Sylvie, the project of Los Angeles artist Ben Schwab, has announced their forthcoming album, New Season, available November 6th, 2026, via Ghostly International. Rina (feat. Alex Amen) is the single out now. Reflecting on a passing friendship from long ago, the song was originally written by Ben’s father, John Schwab of Mad Anthony. Friend and collaborator Alex Amen offers vocals that glide atop guitars, brass, and pedal steel. The album is available to pre-order here.
“‘Rina’ is an all-time favorite,” Ben explains. “It was tough to record because I wanted to honor the original my dad wrote while bringing something new to it. Rina reminds me of the beauty and strength found in people the world overlooks. Alex understood that and gave the song exactly the touch it needed.”
Alex Amen adds,“I’veloved this song since the first time I heard it off the Mad Anthony tapes. As a song, the writing is about as good as it gets… the chords, the melody, the lyrics. It’s just perfect all around. It’s one of those rediscovered songs that makes you wonder how many other timeless things have been written and recorded and are just collecting dust in some warehouse or closet on some forgotten tape. I’m really excited to have been able to sing on this new version of Rina and hope the song finds a new life and can reach new ears.”
This album is Ben Schwab’s full-length debut with Ghostly International, and it appears to be the sound of the artist orchestrating a rotating cast while producing every song himself. Although the record was built mostly alone in his home studio, the same way Schwab made Sylvie’s self-titled mini-LP, he flew it to Abbey Road Studios to finish it, growing the songs in scale. The songs are sure to still live in that warm, sun-bleached ’60s and ’70s sonic universe Sylvie is known for, but the belief is that this time it’s stretched wider, pulling in players from Nashville alongside his LA regulars, and passing the mic to Sierra Ferrell, Courtney Marie Andrews, Alex Amen, and Kacy Lee Anderson. The album unfolds in two chapters. Side A greets the morning with movement, searching, and discovery. Side B settles into the night, turning inward to reflect on the grief we carry home. By the end of the ten-song run, the album is meant to sound like a hopeful goodbye and a look towards what’s to come.
Over the years, Sylvie has supported acts like Devendra Banhart, Cut Worms, Aaron Frazer, Teskey Brothers, and Hiss Golden Messenger across the world, amongst expansive headline tours across North America, Europe, and Australia. More shows to be announced soon. Watch this space.
“New Season” tracklist:
Are You Coming?
Not Looking Back Anymore
Rina (feat. Alex Amen)
New Season
You and Me
Wish I Could Tell You
Traveling
Guiding Star (feat. Courtney Marie Andrews)
California Hills (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
Ending
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