Sylvee Debuts Bold New Sound with Country-Pop Single ‘Ice Grit’
After nearly a year since her last release, Aotearoa-based artist Sylvee is back with a fresh sonic direction and her most vulnerable writing yet. Her upcoming single, Ice Grit, is set to release June 13th, marking her debut in the country-pop genre – a shift that blends her heartfelt lyricism with a warm, easy-listening momentum.
Ice Grit explores the quiet collapse of communication in relationships, when internal wrestling goes unspoken and change becomes impossible. Sylvee delivers the message with an upbeat, driving rhythm and laid-back energy that makes the track as emotionally resonant as it is replayable.
“It’s about the buildup of silence,” says Sylvee. “When you keep your internal frustrations to yourself, nothing can change – but I wanted the production to still feel open and hopeful. Something therapeutic you could sing along or cry to in the car.”
This release represents not just a new chapter for Sylvee musically, but a personal evolution as well – leaning into storytelling and melody in a way that’s both deeply reflective and universally relatable.
It was important to Sylvee that this project honoured the roots of the country genre while pushing into new sonic territory. Wanting to build something authentic and well-crafted, she chose to collaborate with musicians immersed in the world of country music to ensure the song carried both musical weight and integrity.
Produced and mixed by longtime collaborator Joel Zaia, the track also features an impressive lineup of talent. Tom Broome (Tami Neilson, Bailey Wiley, Aaradhna) brings his signature energy to the drums, while Neil Watson, also a regular contributor to New Zealand’s country icon Tami Neilson, adds lush depth with pedal steel guitar. Nelson based Guitarist Luke Wilkes (Spinoza, The Violet Project) joins Zaia in layering a variety of string textures. The track was mastered by Vivek Gabriel, completing a production team that blends skill, experience, and heart.
With its blend of country warmth, pop accessibility, and lyrical grit, this new single is poised to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Ice Grit is set for release today, 13, 2025, on all major streaming platforms.
