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A Brief Conversation with pheel. ahead of his Cervantes Headlining Show

From all.Lo’s nascient roots through today, pheel. has been an indelible and instantly recognizable cast member, both on the stage and behind the scenes. Watching from our vantage point over the years we’ve worked together, it’s been extremely gratifying to watch the groundswell of support that has held steadfast for Phil Gallo’s creative exploits. This weekend, he’ll be rocking his first headlining performance at the venerable Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom on December 13th, and he’s primed the show with his latest 1-2 punch, the you cant dub echo ur way outta this one. double-sided release. In anticipation of both, The Rust had the opportunity to check out the EP ahead of schedule, as well as sit down for a quick chat with Phil, as well as commentary from his longtime friend and collaborative partner Griffin Berkins, known for his live analog video synthesis under the Spectrum one moniker.

From all.Lo’s nascient roots through today, pheel. has been an indelible and instantly recognizable cast member, both on the stage and behind the scenes. Watching from our vantage point over the years we’ve worked together, it’s been extremely gratifying to watch the groundswell of support that has held steadfast for Phil Gallo’s creative exploits. This weekend, he’ll be rocking his first headlining performance at the venerable Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom on December 13th, and he’s primed the show with his latest 1-2 punch, the you cant dub echo ur way outta this one. double-sided release. In anticipation of both, The Rust had the opportunity to check out the EP ahead of schedule, as well as sit down for a quick chat with Phil, as well as commentary from his longtime friend and collaborative partner Griffin Berkins, known for his live analog video synthesis under the Spectrum one moniker.

Both tracks showcase the New York–raised producer’s mastery at blending stripped-down, hard-hitting drum patterns — evocative of the boom-bap era — with lush, high-fidelity sound design. The result is a potent brew, alive with swagger and rich in style. On “u can’t dub echo ur way outta this one.”, pheel. brings his signature scratching to center stage for the first time on one of his studio tracks. Several well-placed ad-libs cut in just before waves of pulsating low end, giving listeners a vivid taste of what it’s like to see him perform live. The EP’s second track, “Baltimore Chop,” is a collaboration with another longtime friend and fellow all:Lo co-founder, Thought Process. Together, they weave their distinct sonic languages into a tune that feels expansive, purposeful, and built to shake any sound system.

Speaking of sound systems, while we’re extraordinarily excited to see the action up close, we couldn’t pass up the chance to glean some extra info while we had the chance with a brief catch up between us and some of our favorite associates:

The Rust: You’ve played a ton of great venues this year. What’s it been like getting big reactions in new cities, and how has that shaped the set you’re bringing to Denver?

Phil: We’ve really been blessed to be able to bring our sounds to so many markets all over the states the last few years. Each set feels like a little experiment to see what tunes and what styles make each city react the most. Denver is always a place where I try to show out for the most. It’s everyone's biggest market, and where I get the most creative freedom to curate a show with acts I really love. and think everyone should check out if they haven't already.


The Rust: Denver always shows up for you. How has the "hometown" support felt, and how does it influence the set you plan to play here?

Phil: Denver does always show up. I do feel a crazy amount of support in this town. I always try to have a handful of brand new ideas for these sets. There’s some stuff I haven't played my last couple sets to save for this one. I always like some type of journey set so I can play all the different styles so everyone can get something they enjoy out of my discography 


The Rust: For anyone catching a Pheel set for the first time, what should they look forward to—whether that’s opening acts, visual artists, the venue vibe, or any special collabs?

Phil:  The thing I’m most excited about for this show is what Griff and I have planned for the stage design. I think this is going to be our best one yet. Griff's modular visuals really go hand in hand with my music. I’m excited to see what he pulls out for this one. Every artist on this bill and the way we have the run of the show, I think will be a nice roller coaster of sounds and emotions throughout the show. Lots of different tastes combined into one.


The Rust: What’s been the most exciting part of putting together this Denver event?

Phil: To me, I think it’s the support acts we can put on. This line-up went through so many different ideas. I’m so stoked we got it this way. These are all acts I think are doing something really cool. I can’t wait to hear everyone’s sets and to see what all the Vj’s do to light this one up


The Rust: What can fans expect from you in 2026?

Phil: We have a couple mini tour ideas in the works. Also my 2nd album is about 70% done. Once this show is wrapped up, I can shift focus into getting that out there


The Rust: What kind of visuals are you [Spectrum One] going to showcase? 

Spectrum One: I will be sharing a fully integrated Analog Modular video synthesis system, bridging the worlds of analog and digital  expanding waveforms of color through frequency and vibration, capturing the energy in the room and breathing it back to the audience as a sort of cosmic feedback.  

 

The Rust: What are the primary influences for your style? Where do you find inspiration?

Spectrum One: Observing the shades of the sky shift when the sun is setting and the moon is rising , expanding every horizon into the next, where colors blend and clouds morph together. I draw a big influence from nature and the cycles and patterns she expresses. Infusing these landscapes with modular synthesis, opening and connecting to different vibrations as shapes juxtapose each other, peeling back the layers.  Spectrum one is not this or that , rather an isness , like the transparent fabric between. In observation of the wave. I am also inspired by the collaborative nature of circuits and how they communicate across systems-emulating patterns existing in nature


The Rust: Where’s your head been while working with Phil on the upcoming show?

Spectrum One: After 8 years of working with Phil, we have found a natural flow where his trust and encouragement has allowed me to fully embrace my process to tap in and unfold these organic expressions and deliver a truly translatable experience. We both know what needs to be done, and share a complimentary approach to accomplishing these goals and seeing the progress in real time. Also with patience. From album work to live visual performance and stage design to music production, my collaborations with Phil have been some of the most fun and fulfilling and I am even more excited to share what we have in the works!

With just a few days left before the Saturday blowout, and a supporting aural and visual cast that includes Hoodie Weather, Kaipora, Intellects, Slowform, Firecat, and Kenetiphos, make sure you grab tickets to the show before you miss out on the revelry, and we’ll see you on the other side at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom!

FOLLOW pheel.: Soundcloud / Bandcamp / Spotify





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