Sylvan Esso's New Album Blends Nostalgia with Modern Electro-Pop
The duo discusses their bold reinvention and favorite gadgets in our interview.
1Sylvan Esso's Musical Journey
Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, known as Sylvan Esso, have been crafting their unique electro-pop sound since 2014. Their self-titled debut album and hit single 'Hey Mami' catapulted them into the spotlight. Over the years, they've experimented with various textures, from the dusty fragility of 'Free Love' to the glitchy dance beats of 'No Rules Sandy'. Their ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound has kept fans engaged and critics impressed.
2The Bold Reinvention in 'Ow ∞'
Their latest album, 'Ow ∞', marks their most daring transformation yet. Released in September 2026, it trades glitchy modular drums for nostalgic turn-of-the-century breakbeats and distorted guitars. Tracks like 'Hot Slob' and 'Concrete Glen' evoke bands like Soul Coughing and Blur. Despite the shift, modern vocal techniques and electronic elements ensure it still feels like a Sylvan Esso record, pleasing long-time fans while attracting new listeners.
3Nick Sanborn's Tech Preferences
Nick Sanborn, one half of Sylvan Esso, is a self-proclaimed millennial who prefers working on a laptop over touchscreens. He has a long history with MacBooks, dating back to high school. His disdain for touchscreen typing highlights a generational divide in tech preferences. Sanborn also dreams of a specific gadget: an AM/FM radio with an analog tuner controllable via computer, a niche desire that reflects his unique creative process.
4Amelia Meath's Gadget Nostalgia
Amelia Meath fondly recalls her T-Mobile Sidekick, the coolest phone she owned in high school. She even kept her journal on it, showcasing her early adoption of tech for personal expression. Meath also wishes she had invented the well, humorously citing it as the ultimate claim to fame. Her playful perspective on technology contrasts with Sanborn's more technical aspirations, highlighting their dynamic as a duo.
5Favorite Games and Tech Trends
Sanborn's favorite game is 'EarthBound', a quirky 1994 JRPG he revisits every few years. Meath's gateway into gaming was 'Skyward Sword' on the Wii, played with housemates. Both artists cherish games for their storytelling and communal aspects. They also share a disdain for certain tech trends, though specifics aren't mentioned, suggesting a preference for meaningful, human-centered technology over fleeting fads.
6Creative Process and Focus
When stuck, Sanborn steps away to play an unused instrument, creating something spontaneous to reset his mind. Meath goes outside with her notebook, leaving her phone behind to focus on writing. Their methods reflect a balance between technology and analog practices, emphasizing the importance of unplugging for creativity. Sanborn even enjoyed a week without his phone after accidentally destroying it, calling the experience 'heaven'.
7Community and Online Spaces
Sanborn frequents the Monome forum, a niche online community focused on programming and instrument design. He praises its positivity, a rarity on the internet. This highlights the value of small, supportive communities in fostering creativity and collaboration. For Sylvan Esso, such spaces complement their music-making process, offering inspiration and connection beyond mainstream platforms.
8The Legacy of Sylvan Esso
With 'Ow ∞', Sylvan Esso continues to push boundaries while staying true to their roots. Their willingness to experiment and evolve ensures their relevance in an ever-changing music landscape. Their interview reveals not just their artistic process but also their human side, from nostalgic gadgets to gaming memories. This blend of innovation and relatability is what makes Sylvan Esso enduringly compelling.
Original article: The Verge — Sylvan Esso's New Album Blends Nostalgia with Modern Electro-Pop