Sophia Space Agency - The Turning Blue

Today, Sophia Space Agency shares her debut album The Turning Blue -- an
ethereal, sci-fi sound collage mixed in immersive 3D spatial audio by electronic pioneer Martyn Ware (Heaven 17, The Human League)

Alongside, she unveils the haunting music video for the track 'Driven To Ruin'.
On The Turning Blue , otherworldly vocals cascade around pulsing synthesisers as
poetic lyrics contemplate ecological disaster caused by climate change. The record's
sonic architecture is built on project leader Kermanidou's singing: utilising hundreds
of vocal takes, her voice is contorted through sound synthesis into the grand synths
and alien textures that mix with her natural vocal lines. The resulting tracks are challenging, minimalist soundscapes that unite the avant- garde vocal experimentalism of Meredith Monk with the synthetic grandiosity of Tim Hecker and Jon Hopkins.

Kermanidou and co-producer Cygnus Rift's sonic experimentation realises the album's cosmic concepts, with Kermanidou explaining, "This album is about seeing ourselves within the universe. There is life and sound out there, and this is an imagining of what that sounds like." Opener 'Star Cycle' -- one of the last tracks recorded at Britannia Row (Pink Floyd's former studio) -- is a musical villanelle poem told from an alien perspective. Incorporating direct samples of the Mars Curiosity Rover on pulsing 'We Are Not Alone', Kermanidou offers a direct response to David Bowie's glam-rock epic 'Life On Mars?' Upon reaching closer 'The Turning Blue', the album's most direct and emotional moment sparked by a conversation with Ware, there is a sense of clarity.

The Lynchian video for 'Driven To Ruin' is a visual expression of Kermanidou's vision.
Rather than traditional singing notes, 'Driven To Ruin's soundscape is created from
deconstructed vocal fragments - blending this fragmentation with the work of videomaker Delaney Schenker (Osees, Evil Island) to evoke the feeling that the world is falling apart.

Martyn Ware mixed and mastered in 3D spatial audio at Tileyard Studios, creating an
immersive auditory experience exclusively for its digital version. Ware shares his
thoughts on the record: " The Turning Blue is sonically lush and expansive, with a
mesmerising blend of moods and compelling, inventive vocals. It's emotionally powerful and ethereal with elegant, deeply considered songwriting; driven by a bold and unmistakable vision. All of this, while you're deeply immersed in the possibilities of space and 3D sound. I'm very proud of what we've achieved on this album."
Reflecting on The Turning Blue, Kermanidou adds: In modern life, we are so far removed from nature that it has affected our relationship to planet Earth, so I imagined getting lost in space and seeing things from there - giving the lyrics a detached, otherworldly perspective. Vocals and piano are my main musical instruments, so I wanted to take the performance, and the technical production of these instruments, as far as I could. As a species, we are strong communicators-- our voices are power, and collectively, we can do so much with them"

Tracks: Star Cycle / I Remember / What a Mess / The Grace of Giving / Driven to
Ruin / We Are Not Alone / The Turning Blue

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:

- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.

- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.

- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.

- We unfortunately don't offer tax/vat outside of the UK via the website so please keep in mind that when the items arrives in your country you may be liable to pay a further charge before delivery. (all UK orders the price you see is the price you will pay). Please also note that we are unable to adjust the declared value on items sold internationally.