biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (October 2007) David Sylvian David Sylvian, November 1982 Background information Birth name David Alan Batt Born 23 February 1958 (1958-02-23) (age 53) Origin Beckenham, Kent, England Genres Avant-garde Instruments Guitars keyboards Years active 1974–present Labels Virgin Records Samadhisound Associated acts Japan Nine Horses Website David Sylvian.com David Sylvian (born David Alan Batt, 23 February 1958, Beckenham, Kent) is an English singer-songwriter and musician. He came to prominence in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist and main songwriter in the group Japan. His subsequent solo work is described by critic Jason Ankeny as "a far-ranging and esoteric career that encompassed not only solo projects but also a series of fascinating collaborative efforts." Sylvian's solo work has been influenced by a variety of musical styles and genres, including jazz, avant-garde, ambient, electronic, and progressive rock..