In this episode, Matt sits down with Brian Fennell — the artist you know as SYML — for an honest, layered conversation about music, identity, and the strange expectations placed on artists today. Brian opens up about the soundtrack of his childhood, the grunge-soaked streets of Seattle, and how those early melodic influences still echo through his work.
We explore his evolution from his early band Barcelona to his solo career, the making of his new album Nobody Lives Here, and the personal experiences that shaped it. Brian shares the internal battles behind songs like “Careful,” the challenge of protecting your creativity in a world demanding constant content, and how becoming a parent changed not only his life, but the way he approaches his craft.
We also dive into what it really feels like to navigate social media as a musician, the truth behind sync licensing, the pressure of viral moments, and why restraint and simplicity can be the most powerful tools in modern songwriting.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this is one of those conversations that stays with you.
About SYML:
SYML is the solo venture of artist Brian Fennell. With over one billion lifetime streams, 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. He released his self-titled debut album in 2019, which included the platinum-selling song “Where’s My Love,” and the Gold Record fan favorite, “Girl,” followed by the grief-stricken EP DIM released in 2021. In 2023 he released his sophomore record, The Day My Father Died, which 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 artists like Guy Garvey (Elbow), Lucius, Sara Watkins, Charlotte Lawrence, and is a document of growth and healing charting Fennell’s journey forward after a fundamental shift in his life.
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