SYML: The Sound of Catharsis, Connection—and a Deepening Bond with Kitchener-Waterloo
With a voice that haunts and heals in equal measure, SYML—the solo project of Seattle-born artist Brian Fennell—has quietly become one of the most emotionally resonant voices in modern alt-pop. Drawing his name from the Welsh word for "simple," SYML creates music that’s anything but basic: cinematic, aching, and deeply human.
Fennell first broke through with the global hit “Where’s My Love,” a haunting piano ballad that became a viral sensation, TV soundtrack staple, and a gateway for millions into SYML’s intimate, atmospheric world. Since then, he’s carved out a space that’s uniquely his own—where minimalist piano, ambient textures, and raw vocals converge to explore themes of grief, hope, and self-discovery.
But SYML’s connection to Kitchener-Waterloo has grown in recent years. Whether performing at venues like Centre In The Square or earning local radio support from forward-thinking tastemakers, his music resonates deeply with KW audiences who crave authenticity and emotional depth. In a region known for its blend of art, innovation, and introspection, SYML’s sound feels right at home.
His 2023 self-titled album expanded his sonic reach, incorporating gospel choirs, orchestral arrangements, and ambient folk flourishes. Tracks like “Believer,” “Chariot,” and “Lost Myself” show a mature artist unafraid to confront the messiness of life and beauty of vulnerability. Live, he strips it all down—delivering shows that feel like shared confessions in a cathedral of sound.
For Kitchener-Waterloo fans, a SYML concert isn’t just an evening out—it’s a quiet reckoning, a collective exhale, and a reminder of the power of music to say what words cannot.
Essential Listening:
“Where’s My Love”
“Clean Eyes”
“You and I”
“Believer”
“The War”
“Lost Myself” (feat. Guy Garvey)
SYML’s music may be born in solitude, but it’s made to be felt together—and in KW, that connection runs deep.
