Sylvan Esso: Their Songwriting Routines, “Hey Mami”, the Durham Scene, and Creative Surprises
Dec 31, 2024
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Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, the dynamic duo behind the indie pop sensation Sylvan Esso, share their musical journey from their serendipitous meeting to defining the vibrant Durham scene. They reflect on blending their styles after years of touring, likening songwriting to fishing—an exploration filled with surprises. The creation of their breakout hit 'Hey Mami' reveals the unexpected paths of their collaboration. With insights into their artistic identity and ongoing growth, this conversation captures the essence of their innovative sound.
Amelia and Nick attribute their musical development to their fathers' influences, highlighting the importance of parental support in shaping their artistry.
Their creative partnership flourished through blending their distinct musical backgrounds, showcasing the spontaneous and experimental nature of their songwriting process.
Deep dives
Musical Foundations and Early Influences
Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn discuss their formative years and how their fathers significantly influenced their musical journeys. Amelia recalls taking road trips in her father's car, listening to a mix of classic artists and growing a collection of tapes that shaped her musical palette. Nick shares how his father's involvement with multiple instruments and musical games helped him understand music from a young age. Both emphasize how these early experiences laid the groundwork for their future endeavors in music, highlighting the significant role of parental support and exposure to diverse musical styles.
The Evolution of Their Sound and Collaboration
Amelia and Nick explore the unique blending of their musical backgrounds, with Amelia coming from a folk tradition and Nick having roots in electronic music. Their initial encounter at a small venue, where Nick opened for Amelia’s band, sparked a creative partnership that led to the formation of Sylvan Esso. Their collaboration started with a successful remix project, illustrating how their styles naturally complemented each other. They emphasize that their creative process is spontaneous, often beginning with improvisation and evolving into fully realized songs, showing a synergy that drives their innovative sound.
Building a Music Career and Record Label
The duo reflects on their journey from performing at small venues to achieving mainstream success, reaching the Billboard charts with their debut album. They discuss the milestones that followed, including high-profile performances and the accolades that validated their unique sound. Amelia and Nick also talk about establishing their own record label in Durham, which allows them to not only release their music but also help other artists. This transition signifies their desire for artistic independence and highlights the supportive ecosystem around the Durham music scene, which has been influenced by established labels like Merge Records.
Future Aspirations and Creative Continuity
As they celebrate a decade together, Amelia and Nick express excitement about their ongoing creative journey, currently working on their fifth album. They share insights into their songwriting approach, revealing that they find joy in continuous experimentation and surprise. The couple emphasizes that their relationship plays a crucial role in their music, constantly evolving and deepening over time, which influences their artistic output. This dynamic relationship promises continued growth and change for Sylvan Esso, reinforcing their commitment to exploring new musical territories in the years to come.
Ten years ago, Nick Sanborn & Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso) exploded onto the indie music scene with their unique electro-pop sound and mysterious aura.
Since then, they’ve played some of the biggest stages in the world and have even created their own record label in their adopted hometown of Durham, NC.
In this conversation, Nick and Amelia reflect on their chance meeting and the remix that sparked their creative/life partnership; how they blended their musical styles after touring for years with other bands; and why songwriting sometimes feels like fishing.
For more conversations like this with musicians like Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.