Seattle-based singer, songwriter, and producer SYML has released his new single, “The Walker” today. A moving anthem, the track layers minimal instrumentation and emotionally stirring vocals to crescendo in a cascade of choral refrains, strings, and ethereal soundscapes. The track was written by Brian Fennell, aka SYML, and recorded and produced alongside longtime collaborator Brian Eichelberger, with textural additions from James McAlister (Sufjan Stevens, The National, Gracie Abrams) and the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
When asked about the inspiration, Fennell notes, “We carry burdens of all kinds, and no one can carry them for us. But as we walk through different seasons of life, if we’re lucky, we will have companions who walk with us. Whether it’s a parent, partner, friend, or even a child, they can encourage us and bring perspective to our walks. We also learn how to walk with others from those who walk with us. ‘The Walker’ is about compassionate love with no expectations. It’s the stillness that comes in the midst of pain where we choose to push through. It’s about finding ourselves along our way. ‘The Walker’ is all of us.”
“The Walker” is the first song to be released via Fennell’s new imprint, FIN. Recordings. The new venture is a collaboration with his longtime label, Nettwerk Music Group, and management team, Good Harbor Music. He explains, “I have learned many things during my time in music. Keeping your head down and hustling works, honesty and ambition go hand in hand, and success will always be subjective. Like most people who work in the business of art, I have learned a lot from negative experiences. But that doesn’t compare to what I have gained from partnering with healthy, equitable, and beautiful minds. So, in the spirit of continuing to contribute positively to my community, I started FIN. Recordings. There is so much good music that hasn’t been written, and this is my way to help support that.”
To go with the release, SYML shares the official video that contains never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage by director Dan Newman. It was collected during SYML’s largely sold-out headline world tour.