David Sylvian

David Sylvian first found fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s as the frontman and principal songwriter for the new wave band Japan, with whom he made a number of hit albums such as Tin Drum and the compilation Assemblage, music which was characterised by, amongst other things, Sylvian’s suave baritone croon. However, after Japan split in 1982, Sylvian forged a solo career of his own, making music that sounded almost nothing like Japan. His first three studio albums, Brilliant Trees, Gone to Earth and Secrets of the Beehive were met with critical acclaim, incorporating elements of jazz and avant-pop to his music.

Sylvian has collaborated with a number of high-profile artists of the years including Ryuichi Sakamoto and Giorgio Moroder. He has also done collaborative projects with his former Japan bandmates, in particular his brother, Steve Jansen. Japan even briefly reunited in 1991 under a different name, Rain Tree Crow.

His career may have spanned over three decades, but David Sylvian’s fine voice and songwriting skills are still going strong.