Following her debut EP MESSENGERS, London-based vocalist and composer Sylvia Schmidt, known as Sketches of Carol, returns with a new release: PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW. The track builds gradually through layered vocal lines, creating a textured and ethereal soundscape. Opening with a more fragmented and rhythmically punctuated section, it transitions into flowing vocal harmonies that add a dreamlike atmosphere as the track evolves.
The inspiration for PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW came from the funeral of a young woman Schmidt had only met once. The experience of observing and participating in that moment of shared mourning informed the structure and emotional direction of the piece.
The track is arranged in two clear sections: the opening reflecting the tentative, quiet exchanges of strangers gathering, and the latter half expanding into a more communal, reflective tone. The addition of Stephanie Tress (Solem Quartet) on cello adds a melodic depth, emerging in the second half with a sense of restraint and emotional clarity.
Unlike the more freely improvised textures found in MESSENGERS, this single leans into melodic structure while maintaining Schmidt’s distinctive layering style. The production, handled by Gonçalo Abrantes, supports the song’s emotive detail without overstatement.
PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW continues Sketches of Carol’s exploration of memory, loss, and connection through voice-led composition. It’s a thoughtful piece grounded in personal experience and communal empathy.
More information can be found at sketchesofcarol.com.
