Where The Mind Wanders

'Where The Mind Wanders' is the debut album from Bristol-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, artist and songwriter, Slowe (AKA Sophie Hawes). This project is a window into Slowe's mind, with each song reflecting a different aspect of her inner world. With a musical landscape that ebbs and flows, Sophie poetically addresses the struggles of self-doubt and the beauty of fulfilment and joy. These themes are perfectly embodied in the focus track "A Simple Act" as she explores uncertainty, wanting to push herself, but faltering at times with a lack of confidence. Led by the cyclical urge to push yourself and subsequent hesitancy, the lyrics move through sparkling, R&B Rhodes and celesta that nod to her love of neo-soul and a loose beat played by Conor Harrington, bopping between Sam Fox's smooth bassline.

Slowe's DIY approach is reminiscent of lo-fi beat-making; delicately layering together session recordings, and repurposing techniques akin to those of J Dilla and Madlib. The result is both nostalgic and fiercely contemporary, with sparkling Rhodes, vintage drum lines, and buttery vocals. The combination of Slowe's radiant lilts and introspective lyricism atop the fuzzy, analogue warmth makes for swooning escapism.

An avid crate-digger, Slowe naturally takes inspiration from a plethora of genres, and you can hear nods to her extensive references, from Tyler the Creator and Tame Impala to Erykah Badu. "I would say my earlier influences (Laura Marling, Jeff Buckley) inspire my songwriting and lyrics" Slowe explains, "whereas my later influences of soul, hip hop and jazz inform my production."