Neil Halstead (born 7 October 1970 in Luton, England[citation needed]) is a songwriter and musician. He was a founding member of Slowdive, a band often associated with the shoegazer musical genre. Following the disbanding of Slowdive, Halstead along with some other members of Slowdive (including longtime friend and musical collaborator Rachel Goswell) formed Mojave 3. Mojave 3 are stylistically distinct from Slowdive and may be regarded as British country/folk. Halstead is the principal singer and songwriter in Mojave 3 and also plays guitar.
In 2002, 4AD released his debut solo album, Sleeping on Roads. Following his departure from 4AD, a second solo album, Oh! Mighty Engine was released by Brushfire Records on July 29, 2008. He has said of his solo work that it's "really good doing something on my own" having been in Slowdive then Mojave 3 since he was 17 years old.