“Broke Scene”: a yum cha fever dream.
While working around the clock during a week-long writing residency at an inner-city Sydney studio last year, Gordi abandoned the piano and laptop and meandered down to Chinatown for a late morning yum cha feast. As typically happens post pan-fried dumpling, the singer songwriter opted for a nap, nestled up against the legs of the PH piano she was working at. Waking up in a sweat, “Broke Scene” flowed out of her from start to finish, as she scrambled to capture it to tape in the moment.
An emotion-ladled, contagious fever dream birthed by MSG-charged yum cha – welcome to Gordi’s “Broke Scene”. A stunning track that laces an uplifting arrangement anchored to a persistent pulse, with questions of resignation and internal restlessness: “Can you see, you’re burning your house down?”.
Co-produced with Ethan Gruska (Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Sky Ferreira), the Canowindra-raised artist took the original demo over to LA to finish with Ethan, the duo collaborating to expand on the initial fever dream. The session in the US came as part of Sophie’s sessions working on an upcoming body of work.
Expansive yet intimate, “Broke Scene” was mixed by previous collaborator, Jon Low (Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift, The National).
Gordi’s first single for 2023, the release coincides with her Australian national tour with longtime friend and collaborator, Bon Iver. The tour runs until mid March, having been rescheduled from 2020.
The song also comes as Gordi commemorates World Pride – which will also be celebrated with a number of shows in Sydney over the coming month. Payten’s last record the ARIA and two time triple j J Award nominated Our Two Skins documented her journey through self-discovery, identity and sexuality.
Following the release of her latest body of work, 2021’s Inhuman, Gordi – a.k.a Sophie Payten has an impressive catalogue and collaboration history behind her. Teaming up with Troye Sivan on ‘Wait’, from the film Three Months, Gordi has also been collaborating with a host of impressive names, remixing Julien Baker as well as tracks with Ben Bohmer, The Blaze, Helado Negro, Loraine James and Maggie Lindemann.
