SYML is the project of Seattle-based musician Brian Fennel. He’s known for his vulnerability in both his songwriting and his instrumentation. After researching his Welsh heritage (the name “SYML” even means “simple” in Welsh), SYML often reflected on the importance of expressing one’s identity, having a shared sense of belonging, and feeling welcomed into your community. These themes are discussed in his third studio album, Nobody Lives Here, due out this Friday, April 4. Nobody Lives Here dives deeper into his journey of personal growth and cultural exploration while embracing the unknown in the midst of change.
Opening with the ambient track “A100,” listeners are reintroduced to SYML’s gentle yet complex sound. This is followed by the pre-released single “Carry No Thing,” which highlights one of the album’s overarching themes of self-reflection. Through powerful vocals and moving acoustic guitar, SYML faces the questions of who he cares for and how he will choose to show this love for them.
This deep analysis of his beliefs and practices continues to be seen in other songs throughout the album such as “Wake,” “Heavy Hearts,” and “Something Beautiful and Bright.”
Outside of self-reflection, SYML also encourages listeners to explore their own journeys of personal growth. In “Careful,” SYML shares his experiences of finding the right moment for him to shine through deep lyrics and steady piano. This theme of sticking it out through the highest of highs and lowest of lows is also seen in other songs on the album such as the pre-released singles “Please Slow Down,” “How It Was It Will Never Be Again,” and “Heartbreakdown”.
The final song on the album and the title track, “Nobody Lives Here,” truly ties everything together. Through the soft harmonies and gentle piano, SYML recognizes the bittersweet reality of change.
Throughout the album, SYML challenges his old beliefs when having new experiences or facing moments of overwhelming emotions. From embracing grief in tracks like “The White Light of the Morning” to holding tightly to love in “Carry No Thing,” SYML doesn’t shy away from any emotion. Nobody Lives Here is SYML’s message to listeners that everything will fall into place in due time. Change can be daunting, but it is indeed a part of life. The more we gather our strength to face the unknown, the more we open ourselves up to the bigger and better things ahead.
Nobody Lives Here is available for pre-save now, and it will be available to listen anywhere you stream music this Friday, April 4.
To hear these songs and more live, catch SYML on tour over the next few months, including at his special acoustic album release shows. Tickets to all upcoming dates are available here.
How It Was It Will Never Be Again Tour:
4/2 – Copenhagen, DK – DR Koncerthouset, Studio 2
4/3 – Berlin, DE – Peter Edel *SOLD OUT
4/6 – Gent, BE – Wintercircus *SOLD OUT*
8/15 – Oslo, NO – Langs Akerselva Festival
8/16 – Bodø, NO – Parkenfestivalen
Special acoustic album release Gatheryngs:
4/5 – Paris, FR – Le Consulat *SOLD OUT*
4/7 – London, UK – Omeara *SOLD OUT*
4/12 – Seattle, WA – Easy Street Records
5/7 – Brooklyn, NY – National Sawdust
5/8 – Brooklyn, NY – National Sawdust
Nobody Lives Here Tour:
8/14 – Stockholm, SE – Nalen
8/15 – Oslo, NO – Langs Akerselva
8/16 – Bodø, NO – Parkenfestivalen
10/9 – Manchester, UK – Academy 2
10/10 – London, UK – Electric Brixton
10/11 – Brighton, UK – Chalk
10/12 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LX – Rockhal
10/14 – Nijmegen, NL – Doornroosje
10/15 – Antwerpen, BE – De Roma
10/17 – Utrecht, NL – Tivoli Vrendenburg
10/18 – Tourcoing, FR – Le Grand Mix
10/19 – Lyon, FR – Le Transbordeur
10/21 – Paris, FR – Le Trianon
10/22 – Zurich, CH – Kaufleuten
2026
1/29 – Wiesbaden, DE – Schlachthof
1/30 – Milano, IT – Santeria Toscana 31
1/31 – Munich, DE – Technikum
2/01 – Vienna, AT – WUK
2/03 – Krakow, PL – Kwadrat
2/04 – Warsaw, PL – Progresja
2/06 – Berlin, DE – Metropol
2/07 – Hamburg, DE – Docks
2/08 – Cologne, DE – Carlswerk Victoria
Keep up with SYML: Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // Website
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