Julien Baker and TORRES present a touching and impactful homage to the connection between humans and dogs in “Sylvia,” merging gentle harmonies, lush pedal steel, and evocative lyrics into an intensely personal, country-infused work of art. As their debut album 'Send a Prayer My Way' approaches, Baker and TORRES are establishing themselves as a perfect musical duo.
It’s rare to encounter a musical partnership that feels so right, but that’s what Julien Baker and TORRES are becoming. When the two singer-songwriters announced their collaboration in country music last December, I was overwhelmed with delight. Their sun-drenched debut single “Sugar in the Tank” is a captivating, free-spirited homage to country music and queer love, a combination that feels refreshing and increasingly relevant today.
The follow-up track, “Sylvia,” is just as moving: It’s a deeply personal and emotional tribute to TORRES' dog, filled with unwavering love, longing, and the awareness that while our pets’ lives may seem brief to us, we mean everything to them.
TORRES sings in the second verse, “A day for me is a week for you, and my life’s already halfway through,” with her voice passionate and heartfelt. She reflects, “Tomorrow, today’s concerns might evolve into regrets. Tomorrow, yesterday’s achievements will turn to memories.”
“On the morning I went to pick up Sylvia from a shelter upstate, I was making coffee at home when I heard Dolly Parton’s ‘Cracker Jack’ playing on WFMU,” TORRES recalls. “I broke down in tears – it felt like a sign from the universe that she was meant to be mine (originally, Sylvia was just supposed to be a foster). I thought about wanting to write a song that could resonate deeply with listeners within seconds of being played on the radio because anyone who has had the joy of sharing their life with a beloved pet understands that pets are family; they are the best friends you could ever hope for.”
“Sylvia” resonates with a profound sense of emotion as Julien Baker and TORRES channel a unique love—the bond between a human and a dog—into a touching reflection on the memories, moments, and feelings we can share.
The lyrics express a sense of longing, questioning what it means to have everything if it can't be shared with a beloved pet. The song laments all the goodnights missed and the warmth that comes from being with a pet.
No one understands us quite like our pets do; we can offer them our full selves, unconditionally, and they reciprocate that love. “Sylvia” encapsulates this intimacy, transforming private emotions into a heartfelt, soul-stirring melody rich with harmonies, sweet pedal steel, and comforting warmth.
Julien Baker and TORRES are quickly emerging as a distinctive force in the 2025 music scene. Their debut album, 'Send a Prayer My Way,' is set to be released this spring (April 18th via Matador Records), promising limitless potential for what they can achieve together as singers and songwriters.
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:: Stream/purchase Send a Prayer My Way here ::
:: Stream/purchase Sylvia here ::
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:: Connect with Julien Baker & TORRES here ::
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Connect with Julien Baker on
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Connect with TORRES on
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Julien Baker and TORRES present a heartfelt and impactful homage to the connection between humans and dogs in “Sylvia,” merging delicate harmonies, lush pedal steel, and evocative lyrics into an intensely personal, country-infused work of art. With their debut album ‘Send a Prayer My Way’ approaching, Baker and TORRES are showing themselves to be a perfect musical pairing.