Singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn met at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee, Wis., but both were involved in other projects at the time. According to an article on Partisan Records’ website, When Meath asked Sanborn to remix one of her singles, “Play It Right,” Sanborn “sensed that there was something more important here than a one-time handoff.” They knew that magic had sparked.
When Meath and Sanborn both landed in Durham, N.C. not too long after, they knew that they needed to make music together. They started recording singles in Sanborn’s bedroom in Durham and soon had a debut studio album completed, which was released on May 12, 2014 from Partisan Records. In the same article, they referred to the album as a “collection of vivid addictions concerning suffering and love, darkness and deliverance.” The project took off.
The self-titled album reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200 and No. 7 on the Independent Albums chart. The success gave their songs considerable airplay in the United States, so their fame only grew. In August of 2015, Sylvan Esso released “Jamie’s Song” as a tribute to a story about bipolar disorder. In September of 2016, they released more singles, “Radio” and “Kick Jump Twist,” but their most recent works are the remixes of both of these songs by Atlanta-based artist Demo Taped.
These remixes lead up to the release of their second album, What Now, which will be released on April 28. This will be a moment for the books as Meath and Sanborn come together once again, blending their unique styles to make something absolutely beautiful.
While we wait for What Now, I suggest putting their remixes of “Radio” and “Kick Jump Twist” on repeat. They’re the perfect melodies for any mood and activity and leave us wanting more from Sylvan Esso. You can find the remixes on SoundCloud.
Sylvan Esso is starting a new tour this spring in Berlin, Germany, though quickly coming back to the United States and stopping in Baltimore on May 16! Need a study break and an exciting night out? They will be at Ram’s Head Live performing with Lucy Dacus. What could be a better way to spend time away from Brody?
This will be an especially long tour for the band, lasting until September 30 and ending in their home base of North Carolina, so show them some love when they come to Baltimore! Stay updated on their happenings by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. See you at the concert!
