Bess Atwell returns with new single 'Sylvester'

Following on from the release of her highly-praised 2021 LP 'Already, Always', Bess Atwell has now returned to share a brand new single.

The new track 'Sylvester' was produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, and comes accompanied by a stunning new video, directed by Dylan Friese-Greene.

Speaking about the new offering, she said, “Sylvester is a character I created on a family holiday as a child to make my parents laugh. It’s a song primarily about family, the roles we play to keep the peace, and the desire for a more genuine form of connection. Relational dynamics have often felt like a performance to me which has left me feeling lonely, acutely aware that we’re mostly just going through the motions of connection. This makes more sense to me than ever before with a recent diagnosis of autism, and it's where the cyclical, relentless imagery of running on a track comes from. Aaron (Dessner) did a brilliant job in bringing out the essence of the song with his production and instrumentation. The ambient lead guitar was one of the first things we recorded, his intuitive first instinct capturing the expansive, beautiful - but ultimately uncontrollable - essence of family and history. My only real non-negotiable was that the song had a sense of urgency and drive in the choruses which Aaron nailed with repetitive and ascending patterns.”

Watch the new video for 'Sylvester' in the player below.

More News

Warpaint and Daughter announce collaboration project

It looks like two of the best new indie outfits, Warpaint (pictured) and Daughter, have been collaborating on something recently. The only problem is... 11 years 5 months ago

Giorgio Moroder announces new solo album '74 Is The New 24'

Disco pioneer and all-round musical legend Giorgio Moroder has announced that he will be releasing a new solo album next year, his first in nearly 30... 11 years 5 months ago

Los Campesinos! announce new Christmas-themed EP

To get us all in the festive spirit, indie-pop darlings Los Campesinos! have announced a new Christmas EP of yuletide favourites. The six-track... 11 years 6 months ago

Peace confirm new album 'Happy People'

After unveiling two new singles earlier this year without any word on a new studio album, Worchester-based foursome Peace have confirmed the details... 11 years 6 months ago

Fleetwood Mac extend 2015 UK tour

After reporting earlier this week that Fleetwood Mac had snubbed Glastonbury in order to tour the UK next summer, the band have now announced a... 11 years 6 months ago

Charli XCX unveils Duran Duran and Vampire Weekend collaboration 'Kingdom'

In what is quickly becoming one of the best movie soundtracks of the last few years, Charli XCX has now teamed up with Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon and... 11 years 6 months ago

SBTRKT debuted six unreleased tracks on Radio1

Just a few weeks after the release of his brilliant sophomore album 'Wonder Where We Land' last month, SBTRKT took over Benji B's Radio1 show last... 11 years 6 months ago

Gang Of Four announce ninth album 'What Happens Next'

UK post-punk outfit Gang Of Four have announced a new album arriving in the new year. Their ninth studio album 'What Happens Next' will feature... 11 years 6 months ago

Pulled Apart By Horses stream new track 'Beat Up'

Despite releasing their third studio album just a couple of months ago, Pulled Apart By Horses have already managed to put some new material together... 11 years 6 months ago