More often than not, when actors transition into music they’re confronted by a wave of media and public opposition. Perhaps put it down to tall poppy syndrome, but it’s not uncommon for someone involved in multiple artistic mediums to be accused of cashing in on their fame in order to gain more ego-stroking plaudits.
Sydneysider Sophie Lowe is a recognised film and television actor. She’s perhaps best known for her stunning portrayal of the title character in Rachel Ward’s twisted Australian drama Beautiful Kate from 2009. More recently she played a key role in ABC TV’s The Slap and the psychological thriller After The Dark. Lowe is also a hard-working electropop performer who released her debut EP under the Solo moniker in late 2013. But contrary to the trend, Lowe hasn’t faced harsh scrutiny for engaging in dual pursuits.
“I thought it could be apossibilitybecause people like to label you as only one thing,” she says. “I feel blessed with theappreciation I am getting for my music. I think whatever you are doing, as long as you do it with honesty, people willrecognisethat.”
Solo’s debut release – simply titled EP – was produced by Sydney-based musician/songwriter/producer Neal Sutherland. Sutherland picked up an ARIA for his work on Bertie Blackman’s Secrets And Lies, and he’s currently a member of Jack Ladder’s band The Dreamlanders. Lowe has actually been writing songs for over ten years, but combining with Sutherland gave her the necessary push to bring EP to life.
“Neal has been a big influence,” she says. “I’m so lucky to be able to work with him. My songs are sopersonal to me and Neal makes me feel so comfortable. He doesn’tmake me feel self-consciousaboutmyvulnerability. James McComb co-wrote ‘Dreaming’ and ‘Please’ from my first EP. He is an amazingguitarist; I loved working with him, too. James is currently in the band White Dog.”
Along with giving Lowe the confidence to deliver her songs with expressive candour, Sutherland played a key role in refining the songs and nailing down the finished versions.
“Some songs needed more shaping than others,” says Lowe. “Iusually go to him with a strong idea or feeling for each song I have written.We alwayshave the best time in the studio. The way we work is I write songs with Logic on mycomputer and then would take them to Neal whenever I’m back in Sydney. Together we work on the songs to make them sound bigger and better.Neal really helps me believe in myself. He always has greatsuggestions and I think the EPwouldn’thave been the same without him.”
Upon its release, EP’s lead single ‘Dreaming’ gained airplay on triple j and community radio. In March this year, Solo returned with the single ‘Understand’, taken from her forthcoming follow-up, EP2. The positive recording dynamic established on the first EP encouraged Lowe to team up with Sutherland again. “He knows how I like to work and I love working with him,” she says.
In contrast to the moody minimalism of Solo’s debut, ‘Understand’ contains immersive electronic textures, and it’s a pretty good indication of what’s to come. “There is a lot more going on in my new EP – bigger sounds, and I took more risks this time I think,” Lowe says. “Every song touches on a different side of my personality. I’m very excited for people to hear my new songs.”
The stylistic update can partially be attributed to the new sounds Lowe has been absorbing. In particular, the music of FKA Twigs gave her plenty of ideas for where she could take her sound. “I loved hearing the simple and very effectiverhythmthat FKA Twigs has,” she says. “I mean, there is a lot going on in the songs,but it all flows so well. Hearing that gave me some moreconfidencein what I was writing.”
When it comes to more formative influences, Lowe names Nancy Sinatra and Fiona Apple as two artists who pushed her towards writing music. “Fiona Apple’svulnerablelyrics and amazing songwriting skills and Nancy Sinatra’s classic sound – love them,” she says.
While the release of EP2 is still pending, audiences will get a chance to taste some new material when Solo headlines Rare Finds #4 at The Standard Bowl this Friday. Her recordings feature electronic production and plenty of synths, as well as guitar and other acoustic instrumentation, so she’ll need some help executing it all live.
“Neal plays live with me, which is always aninstantcomfort,” Lowe says. “Neal will be playingsynththis time and we will have a live drummer. James McComb will join us for the song ‘Dreaming’, which willbe really fun.”
Looking ahead, Lowe doesn’t plan to reduce her commitment to either acting or music. However, balancing the two vocations can make for a somewhat unpredictable lifestyle. “I am proud of my work,” she says. “[But] it is hard to know what will come next in my life, acting-wise or music-wise.”
Get along to Rare Finds #4 at The Standard Bowl on Friday July 31, where you’ll find Solo, along with Grrl Pal, Aviva and DJ Stonedog Millionaire.
