We saw the talented Sophia Brous supporting Jens Lekman at London’s Hackney Empire last week, with a certain Mr. Aaron Cupples of Civil Civic on – unlikely as this seems – acoustic guitar.
She and Jens became pals when he was living in Melbourne, and she duets with him on the track ‘Erica America‘ on his new album. Pitchfork liked it.
Touted as a “human powerhouse” and “prodigious chanteuse” (thanks, Rolling Stone), Melbourne’s Brous possesses an uncompromising vision for pop. Equal parts pop auteur and exotic diva, she weaves together a mesmerising palette of ’60s soundtrack fetishism, shimmering psychedelia and industrial lounge, with nods to pop traditions stretching from Japan to Brazil to Eastern Europe, showcasing stunning melodies, crowned by an extraordinarily powerful voice.
Since releasing her debut EP through Onelouder/Universal at the close of 2011, with intoxicating lead single ‘Streamers’ (video below), she received widespread critical praise, national airplay and award nominations across Australia. She’s sung on Bollywood soundtracks and Hollywood film scores, curated festivals, and kept up a constant schedule of new projects and collaborations with artists including Michael Rother (Neu!), the aforementioned Jens Lekman, Francois Tetaz (Gotye, Kimbra), Brian Chase (YYYs, USA) and Mick Harvey (Bad Seeds, Birthday Party), who makes up part of her live band when she plays as a full-five piece.
She’s unusual.
We like her a lot.
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