Phem performing at the Emo's Austin in Austin, Texas

Phem performing during the A Night Out On Earth Tour at the Emo's Austin in Austin, Texas on November 23, 2021. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Los Angeles-based phem is in simplest terms an enigma. Her opaque missives capture the chaos of the years before releasing songs that would end up accruing millions of plays, trying to find a working artistic compass.

Before her recent success, phem spent a year living between her car and her studio space in the Crenshaw District of LA. Most of her nights were full of isolation and fear. Richter scale bass from other tenants often interrupted her sleep. These surroundings left their own stain, adding to the liminal and ethereal float of her songs. During this period, she attempted to understand the fluidity of both her creativity and sexuality. Constant bouts of disconnect and alienation led her to bury herself in music, meditation, and prayer. Inside the claustrophobic window-less studio room, the answers started to slowly come, a splintered psyched re-configured itself through the discovery of the gifts of solitude.

For phem, this self-discovery has paid off. Over the past couple of years, she has both been featured on and co-wrote songs with a slew of artists including G-Eazy, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Tracy, and Iann Dior. She has toured the world supporting artists such as Lil Xan and Grandson. phem has also become a regular contributor in John Feldmann’s camp, writing a song on The Used’s Heartwork and most recently Jxdn’s single “So What”.

A great musician with a unique voice and a solid rhythm and rhyme scheme. Would recommend to anyone that enjoys rap music.

I never know what to expect from Phem, but its always extremely satisfying. This music is unique and awesome!

My playlist is now flooding with most of her songs now, beautiful voice, person, and artist. she doesn't disappoint! Go see her now!

Setlist for the show at the Emo's Austin