SYLVEE RETURNS WITH STIRRING SINGLE ‘BEFORE I MET YOU’ FEATURING SAM HESELWOOD
New Zealand singer-songwriter Sylvee continues to redefine her sound with the release of ‘Before I Met You’ an emotive country-pop track featuring Sam Heselwood, out November 21.
Following her debut country single ‘Ice Grit’ (August 2024), ‘Before I Met You’ marks the next chapter in Sylvee’s evolution as an artist. Blending soulful storytelling with heartfelt expression, the song explores the moment after heartbreak when you long to feel like yourself again.
“Country music has definitely been a bit of a genre shift for me, but it’s where I feel the most at home,” says Sylvee. “Storytelling, emotion and past experiences have helped to mould this story.”
During the writing process, Sylvee immersed herself in country influences, listening almost exclusively to artists such as Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Hardy, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson and Tami Neilson, a deep dive that helped shape the song’s sound and storytelling style.
Lyrically, ‘Before I Met You’ captures the ache of trying to find yourself again after love fades. Lines like “I just wanna feel ok again, without moving away or cutting my hair” lay bare the quiet, relatable moments of heartbreak.
Written by Sarah Ryland, Samuel Ryland, and Sam Heselwood, and completed with Heselwood’s distinctive touch, ‘Before I Met You’ brings together some of New Zealand’s finest talent. Produced by Dan Martin (Keenan Te, Reuben Fleetwood), the track features Tom Broome and Neil Watson, both touring musicians for Tami Neilson, adding an authentic country texture with live drums and pedal steel.
“The song is about going through a breakup and wanting to feel normal again, but also finding healthier ways to move forward,” Sylvee explains.
Adding another layer to her artistry, ‘Before I Met You’ isn’t drawn from personal experience instead, it tells a completely fictional story, a refreshing point of difference in a genre often rooted in autobiography. The song captures the universal emotions of loss and healing with authenticity and grace, showing Sylvee’s gift for empathy and imagination.
The collaboration with Sam Heselwood, a Christchurch artist now based in the UK known for his soulful melodies and genuine connection with audiences, adds depth and warmth to the track, a meeting of two voices that blend seamlessly in tone and spirit.
“I absolutely loved being a part of ‘Before I Met You’” Heselwood shares. “Country music has always been where my heart lies, I’ve always wanted to dip my toes into the genre and when Sylvee sent the song over it instantly felt right. Can’t wait for the next one!"
Sylvee’s single ‘Before I Met You’ is out November 21 and available on all streaming platforms.