Bristol-based producer and artist Slowe (AKA Sophie Hawes) brings us her soothing, avant-soul
psychedelia. Raised in the Welsh border town of Chepstow, Slowe has been writing music and
performing in bands since her teens. During a gigging hiatus, she found herself gravitating towards
self-sufficient production, turning her hand to an array of instruments – including flute, keys and guitar –
to recreate the styles of her favourite producers.
Slowe’s DIY approach is reminiscent of lo-fi beat making; delicately collaging session recordings together,
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 ethereal 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.” Bristol’s vibrant music
scene is reflected in Slowe’s latest project, not only in its collaborations but in its collapse of space
between genres. Her dreamy body of work has already garnered support from BBC introducing in the
West, BBC Cymru and BBC Radio 1.