Sylvia Schmidt, the London-based vocalist and composer behind Sketches of Carol, has embarked on a new solo endeavor with her EP titled ‘Messengers.’ This cinematic musical offering invites listeners to explore a mesmerizing realm where ethereal harmonies, mesmerizing strings, and a dash of science fiction inspiration converge.
‘Messengers’ is not just an EP; it’s an artistic tribute to the multi-faceted female experience. Carol, the central figure in Schmidt’s work, symbolizes a diverse and often underrepresented community of women. The EP’s sonic landscape draws inspiration from iconic science fiction works like Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ and the 1980s Star Wars trilogy, blending elements of nostalgia with futuristic soundscapes.
The three-part composition of ‘Messengers’ takes the listener on a journey of interplanetary communication, evoking the spirit of the Golden Record—a gold-plated disk created by NASA to showcase Earth’s cultural and biological diversity to potential spacefarers. Throughout this 7.5-minute ethereal trip-tech experience, Sketches of Carol’s improvisatory talents shine brightly, woven into a captivating narrative.
Gonçalo Abrantes, an award-winning pianist and songwriter, skillfully handled the mixing and production of ‘Messengers.’ The EP features layered strings performed by esteemed violinist William Newell from the Solem Quartet. The result is a meticulously crafted soundscape that enchants and transports the listener.
For Sketches of Carol, ‘Messengers’ is just the beginning. This EP is the first of four planned releases, all inspired by the enchanting fairy tales of her childhood in the Silesia region. Drawing from her roots, she infuses her music with the magic, romance, and folkloristic traditions that shaped her upbringing.
Schmidt herself describes ‘Messengers’ as a project that embodies the raw essence of her creative spirit—an intuitive, emotionally charged creation that transcends planning and composition. It’s a musical journey that empowers both the artist and the audience.
