Sylvie is a musical group from Regina, Saskatchewan. It features singer/guitarist Joel Passmore, bassist/singer Riva Farrell Racette, guitarist/singer Chris Notenboom, keyboardist and singer Erin Passmore and drummer Jeff Romanyk.
Together since 1999, Sylvie developed alongside the members’ other bands, emerging finally as their main focus with the release of 2005’s An Electric Trace. This full-length album was recorded with Juno award winning producer Brandon Friesen at Studio 11 in Winnipeg. Sonically, the album proves that Sylvie is a band that has chemistry between members and a drive to stay creative and fresh. The pairing of Joel’s intense, raspy vocals with Riva’s melodic charm creates a sound that captures audiences wherever they play. Sylvie has played with such notables as Death From Above 1979, the Smugglers, Hot Hot Heat, and the Constantines.
In 2003 Sylvie’s drive and hard work paid off with a nomination at the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA). Their album I Wish I Was Driving, released through Does Everyone Stare Records, was nominated for outstanding independent album of the year. This category included other artists such as Corb Lund, the Be Good Tanya’s, and the Swollen Members. Sylvie also played at the MuchMusic/Exclaim showcase, as well as the industry awards show.
Since then it has been nothing short of a whirlwind of activity for Sylvie. Their second full-length album An Electric Trace was released October 25, 2005 through Smallman Records. That year they showcased at NXNE and toured across Canada with Wintersleep and Uncut.
In 2006, they toured with controller.controller, and again with Wintersleep and the Ladies and Gentlemen. In February Sylvie headlined with support from Ghosts of Modern Man and From Fiction for 6 weeks on their way to Canadian Music Week where they showcased at the Horseshoe for the Chart Magazine Night.
In June of 2006 Sylvie was honoured on stage with the CBC Galaxie Award at their NXNE showcase. The Galaxie Rising Stars Program of the CBC is an original program designed to champion up-and-coming Canadian artists. Launched in 1998, this program sets out to discover, encourage and promote new artists. Past recipients include The Arcade Fire, The Ladies and Gentlemen (Small Sins), and Great Lake Swimmers.
Thier third album is in the works...
