Seagull

Sophie Barker, the sublime voice behind Zero 7’s stunning first two albums will release her new solo album ‘Seagull’ through independent label, Ho Hum Records on May 9th.

You may know Sophie Barker as one of the vocalists on Zero 7’s Simple Things, that luscious, sweeping vocal at the forefront of the album’s breakaway hit ‘In The Waiting Line’. You may also know her for her work with Groove Armada, The Egg, Grooverider, Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and Muki, or maybe for her previous solo album Earthbound. She also worked on the Rainbow Collections, a series of children’s music. It’s been a packed 10 years, that’s for sure – but with the release of Seagull, comes the chance to know the real Sophie.

Over the course of the last few years, Sophie had tried working with a variety of producers and live bands, but it wasn’t until she met Ho Hum founders and producers of ‘Seagull’, Alex Pilkington and Mark Tucker, that she felt the combination was right.

Seagull reintroduces her with a more plaintive sound than before, and she talks about the new album with an incredible excitement “It brought a great sense of relief and synchronicity – I’d found the producers and band I’ve dreamt of for years The magic I’m feeling now is similar to what I felt at the beginning of Zero 7.’

Sophie’s songs follow a minimal process, entirely stripped back of artifice – as soon as she came up with a lyric or melody, she headed straight for the studio, and entire songs followed.

The addition of light, deft touches added by Alex and Mark in the studio add a certain brevity – spot the Motown-esque licks, the Joni Mitchell leanings and the occasional trip-hop beats.

This album marks Sophie out as an independent spirit armed with a fine collection of perceptive, soulful songs, - a fitting conclusion it s many years in the making.

Sophie has announced a series of UK dates to follow the album release and the band line up will include Sam Johnson and Laurence Clack of Lucky Elephant (signed to Rob Da Bank’s Sunday Best label) who remixed the captivating first single ‘Say Goodbye’ which is soon to be used in the US series finale of hit TV show Skins.

Tour dates:

Tuesday 17 May Norwich, Arts Centre
Thursday 19 May London, Jazz Café
Friday 20th May Nottingham, Bodega
Monday 23rd May Manchester, Band On The Wall
Tuesday 24th May Bristol, Thekla