GORDI

Gordi first appeared out of Australia during the mid-2010s by fusing rich electronic layers with introspective acoustic compositions across a run of self-written pieces and reinterpretations. Her initial full-length project reached audiences through Jagjaguwar as Reservoir in 2017.

Born in the modest rural settlement of Canowindra, Sophie Payten later shifted to Sydney to attend school, simultaneously devoting herself to composition and studio work. She started shaping her opening EP while still based in a college dormitory.

Her electro-organic pop approach, which echoed the atmospheres of Bon Iver and Beth Orton, soon signaled emerging prospects for her path. Performing as Gordi, she issued material such as the expansive “Can We Work It Out” and a distinctive reworking of Courtney Barnett’s “Avant Gardener,” which secured a deal with the American independent outlet Jagjaguwar late in 2015.

The EP Clever Disguise appeared in the United States in May 2016. After delivering an a cappella version of Bon Iver’s “00000 Million” later that year, she unveiled her debut album Reservoir in mid-2017. The sessions drew on contributions from producers Alex Somers (Jónsi & Alex), Tim Anderson (Ima Robot), and Ali Chant (Gravenhurst). She also completed runs that included a European trek supporting Ásgeir.

Her family’s farm in Canowindra hosted the tracking for the next full-length, Our Two Skins, issued in June 2020. The singer shared production duties with Chris Messina (Bon Iver, S. Carey) and Zach Hanson (S. Carey, the Staves). A dedicated release concert was transmitted live from the Sydney Opera House.