Sylvain was born in Paris, France in 1950. By the age of ten he was studying at L'Ecole du Spectacle, a national school for the training of young actors. During this time he performed in plays at the Odeon Theatre De France (National French Theater). In his early teens, he was given a guitar by a friend of his mother, This benevolent deed spelled the end of his acting career. Sylvain traded the word of Moliere and Ionesco for the raw energy of rock and roll. In 1970, Sylvain joined the French rock band ALICE and had some hits. He toured Europe composing and recording his own music. He is a member of SACEM the French society of authors and composers.

Since coming to the United States 24 years ago, Sylvain has taught, composed and performed music.He plays string bass, electric bass, guitar, drums and ukulaika. He has played with such excellent local groups as The Deb Cleveland Band, The Rhythm Kings, Sue Miles Band and the legendary Love, Death and Agriculture. Currently Sylvain is performing in a kid's show called OFAM's Magical Moombah.

Sylvain is an avid photographer and painter. A certain nostalgia for his native land is articulated in his work.