SYML Shares New Single “My Best Self” Featuring Latin Grammy-Nominated Colombian Artist Elsa Y Elmar
August 18, 2023 BY Jason Currell
Today, SYML—the solo project of singer, songwriter, and producer Brian Fennell—shares a collaboration with Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian alt-pop artist Elsa Y Elmar. The infectious and playful new single, “My Best Self,” combines the lush layers and crystal vocals SYML is known for with driving drums, folk-pop hooks, and Elsa Y Elmar’s heartfelt vocals in her native tongue.
As one of the most important Latin alternative pop artists of her generation, singer Elsa y Elmar, born Elsa Carvajal, rose to prominence in 2011 with the release of her debut album, Rey. Subsequent releases and collaborations with renowned musicians like Carla Morrison and Caloncho, and producers like Malay (Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Lewis Capaldi) and Alizzz (C. Tangana) further solidified her position as a visionary artist. After numerous nominations for the Latin Grammy Awards in recent years, including Best New Artist and Album of The Year, Elsa y Elmar continues to push artistic boundaries and inspire a new generation of musicians.
When asked about the collaboration, Fennell explains, “Whether it’s through fashion, our careers, or adopting vices, finding out who we are takes a lifetime. We should all be lucky enough to have someone who models how to love, especially ourselves, while we take this journey. I am grateful to have found Elsa, who was graciously willing to join me on this song. Her voice is as gentle as it is commanding, and her work feels classically familiar.”
Elsa adds, “It was an incredible experience collaborating with SYML! This song is very close to my heart, as it reflects that pivotal moment in life where you find yourself lost in the memories of your past self. Through the profound connection and love shared with others, you begin to unravel and embrace who you have become in the present.”
LISTEN TO “MY BEST SELF” FEAT. ELSA Y ELMAR
The new track follows SYML’s 2023 sophomore album, The Day My Father Died —listen here. Recorded and produced in Fennell’s hometown with fellow Seattle native Phil Ek (Band of Horses, Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes), the new LP is his first album to feature a full band. It finds Fennell telling a story of interpersonal connection and chosen kinship following the death of his adoptive father in 2021. More a document of growth and healing than of loss, the album charts Fennell’s journey to figure out how to move forward after a fundamental and intractable shift in his life.
SYML is currently on the road with two sold-out shows this weekend – tonight at The Regent in Los Angeles and tomorrow at The Independent in San Francisco. He will then head to Mexico City to headline Lunario on Tuesday (August 22nd), followed by the Seattle area festival, THING, along with Fleet Foxes, Sylvan Esso, Cigarettes After Sex, and more. A full list of dates can be found below.
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,” followed by the grief-stricken EP DIM released in 2021, and his critically acclaimed sophomore album, The Day My Father Died, in 2023.
SYML has spent the majority of the last year on the road, including opening for Lana Del Rey at BST Hyde Park in London in July, headlining a mostly sold-out world tour, and performing at the Festival D’ete in Quebec. Following the album release, SYML was featured on Lana Del Rey’s track, “Paris, TX,” from her album Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and on UK DJ George Fitzgerald’s lead single, “Mother” from his June EP, Not As I. His music has also been featured in countless movies, TV series, and ad campaigns, and he has performed recently on CBS Saturday Morning and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
TOUR DATES
August 18—Los Angeles, CA—Regent Theater †
August 19—San Francisco, CA—The Independent †
August 22—Mexico City, Mexico—Lunario
August 25—Port Townsend, WA—THING Festival
November 15—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theater
November 16—Portland, OR—Revolution Hall
