Easing us into the new year comes a song of shimmering reflections from Costa Rican pianist and composer Sofi Paez, the delicately poised ‘Por qué’. Her self-released EP ‘Circles’ from April last year stirred growing interest through its bold presentation of deceptively emotive, uncluttered piano pieces. Hints and sprinkles of Debussy or Satie, with the intent of Nils Frahm and flourish of Dustin O’Halloran, Paez introduced herself as a player with a distinctive touch and compass set to deeper feelings.
With ‘Por qué’ the ripple effect around her reputation looks set to swell. It’s a song of drifting time and dreaming, glistening refreshingly to a harp-like piano pattern and featuring a Paez vocal that’s rarely been heard until this point. Youthful and yearning, sultry but pure, it’s a voice that unfolds this story of loss in a natural, very human way. There may be hints of electronic strings and celestial cooing but the drama is understated, while her homeland melodies add richness to the simmering tune .
Besides its beauty the track also signposts her incoming debut album ‘Silent Stories’ (due in May ), a release which carries added significance as it opens the catalogue for revered Icelandic musician Ólafur Arnalds’ new OPIA project. Part itinerant festival, part record label, part artistic collective, OPIA is about bringing people together. Finding the gently powerful music of Sofi Paez within such a community is just perfect.
‘Por qué by Sofi Paez is streaming now HERE
Sofi Paez will be playing the OPIA festival in Utrecht on June 2nd – Tickets HERE
