Is David Sylvian dead or alive? Where does he live now?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Apr 03, 2023
Who is David Sylvian?
David Sylvian, born David Alan Batt on February 23, 1958, is an English musician, singer, and songwriter who gained fame in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist and main songwriter for the band Japan. Their unique style, featuring an androgynous appearance and a growing emphasis on electronic music, had a significant influence on the New Romantic movement of the early 1980s in the UK.
After the group disbanded, Sylvian began his solo career with the release of his first album, Brilliant Trees, in 1984. According to AllMusic, his solo work has been characterized as "wide-ranging and esoteric," featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Bill Nelson, and Fennesz.
Although his musical output during the 1980s and 1990s encompassed elements of pop, jazz fusion, avant-garde experimentation, and ambient music, his more recent compositions have increasingly drawn from minimalism and free improvisation.
Is David Sylvian dead or alive?
David Sylvian is alive. David Sylvian has also explored various forms of visual artistry, including photography, film-making, and multimedia installations. He has exhibited his photography in galleries and directed music videos for his own songs as well as other musicians.
Despite his considerable influence and prolific output, Sylvian has always kept a low profile and remained outside the mainstream music industry. He rarely grants interviews and has been reticent to perform live. Sylvian has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, which have had a profound impact on his art and music.
David Sylvian's reputation as an innovative artist and a non-conformist icon continues to captivate and challenge his audience. As he himself has stated, "I'm not interested in repeating myself or conforming to expectations. I want to venture into new territories and take chances." His restless creativity and uncompromising vision have led him to do precisely that.
Where does David Sylvian live now?
David Sylvian currently resides in the serene woods of southern New Hampshire, where he has made his home in the former site of an ashram. Since the 1990s, he has lived in this picturesque location with his partner, Ingrid Chavez, and their two children. Sylvian spends most of his time working in the barn, where he finds solace in collaborating with colleagues around the world via the internet, or in the company of his longtime collaborator, Steve Jansen.
When he was met at a local bed and breakfast in Manchester, New Hampshire, there was a preconceived notion that he would emerge from the woods as a mystic, with long, dark hair and maybe a knotty, free-flowing beard. However, he emerged as a well-groomed gentleman, arriving in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and spoke candidly and eloquently throughout our interview. His precise English accent was much more subdued than his powerful singing voice, which was a relief, as it would have been difficult to conduct an interview against such an indomitable force.
Despite the contrast between his physical appearance and his reputation as an enigmatic and boundary-pushing artist, it was clear that Sylvian's creative spirit and devotion to his craft remained steadfast, even in the tranquil seclusion of his wooded sanctuary.
How old is David Sylvian?
David Sylvian, the visionary musician, singer, and songwriter, has lived a rich and fulfilling life, filled with creative exploration and artistic growth. Now at the age of 65, he continues to inspire and challenge audiences with his restless creativity and uncompromising spirit. With decades of experience and a wealth of musical knowledge, he remains a vital force in the world of music and art, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and exploring new territories. His age is a testament to the power of artistic expression and the enduring nature of creativity.
David Sylvian wife
During his work on the Sakamoto single "Heartbeat" in 1992, Sylvian had the opportunity to meet Ingrid Chavez, a singer and actress who had previously been a member of Prince's inner circle. The two hit it off and decided to tie the knot later that same year. After getting married, they relocated to Minneapolis where they started their life together.
Their union was blessed with the arrival of two daughters - Ameera-Daya, born in 1993, and Isobel, born in 1997. The family continued to live in Minneapolis for some time before moving to a house outside of Sonoma, California in 1997. They eventually moved once again, this time to a property in Temple, New Hampshire where they set up a new home and studio.
Unfortunately, the couple's marriage was not to last, and they went their separate ways in 2003. Despite the dissolution of their romantic relationship, Sylvian and Chavez continued to co-parent their two daughters.
David Sylvian net worth
David Sylvian is an English musician, singer, and songwriter born on February 23, 1958. He rose to fame in the late 1970s as the frontman and principal songwriter of the band Japan. Following the band's breakup, he embarked on a solo career and has collaborated with artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Bill Nelson, and Fennesz. In addition to his music, Sylvian has also worked as a visual artist, photographer, and filmmaker. He is known for his eclectic and experimental musical style and his uncompromising creative spirit.
Name
David Sylvian
Profession
musician, singer, and songwriter
Age
65
Source of Income
Through his musical career
Networth
$1 million
Is David Sylvian dead or alive - FAQs
David Sylvian is best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the band Japan, which was influential in the UK's early-1980s New Romantic scene. After the band's breakup, Sylvian embarked on a successful solo career, collaborating with a range of artists and creating a body of work that has been described as "far-ranging and esoteric".
Sylvian's musical style has evolved over time, incorporating elements of pop, jazz fusion, avant-garde experimentalism, ambient, and more recently, musical minimalism and free improvisation. His music is characterized by his distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics, as well as his willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territories.
Although he has never achieved mainstream commercial success, David Sylvian has been recognized for his contributions to music and art. He has been nominated for several awards, including the Q Award for Best Album and the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song. He was also named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2017.
In addition to his work as a musician and songwriter, David Sylvian has also worked as a visual artist, photographer, and filmmaker. He has created multimedia installations, exhibited his photography in galleries, and directed music videos for his own songs and those of other artists.
While he has maintained a low profile and shunned the mainstream music industry in recent years, David Sylvian continues to create and release new music. He has also collaborated with other artists and contributed to various projects, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to artistic exploration and expression.