver-folk-music-festival-highlights |publisher=vancouverscape.com| accessdate=6 August 2013}}</ref>
In Nov, she collaborated with Peter S. Beagle (author of The Last Unicorn) on a new track 'Dark Water Down', mixing poetry and music. They then appeared together at a gig at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco, USA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phildel featuring "Dark Water Down" poetry and music by Peter S. Beagle and Phildel and TBA |url=http://www.eventsfy.com/event/phildel-featuring-dark-water-down-poetry-and-music-by-peter-s-beagle-and-phildel-and-tba/san-francisco/Cafe-du-Nord/2013-11-10 |publisher=www.eventsfy.com | accessdate=7 December 2013}}</ref>
She was interviewed by Gareth Lloyd on BBC Three Counties Radio as part of 'BBC Introducing'.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Introducing in Beds, Herts and Bucks |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01cxg31 |publisher=www.bbc.co.uk | accessdate=5 August 2013}}</ref>
She currently lives in the Chilterns, where some of her videos are filmed.<ref name=indie29 /><ref>{{cite web|title=Buckinghamshire artist's new album|work=Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Life|url=http://berksandbucks.greatbritishlife.co.uk/out-about/buckinghamshire_artist_39_s_new_album_1_2006457|publisher=Berksandbucks.greatbritishlife.co.uk|accessdate=1 May 2013|archive-date=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161253/http://berksandbucks.greatbritishlife.co.uk/out-about/buckinghamshire_artist_39_s_new_album_1_2006457|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 4 February 2015 a remastered version of her album ''Qi'' was [https://music.apple.com/gb/album/qi/965013196 released.]
Phildel lives in Brighton and was in relationship with artist and musical collaborator Christophe Young,<ref>{{cite web |title=PHILDEL |url=http://www.girlieaction.com/phildel |website=Girlie Action |accessdate=6 June 2019 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606114042/http://www.girlieaction.com/phildel |url-status=dead }}</ref> then on 24 August 2016 Phildel gave birth to twin boys Dylan and Finn.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.facebook.com/Phildel.Official/photos/a.96886003253.84959.6054003253/10154625189073254/?type=3&theater |title=Ng-Young |publisher=facebook.com}}</ref><ref name="Bates">{{cite web |last1=Scott-Bates |first1=Paul |title=Phildel: Wave Your Flags - album review |url=https://louderthanwar.com/phildel-wave-flags-album-review/ |website=Louder Than War |accessdate=6 June 2019 |date=26 May 2019}}</ref>
In May 2019, she released her third album ''Wave Your Flags'' after 3 years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Phildel's 'Wave Your Flags'{{!}} Emotionally Powerful, Epic, Honest And Melodic |url=https://www.famemagazine.co.uk/phildels-wave-your-flags-emotionally-powerful-epic-honest-and-melodic/ |accessdate=6 June 2019 |work=FMagazine |date=19 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ellison |first1=Adam |title=Album Review: Phildel - Wave Your Flags |url=http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-reviews-music/album-review-phildel-wave-flags/33660/ |accessdate=6 June 2019 |work=Fortitude Magazine |date=17 May 2019 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526230131/http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-reviews-music/album-review-phildel-wave-flags/33660/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 5 February 2021 Phildel released an EP called ''Winterscapes''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/winterscapes-ep/1547842617|title = Winterscapes - EP by PHILDEL|date = 5 February 2021}}</ref>
On 12 January 2024 Phildel released a single called Child of the Meadow.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/phildelofficial/reel/C2CnIBstPQU/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>
On 2 May 2025 Phildel released a single called Wild as Sin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/wild-as-sin-single/1806306822|title = Wild As Sin - Single - Album by PHILDEL|date = May 11, 2025}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Qi''<ref>{{cite web|title=Phildel (Classical & Instrumental)|url=http://www.myspace.com/phildelspiano |publisher=Myspace.com| accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> | * Released: 1 January 2010 * Re-mastered version: 4 February 2015 * Label: Yee Inventions * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''The Disappearance of the Girl'' | * Released: 4 March 2013 * Label: Decca * Format: Digital download, CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Wave Your Flags'' | * Released: 17 May 2019 * Label: Yee Inventions * Format: Digital download, CD |- !scope="row"| ''Into the Woods'' | * Released: 16 February 2024 * Label: Yee Inventions * Format: Digital download, CD |}
===Extended plays=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Details ! scope="col"| Tracks |- ! scope="row"| ''The Cut-Throat EP''<ref name=lunavis /> | * Released: March 2009 * Label: * Format: Digital EP | * The Wolf * Ghost * Holes in Your Coffin * Slow Cloud * Piano B * Switchblade |- ! scope="row"| ''Tales from the Moonsea'' | * Released: November 2010 * Label: Warner/Chappell Music * Format: Digital EP | * Storm Song * Union Stone * Beside You |- ! scope="row"| ''The Glass Ghost''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Phildel.Official |title=Phildel |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=23 August 2014}}</ref> | * Released: November 2013 * Label: Decca * Format: Digital EP, CD | * Heaven: An Introduction * Glass Ghost * Comfort Me * Porcelain * Celestial * Comfort Me (Delerium remix) |- ! scope="row"| ''Ritual Black'' | * Released: July 2016 * Label: Yee Inventions * Format: Digital EP, Patreon Exclusive | * Ritual Black * For Whom the Fires Burn * For Whom the Fires Burn (Aethervox Master) * Ferris Wheel (DEMO) |}
===Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Album |- | 2012 ! scope="row"| "The Kiss" | ''Qi'' |- | rowspan=2| 2013 ! scope="row"| "Storm Song" | ''The Disappearance of the Girl'' |- ! scope="row"| "Comfort Me" | ''The Glass Ghost'' |- | rowspan=1| 2018 ! scope="row"| "The Deep" | rowspan=4| ''Wave Your Flags'' |- | rowspan=3| 2019 ! scope="row"| "Electric Heights" |- ! scope="row"| "Glide Dog" |- ! scope="row"| "Oh Love" |- | rowspan=1| 2024 ! scope="row"| "Child of the Meadow" | ''Into the Woods'' |- | rowspan=1| 2025 ! scope="row"| "Wild As Sin" | ''Wild as Sin'' |}
===Collaborations=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Artist ! scope="col"| Album |- | 2014 ! scope="row"| "Dust & Cloud" | rowspan="2"| Sleepthief | rowspan="2"| ''Mortal Longing'' (2018) |- | rowspan="3"| 2016 ! scope="row"| "Where the Heart Is" |- ! scope="row"| "Ritual"<ref>{{cite web|title=Ritual by Delerium (feat. Phildel)|url=https://metropolisrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ritual|publisher=metropolisrecords.bandcamp.com|accessdate=19 March 2017}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| Delerium | rowspan="2"| ''Mythologie'' (2016) |- ! scope="row"| "Zero" |- | 2023 ! scope="row"| "Coast to Coast"<ref>{{cite web|title=Coast to Coast by Delerium (feat. Phildel)|url=https://delerium-official.bandcamp.com/track/coast-to-coast-feat-phildel|publisher=delerium-official.bandcamp.com|accessdate=10 July 2024}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| Delerium | rowspan="2"| ''Signs'' (2023) |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.phildel.com Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828133107/http://phildel.com/ |date=28 August 2013 }} *[http://uk.myspace.com/phildel Phildel's Official Myspace page]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} *[http://titel-kulturmagazin.net/2016/01/16/inspired-by-imagination-driven-by-fantasy-an-interview-with-phildel Phildel in TITEL kulturmagazin]
{{Authority control}}
Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:Singers from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Category:People from Kensington Category:English people of Chinese descent Category:English women singer-songwriters Category:English singer-songwriters Category:British Asian musicians Category:Decca Records artists Category:21st-century English women singers Category:21st-century English singers