SYML

SYML is the solo project of Seattle artist Brian Fennell. The name, Welsh for “simple,” reflects his music’s focus on the instincts that guide us to places of sanctuary, whether physical or emotional.

Fennell’s latest release, Nobody Lives Here, showcases his most refined songwriting to date. Written, recorded, and produced by Fennell and longtime collaborator Brian Eichelberger, the album explores life’s contradictions and fleeting moments. It embraces the coexistence of loss and connection, expressed through melody, lyrics, and instruments like slide guitar and cello. Fennell’s sense of humanity serves as his artistic compass. He describes his creative process as allowing himself to both inflict and experience emotional depth, saying, “If the dark inspires the good, that’s a good thing to be honest about.”

His 2019 self-titled debut album includes the multi-platinum hit “Where’s My Love” and the Gold-certified fan favorite “Girl.” In 2023, he released his sophomore album, The Day My Father Died, which NPR described as “euphoric.” Recorded at Studio X with renowned producer Phil Ek, the album features collaborations with Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Lucius, Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, and Charlotte Lawrence. SYML’s music has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows and was featured by Lana Del Rey on the track “Paris, TX” from her Grammy-nominated 2023 album.

With over four billion streams, the multi-platinum artist confronts themes of grief, loss, mortality, and the passage of time with clarity and harmony.

In 2024, SYML launched the imprint FIN. Recordings in partnership with his label, Nettwerk Music Group, and management team, Good Harbor Music.