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Sylvan Esso

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Band Timeline

2012–2013

Formation of Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso was formed gradually between 2012 and 2013 when singer Amelia Meath, previously part of the trio Mountain Man, created vocals for a song called 'Play It Right.' She met electronic producer Nick Sanborn in Milwaukee, a musician with a history in the band Megafaun. Meath asked Sanborn to reinterpret her song, and they began collaboration. After Meath returned from touring with Feist, they settled in Durham, North Carolina, with all initial recordings done in Sanborn's apartment. The band's name derives from a character named 'sylvan' in an iOS game called Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP.
2014–2015

Debut Album and Rising Popularity

Sylvan Esso released their self-titled debut album on May 12, 2014, via Partisan Records. The album reached number 39 on the Billboard 200 and number 7 on the Independent Albums chart. Their single 'Hey Mami' was celebrated as Paste Magazine's best song of 2014. They made their network television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performing the song 'Coffee.' In 2015, their popularity grew with appearances at major festivals including Coachella, Firefly, Eaux Claires, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. They released singles like 'H.S.K.T.' and 'Jaime's Song' that year, the latter being a tribute to bipolar disorder for NPR's Radiolab.
2016–2018

What Now Album and Critical Acclaim

In 2017, Sylvan Esso released their second studio album 'What Now' on April 28 under Loma Vista Recordings. The album received positive reviews for its innovative electronic sound and lyrical depth. Leading up to the album release, the band released singles like 'Radio,' 'Kick Jump Twist,' and 'Die Young,' accompanied by music videos. They toured extensively throughout 2017, including appearances at Boston Calling, Eaux Claires, Melt! Festival in Germany, and UK festivals. 'What Now' earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album in November 2017, highlighting the duo's prominence in their genre.
2022

Release of Fourth Album No Rules Sandy

On August 12, 2022, Sylvan Esso released their fourth studio album, 'No Rules Sandy,' on their Psychic Hotline label. This album reflected a shift toward a more personal and less polished sound, signaling an evolution in their creative approach. The album was met with generally positive reviews from critics, achieving favorable scores on aggregators like Metacritic and AnyDecentMusic?. The track 'How Did You Know' in particular was noted by singer Amelia Meath as the most personal song she has ever written, emphasizing the album's intimate nature.

Albums

sylvan-esso_1st_album
Sylvan Esso
10 tracks
2014
sylvan-esso_2nd_album
What Now
10 tracks
2017
sylvan-esso_3rd_album
Free Love
10 tracks
2020
sylvan-esso_4th_album
No Rules Sandy
16 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Nick Sanborn

N/A

Amelia Meath

N/A

Story of Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso: A Synth-Pop Powerhouse

Sylvan Esso, hailing from Durham, North Carolina, is an American electronic pop duo who've carved a unique space in the indie music scene since forming in 2013. The band is comprised of the dynamic duo of Amelia Meath (born July 2, 1988), a captivating vocalist known for her ethereal, captivating voice, and Nick Sanborn (born March 8, 1983), a skilled producer and musician who crafts mesmerizing soundscapes with his electronic prowess.

Their journey began with the infectious single "Hey Mami," which set the stage for their self-titled debut album, released in May 2014 on Partisan Records. The album landed at a respectable No. 39 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing their rising popularity.

Sylvan Esso solidified their position in the music world with their second album, "What Now," released in April 2017 via Loma Vista Recordings. This critically acclaimed album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album, cementing their reputation for pushing the boundaries of electronic pop.

In August 2022, the duo released their fourth studio album, "No Rules Sandy," on their own label, Psychic Hotline. This album was met with widespread acclaim, proving their enduring ability to deliver innovative and engaging music.

A Tale of Two Musical Minds

The story of Sylvan Esso is a testament to the power of collaboration. Amelia Meath, previously a member of the folk trio Mountain Man, possessed the raw vocal talent that would become the band's signature. Nick Sanborn, a bassist in the indie band Megafaun, had a knack for crafting electronic music with a distinct sonic signature. Their paths crossed serendipitously in Milwaukee, at the Cactus Club, where Meath, performing solo under the name Made of Oak, asked Sanborn to reinterpret her song "Play It Right." This encounter sparked a creative fire, and over the course of 2012 and 2013, Sylvan Esso was born.

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