Sophie Kurtesis on 'Madres' and Breaking Techno Perfectionism

Backstage at the 2022 Berlin Atonal Festival, Sophie Kurtesis stood hunched over against the concrete wall, trembling fingers wrapped around a half-empty glass of water. The soft hum of electronic beats reverberated through the venue, a stark contrast to her internal chaos. This was the night she would reveal her debut album, 'Madres,' a bold declaration of her vibrant identity as an artist and a woman in a genre often dominated by rigid definitions. As she listened to her tracks echoing across the stage, a single thought pierced through her overwhelmed heart: "This is it. No more hiding. It's time to break the mold." With the looming shadow of perfectionism in techno music behind her, Sophie had decided to embrace the delightful chaos of her creativity. 'Madres' encapsulated her journey, interpreting the complexities of womanhood in a soundscape often stripped of emotion. The album wasn’t merely a collection of tracks but a testament to her struggle against the polished norms that the genre had come to embody.

The journey of creating 'Madres' was neither easy nor linear. It was born from a place of vulnerability and the rich tapestry of her background. Inspired by tales of motherhood and female resilience, Sophie infused her narratives into electronic rhythms that sought to challenge preconceived notions of what it meant to be a woman in music. Through melodic expansions and gritty samples, 'Madres' explored bisexuality, the fragility of relationships, and the strength of heritage. Each track painted vivid strokes of joy and sorrow, music that resonated with the truths of her life. During sleepless nights in the studio, arguments with producers became inevitable. "Why don’t you go with something more typical?" they often questioned. Yet Sophie remained steadfast, choosing the unrefined and the raw over perfection. In her world, imperfections were the very essence of beauty.

In the landscape of electronic music, 'techno perfectionism' often prevails—tight beats, flawless production, and an unwavering commitment to structure. But Sophie broke through that barrier with unapologetic authenticity. Tracks like ‘Bajo las Estrellas’ and ‘Cicatrices’ embraced imperfections, inviting audiences into her private world rather than a calculated performance. "Music isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection," she expressed in a candid interview after her release. "I wanted to strip down the polish and reveal the raw emotions—scream, cry, laugh. Somehow, it’s more human that way." This mantra resonates throughout 'Madres,' embodying the very essence of her artistic philosophy: vulnerability is strength. Through her refusal to conform, she invites listeners to find their own imperfections reflected in her music.

Upon its release, 'Madres' stirred a wave of excitement and intrigue in the music industry. Critics lauded the album for its haunting melodies and emotional depth, challenging the techno elite's stance on gender roles within the electronic scene. Fans took to social media, flooding platforms with shouts of appreciation and personal reflections that tied their own experiences to her tracks. Sophie became a catalyst for discussions on female representation in electronic music, igniting movements that aimed to dismantle the barriers of traditionalism. In a world yearning for change, her soundscape emerged as an anthem of resilience, echoing the voices of female artists facing similar struggles across various genres. Through 'Madres,' she not only found her voice but amplified the voice of countless women who dared to disrupt.

Sophie's artistic journey has always been laced with challenges and triumphs, each chapter shaping the artist she has become today. 'Madres' marks a pivotal moment in her career—a defiance against the rigid expectations once imposed upon her. Through her exploration of the complexities of womanhood, she helps lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and nuanced future in the electronic music scene. As I invite you to immerse yourself in 'Madres,' let it resonate with your own story. Share your thoughts, your struggles, and your celebrations on social media using #MadresAlbum, and join Sophie as she continues to redefine what it means to be a woman in music.