Sylvee (Sarah Ryland) is a singer-songwriter from Nelson, New Zealand — a small city with a big reputation for producing musical talent (think Broods, Robinson, Saski).

Though she sang in her primary school choir, Sylvee never talked to her parents about singing. When she finally announced that she’d like to pursue music just 10 years ago, her parents, relatives, and friends were all surprised. She was always too afraid to sing in front of anyone. That fear eventually evaporated and since then, she's recorded in studios across the globe, honing a sound that blends soulful storytelling with modern pop and country influences.

From 2016 to 2019, Sylvee released six tracks under the moniker BANK LAND, a collaboration with fellow Nelsonian Daniel Marchbank. Despite living in different cities, the duo worked together for years before finally meeting in person.

In 2019, she made her solo debut with the EP Life on Mars, written and recorded between Nelson and London. The six-track release showcased an artist of extraordinary depth, earning praise for its delicate yet powerful songwriting and exquisite vocals. Publications like For The Record and Hype Medium highlighted her undeniable talent and captivating sound.

Sylvee’s music has reached global audiences through sync placements on Chucky, Walker, and The Republic of Sarah. In 2019, she also voiced Hyundai’s global Venue Urban Vibes campaign, which has amassed over 27 million views.

She has featured on multiple tracks with New Zealand drum & bass duo The Upbeats (2017 & 2021), expanding her reach into new genres.

In 2020, Sylvee was selected and attended the Napier APRA AMCOS Songhubs curated by Devin Abrams (Drax Project, Stan Walker, Shapeshifter).

Her sophomore EP, Downpour (April 2023), was met with critical acclaim, blending pop and electronic elements while exploring themes of love, loss, female empowerment, and self-discovery. Producers on this EP included Simon Gooding (Pink, Teeks, Neil Finn), Josh Edmonds (Foley, LA Woman, Alayna), Joseph Corban-Banks, Joel Zaia (Will Swinton, Dallas James, 33 Below), and Dan Martin (Keenan Te, Aidan Fine, Reuben Fleetwood).

To extend the project’s reach, Sylvee collaborated with kiwi artists Pati AF, Danica Bryant, Lucid Hiest, and Serpico (Minuit) on remixes of select tracks.

She was also selected as a tutor for the 2023 Commotion Youth Music Workshop based in Nelson.

Now, with new music on the horizon, she’s diving into an entirely new genre — one that allows her to merge her signature soulful vocals with her love for modern pop and country. With New Zealand’s country music scene on the rise, Sylvee is ready to carve out her place at the table.

Co-Writer / Backing Vocals