Sylvia Schmidt, under the moniker Sketches of Carol, takes listeners on a mesmerizing intergalactic journey with her debut EP, “Messengers.” The seven-and-a-half-minute sonic exploration not only showcases Schmidt’s vocal prowess but also serves as a poignant homage to the enchanting soundscape of science fiction classics.
Inspired by a chance encounter with composer and vocal improviser Maddalena Ghezzi, Schmidt delves into the fascinating narrative behind “Messengers.” The EP draws inspiration from the Golden Record, a symbolic representation of Earth’s diverse sounds and cultures sent into space by NASA in 1977. The concept of encapsulating snippets of life on Earth for potential extraterrestrial encounters becomes the driving force behind the lyrical richness of “Messengers.”
The EP’s thematic core is further enhanced by its visual representation, with Giulia Cavallini’s evocative artwork setting the tone for Sketches of Carol’s multi-faceted exploration of the female experience. The use of the character ‘Carol’ as a symbolic figure for a diverse community of women adds an extra layer of depth to the project.
The musical landscape painted by Sketches of Carol resonates with influences from science fiction classics such as Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ and the 1980s Star Wars trilogy. The ethereal quality of the EP is immediately apparent, with a lulling loop of rich, close vocal harmony forming the backbone of the composition. The soaring central melody, shared between voice and violin, showcases the artist’s improvisatory talent, creating a captivating auditory experience.
Gonçalo Abrantes, an award-winning pianist and songwriter, handles the EP’s mixing and production, contributing to the seamless integration of various elements. Esteemed violinist William Newell, a member of the Solem Quartet, adds layered strings, enhancing the celestial atmosphere of the project.
Schmidt’s intuitive and emotional approach to composing “Messengers” is palpable throughout the EP. The spontaneity of the creation process is reflected in the raw, pure form of her creative expression. In her own words, the project led by her voice as an immediate instrument rather than a preconceived plan gives “Messengers” a truly empowering and moment-capturing quality.
As the first installment of a four-part series, “Messengers” sets a high bar for what’s to come from Sketches of Carol. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories infused with folkloristic traditions, the EP represents a magical and romantic interpretation of the fairy tales that shaped Schmidt’s upbringing in the Silesia region.
In conclusion, Sketches of Carol’s “Messengers” EP is a celestial sonic odyssey that captivates the listener with its emotive depth, thematic richness, and seamless fusion of vocal and instrumental elements. With this debut, Sketches of Carol emerges as a promising artist whose creative prowess is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the musical landscape.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Sketches of Carol is the solo project of vocalist and composer Sylvia Schmidt. The project is defined by an instinctive improvisatory approach, which Schmidt describes as the ‘most pure, raw form of [her] creative being’. Her strikingly haunting melodies carry the emotional weight of a rich thematic context: environmental preservation, women’s and migrant rights, shared grief, human connection and community.
Upcoming releases by Sketches of Carol include collaborations with violinist William Newell and cellist Steph Tress of Solem Quartet, pianist and producer Maria Chiara Argirò of These New Puritans and drummer Gaspar Sena of Valia Calda.
Previous projects and releases with and by Schmidt are the appalachian folk-jazz duo Kitchman / Schmidt and the collaborative vocal improvisation album Remembering (A Live Improvisation).
