Madres

by Sofia Kourtesis

Overview

Active as a producer and DJ for more than a decade, Sofia Kourtesis broke through with the release of her acclaimed 2021 EP Fresia Magdalena, which featured two sublime, bittersweet singles, "La Perla" (dedicated to her late father) and "By Your Side." Madres, her 2023 full-length debut, is a vibrant set of house tracks that serve as poignant reflections, celebrations, and peaceful protests. Originally from Peru, Kourtesis left at age 17 in order to escape the conservatism of her home community -- she was bullied and sent to conversion therapy after kissing a girl. She fled to Berlin, where she was able to embrace the freedom of club culture, and she became a staunch activist for gender equality. Her music is equally informed by European nightlife and her South American upbringing, incorporating personal recordings and lyrics inspired by her family. Compared to her earlier EPs, Madres feels more refined and less quirky and glitchy, with strong vocal hooks in line with contemporaries like Peggy Gou and Jayda G. "Si Te Portas Bonito" is one of her most memorable songs to date, thanks to its irresistible vocal melody and creative sampled rhythmic chants in the background. The heart-stirring "Vajkoczy" is named after Peter Vajkoczy, the renowned neurosurgeon who performed a life-saving operation on Kourtesis' mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. Kourtesis remained friends with Vajkoczy, bonding with him over the healing power of music, and she even took him out clubbing. Songs like the knocking garage rush of "How Music Makes You Feel Better" and the subtler "Funkhaus" (named after the club venue where Kourtesis first began working when she moved to Berlin) channel the ecstatic feelings of dancing and being accepted by the club community. While much of the album is based on personal experiences, it still contains a heavy subtext of political and social activism, particularly on the previously issued single "Estacion Esperanza," which incorporates samples of chanting from an anti-homophobia protest as well as looped and re-sung lyrics from Manu Chao's signature hit "Me Gustas Tu." Album closer "El Carmen" is dedicated to the joy and livelihood of Afro-Peruvian culture, sampling gleeful vocal chants, percussion, and horns. Madres deals with serious subject matter, but ultimately it's an abundantly thankful, joyous, and celebratory record. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	10/27/2023
Label:	Ninja Tune
UPC:	5054429176728
Rank:	42585

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Madres
2. Si Te Portas Bonito
3. Vajkoczy
4. How Music Makes You Feel Better
5. Habla con Ella

Disc 2

6. Funkhaus
7. Moving Houses
8. Estación Esperanza
9. Cecilia
10. El Carmen