In this interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up and coming stars on the planet.        

This time we speak with the Seattle-based songwriter, musician and producer SYML.

SYML stepped into 2019 with his new EP, Wildfire; a collection of five songs that explore various styles, such as the warm, organic textures of ‘Where’s My Love’ contrasting with the experimental electronics of ‘WDWGILY’. While we first encountered Brian Fennell through a heartfelt and sparkling cover of Neil Young’s classic song ‘Harvest Moon’ back at the beginning of 2018, it was only recently that Fennell reappeared on our radar, and this time with his divinely produced original work; firstly ‘The Bird’ and then a gripping music video for the aforementioned ‘Where’s My Love’. Through his music, we’ve discovered the artist’s connection to Wales, explored the meaning of identity, felt the love of a new father, and experienced the austere imagery of a wildfire. All of this and more, we explore in our conversation with the musician known as SYML below.

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TMR: The first time the name SYML appeared on TMR was alongside a cover of Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon'. Is he one of your favourite songwriters? And who else do you hold to high esteem in the field?

Neil Young is an amazing writer and I absolutely love the simplicity of ‘Harvest Moon’. I confess to not knowing enough of the breadth of his records to claim him as a favorite. I think Tom Petty, Paul Simon, and Jeff Buckley will be forever remembered as legendary songwriters.

TMR: Is it true that you wrote your first song as a teenager to cope with the death of a school friend. Do you typically use songwriting as a kind of catharsis?

That is true. I didn’t know her well, but I grew up in a small community and her passing had a profound effect on all of us. Attempting to write a song felt like a very normal way to try and process such a tragedy, even though it was new to me. To this day I find songwriting to be the best kind of catharsis.

TMR: Since those early forays into songwriting, you've been involved in other projects, so what encouraged you to take the leap into a solo effort?

I’ve always enjoyed collaborating, but I think that you need to spend a lot of time alone to be able to contribute something valuable in a collaborative effort. I love to be alone for days in the studio. SYML came out of one of those lonely stretches. I will say that it’s been very fun to collaborate with people I love and admire on SYML songs since then.

TMR: The name SYML is derived from the Welsh word "simmel", and therefore a nod to your biological roots. Has this discovery of your ancestry had an impact on you?

Yes! Although, despite knowing my blood heritage, there is still bit of mystery to my origin, which I like. I’ve never met my birth parents and don’t know anything about them besides their heritage and some health heritage. Being adopted is a very special part of my identity that can cause as much fear and anger as peace and pride.



TMR: Are there any moments on the forthcoming album that deals further with your Welsh identity?

I don’t have any songs that specifically talk about having Welsh roots, but almost all of my songs can be tied to our continuous search for identity and significance. Being a father, for instance, has been a mind-blowing experience. In particular, it’s made me focus on my childhood with the same intensity that I focus on my child. There’s a song called ‘Connor’ that deals with this. No one is ready to be a parent.

TMR: One song on the album that many will recognise is 'Where's My Love', which broke through on the hit MTV show Catfish. What was the story behind this heartfelt single?

‘Where’s My Love’ is one of those songs that was born very fast. It was a rainy day and I was staring out the window when this piano line came out of me (the song was originally written on piano). Again, going back to the journey we all experience when it comes to identity. I think we all share a feeling of longing as well. Of course, we all long for different things, but this is my song about longing for someone who I can’t control and won’t always understand.

TMR: Sounding almost at odds with the vulnerable-yet-warm 'Where's My Love' is album track 'The Bird'. It's a much more haunting, gloomy affair with swells of jittery electronica. Does this reflect the music you've been making in more recent times?

Some of my taste has changed since writing ‘Where’s My Love’, but the general themes I like to write about are consistent. As an artist, one of the easiest things to say, but hardest to execute, is really taking off the reigns from the creative process. ‘The Bird’ has bits of production that I’ve never messed with before, and previously would have thought that I had no business attempting. I’ve always had an affinity for quirky and disjointed beats, so it was fun to dive more into that world.



TMR: You wrote the album rather close to your hometown Seattle; did being near home provide inspiration that you may not have found further afield?

I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful and inspirational place. Traveling the world and meeting people can be as beautiful and inspirational an experience, but nothing compares to being home. That’s where I feel safest to create. It’s quiet here.

TMR: One experience you may have missed if you weren't in that Washington studio was a devastating fire as indicated by song 'Wildfire'. Why did you decide to capture this event in song?

This was another one of those “staring out the window” moments. We had thick smoke cover our whole state for weeks on end. It was disgusting and depressing and ugly. In the midst of that, it occurred to me that many people wake up each day and see the world or themselves through this same lens without any actual flames or smoke. ‘Wildfire’ is my attempt at telling that person that I believe they can and should endure that darkness and that it matters that they are here.

TMR: Following the album, what do you have planned for the year ahead?

I’ll be touring quite a bit through the end of the year, which I look forward to. When I’m home, I love to be in the studio working on what’s next!



SYML’s debut album will be released May 3^rd via Nettwerk Records.

-Hannah Thacker