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SYML is the solo venture of artist Brian Fennell. SYML—Welsh for “simple”—makes music that taps into the instincts that drive us to places of sanctuary, whether that be a place or a person. Born and raised in Seattle, Fennell studied piano and became a self-taught producer, programmer, and guitarist.
In February 2024, he launched an imprint, FIN. Recordings with a single, “The Walker.” The new venture is a collaboration with his label, Nettwerk Music Group, and management team, Good Harbor Music.
His second album, 2023’s The Day My Father Died, follows his 2019 self-titled debut, which included the platinum-selling song “Where’s My Love,” and the Gold Record fan favorite, “Girl.” The Day My Father Died was recorded by renowned producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Vance Joy, Father John Misty) at the infamous Studio X in their mutual hometown of Seattle. The album features collaborations with Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Lucius, Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, and Charlotte Lawrence. The album which NPR called “euphoric” is a document of growth and healing charting Fennell’s journey forward, after a fundamental shift in his life.
SYML also realized several collaborations in 2023 with features on Lana Del Rey’s song, “Paris, TX,” from her Grammy-nominated album Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and contributions to songs from the UK-electronic artist George Fitzgerald, Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian artist Elsa Y Elmar and Miya Folick.