David Sylvian

David Sylvian is a singer, songwriter and recording artist who first became known as the frontman of Japan. His solo debut, Brilliant Trees (1984), began a body of work that moved between song, jazz, ambient music and improvisation.

His collaborators have included Ryuichi Sakamoto, with whom he recorded Forbidden Colours, and Robert Fripp. Blemish (2003), featuring contributions from Derek Bailey and Fennesz, inaugurated his independent label Samadhisound. Later work includes Manafon (2009), which places his voice alongside small groups of improvising musicians. He has also made photographic collages and sound installations, extending his practice beyond conventional album formats.