Joel RL Phelps (born 1966) is an American musician and songwriter originally from Montana, known for his work with the indie rock bands Silkworm and The Downer Trio.

[1] Phelps has played with Pacific Northwest bands such as Ein Heit, which he joined in high school, and The Wilma Pool.

[4][5] Phelps left Silkworm in 1994 in the middle of a tour, and recorded an album in 1995 with members of other bands such as Jessamine, Citizens' Utilities, and the Deflowers.

[6] He primarily performed with a trio which was himself, Bill Herzog (Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Earth, Sunn O)))), and Robert Mercer (Treasure State).

The band, known as The Downer Trio shares instrumentation with Phelps primarily on vocals and guitar, Robert Mercer on bass, and William Herzog on drums.