SYML- ＂Fear of the Water＂ - SYML- ＂Fear of the Water＂

What this video is

Released in August 2017 during a fertile period for ambient indie pop and movement-based music videos, 'Fear of the Water' exemplifies the mid-2010s convergence of contemporary dance, visual minimalism, and emotionally raw songwriting. SYML—the solo project of Brian Fennell, a Seattle native—channels sparse piano textures and ethereal vocals into a visual language where human body movement becomes the primary…

Why it matters

A landmark example of the ambient indie pop music video format of the mid-2010s, distinguishing itself through its commitment to contemporary dance as visual storytelling. The video reinforces SYML's identity as a project where textural and emotive songwriting is inseparable from movement and…

The director

Seattle-based award-winning director and screenwriter who grew up in North Bend, Washington. Rivers founded production company Workhouse Creative in Seattle, later acquired by Wild Gravity in 2018. Known for directing global campaigns for Microsoft, Amazon,…