London-based vocalist and composer Sylvia Schmidt introduces her new solo project, ‘Sketches of Carol,’ with the launch of her mesmerizing EP, ‘Messengers.’ The lead track from this three-part debut EP offers an extraordinary cinematic experience that combines ethereal soundscapes with a love for science fiction.
In ‘Messengers,’ Sketches of Carol encapsulates the multi-faceted female experience, symbolized by ‘Carol,’ representing a diverse and often underrepresented community of women. The song pays homage to Schmidt’s shared love for science fiction with her father, drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ and the 1980s Star Wars trilogy. It weaves an otherworldly narrative of interplanetary communication, inspired by NASA’s Golden Record—a gold-plated disk intended to convey Earth’s diversity to potential spacefarers.
The song’s ethereal quality is underpinned by a hypnotic loop of rich, close vocal harmony, with a central melody shared between voice and violin, showcasing Sketches of Carol’s improvisational talent. Renowned violinist William Newell from the Solem Quartet enriches the track with layered strings. The EP, mixed and produced by award-winning pianist and songwriter Gonçalo Abrantes, marks the beginning of an enchanting journey.
Sketches of Carol’s work is deeply inspired by the magical and romantic qualities of the fairy tales she cherished during her childhood in the Silesia region. Folkloristic traditions, clothing, and music from her upbringing influence her artistry.
In Sylvia Schmidt’s words, “‘Messengers’ displays the most raw, pure form of my creative being. Led by my voice as an immediate instrument, rather than planning the composition of the suite, ‘Messengers’ was intuitive, borne from a wholly emotional place. In that sense, it truly carries the moment. Translating that to other people feels empowering.”
The EP’s artwork, created by Italian visual designer Giulia Cavallini, adds a distinctive illustrative style to Sketches of Carol’s releases. The project aims to release more music in collaboration with artists such as violinist William Newell, cellist Steph Tress of Solem Quartet, pianist and producer Maria Chiara Argirò of These New Puritans, and drummer Gaspar Sena of Valia Calda.