The Musician
"With a spare, straightforward approach, Syts turns his piano compositions into hauntingly beautiful slices of modern classical music that take listeners on a journey filled with tranquil landscapes and warm memories." - John Sinkevics, LocalSpins.com
Syts views his strikingly beautiful piano compositions as “modern classical” pieces – simple, peaceful melodies that give listeners “a break from the real world.”
“If my music can help someone get through a stressful day at work or bring them comfort and peace during a difficult time, then I’ve done my job,” reasons the West Michigan musician, aka pianist Jason Sytsma, “Bringing them joy brings me joy.”
That approach has earned the Grandville composer wide-ranging kudos for his mesmerizing debut EP, a second-place finish in the “GR’s Big Talent” 2015 competition and compliments from Grammy-nominated New Age pianist David Lanz, who has been an inspiration to Syts.
Syts’ compositions – including “A Timeless Memory,” the fetching opening track on his self-titled EP recorded at Grand Rapids’ River City Studios – unfold as musical tales possessing rare emotional power amid a disarming austerity. These are memory-invoking melodies that touch hearts.
“I look at myself as a storyteller, but one that doesn't use words to tell it. I use melodies, emotion, maybe even the listeners’ own memories to a story they already lived,” he explains.
Currently at work on a full-length album, Syts is eager to build on his impressive debut and share his modern classical charm with new audiences.
“To be able to bring that kind of release and a little break from reality for other people, to bring back old memories, that’s a big goal of mine – to have people enjoy my music.”