A group who lean into the power of analogue sounds and alto vocals, crafting raw, emotionally vulnerable neo-classical pieces, Silphie's newest release is titled 'Si Tu'.
A continuation of their album project built around the works of Ancient Rome poet, Sulpicia – one of the few female poets of that era whose work survives today – 'Si Tu' (which means 'if you') is the fourth poem in the series. Sulpicia has a deadly fever. "If you love me I will surely live!" Sulpicia says.
That fascination with BCE history also resonates with the group's name, which is derived from the ancient world's herb silphium that was used for everything from perfume and cooking to medicine.
Led by soprano singer and vocal teacher Michaele Archer (vocals, composer and harmonium), she is joined by Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar) and Gab Stelle (viola).
"[We're] a bunch of friends who have been making music together on various projects from classical to contemporary. Music brings us together. It's a reason to catch up but we are always so happy to hang out."
Atmopspheric, beautifully fragile strings open 'Si Tu' creating an otherworldly presence that lingers like a fog cloud, swirling with an enchanting spirit.
When Michaele's stunning operatic, old-world vocals enter the frame, they manifest an outpouring of celestial emotions – like you've been transported back through time, sitting at a pew in a feudal church.
It's an invitation to remain still, contemplative – a moment to just be, allowing your modern stresses to wash away momentarily as you allow your mind to wander, seeking refuge from the hurly-burly of the day-to-day grind.
Released today, scenestr is thrilled to premiere the 'Si Tu' music video, which features dancer Darcy Strode and was filmed at Central Coast Conservatorium of Music on Darkinjung Land. Enjoy.
"The feel for the recording is built with layered string parts and an ethereal, intimate vocal – a feel of being suspended between life and death in some in-between place," shares Michaele.
"In the production process we stripped back the arrangement to capture the other-world feel with more movement building in the final verse expressing optimism. Ultimately Sulpicia recovers and is reunited with Cerinthius."
The music video is also linked to that ancient world, as Michaele explains. "In the video we explored the theme of wool, which had rich significance in Roman times. Wool was believed to contain animus (animal energy), the spirit of life and breath. The planets and the cosmos were linked to the image of the spinning wheel and fate.
"Weaving and wool were considered an important part of Roman culture from clothing in woollen togas, spiritual protection and the role of women signifying virtue. Roman women of all ranks engaged in weaving and spinning wool and Emperor Augustus in the time of Sulpicia wore togas of wool woven by the women of his house.
"We explored the theme of wool in our last video 'Sulpicia's Birthday' from this album project with a wooden weaving loom and wool. We were excited to continue this thread into the 'Si Tu' video with the woollen violin strings, yarn circle and the animus idea of spirit and the spark of life force."
Drafted into the music video was dancer Darcy Strode, whose credits include playing Kathy Seldon in 'Singing In The Rain' (Central Coast Grammar School - CCGS), Morticia Adams in 'The Adam Family' (CCGS) and Cut Dancer in 'Curtain Bounce's A Chorus Line'.
"Working with the awesome talent that is Benjamin Fraser [director, filming and editing] is always a treat and Darcy's choreography and improvisation was amazing," Michaele says.
"She is such a beautiful dancer. We probably had too much fun pulling out wool of all colours to create our circle and drape thread around Darcy. It was just the three of us working together on the day. The flow of the shoot felt collaborative, intense, alive and inspiring. We couldn't believe when we wrapped and it had only taken us two hours!"
Adds Darcy: "I was so excited when Micheale Archer asked me to be a part of her upcoming music video. I felt so honoured to be trusted with being apart of the art she has created. It was such an amazing environment to learn whilst creating beautiful art! Thank you so much!"
Silphie is excited to be performing again as part of Gossy Weekender in November and plans for an album launch tour and more festivals are in the pipeline for next year.
