Sophia (British band)

Sophia
Genres Alternative rock
Indie rock
Slowcore
Singer-songwriter
Years active 1995–present
Labels The Flower Shop Recordings
City Slang
Bang!
Associated acts May Queens, The God Machine
Members Robin Proper-Sheppard
The Sophia collective

Sophia is an indie rock band consisting of Robin Proper-Sheppard, former member of The God Machine, and the Sophia collective, a group of musicians who collaborate with Sophia. "Oh My Love" from People are like Seasons became an indie hit in several countries.

History

After the release of the final The God Machine album in 1995, Proper-Sheppard set up the Flower Shop label, putting out records from the likes of Elevate, Ligament, and Swervedriver. He also began recording a year later as Sophia. Sophia sounded nothing like The God Machine. Instead of ear-busting and grating, they were low key and introspective. With the help from other Flower Shop artists - Graham Miles (Elevate), Dan Mulligan (Oil Seed Rape) and James Elkington (Elevate) - he recorded 1996's Fixed Water featuring the single "Are You Happy Now".

Two years later, 'The Infinite Circle' followed. In 2005 this album was performed live in its entirety as part of the All Tomorrow's Parties-curated Don't Look Back series.

In 2001 Sophia released a live album 'De Nachten'. The album was recorded during two festival appearances in Belgium and the Netherlands and features four new songs and a cover of the John Lennon song Jealous Guy.

In January 2004 Sophia released their third studio album 'People Are Like Seasons'. The album was released by City Slang/EMI and marks the first Sophia release for a major label. Thanks to the massive airplay for its first single 'Oh my love' the band reached a whole new audience. This resulted in chart success for the album in several European countries (highest entry was no. 8 in Belgium). The band - of which the main members are now Robin Proper-Sheppard (vocals, guitar), Jeff Townsin (drums), Will Foster (keyboards) and ex-Swervedriver mainman Adam Franklin (guitar) - did a very successful tour of Europe in the first half of 2004.

In the Fall of 2004, a rarities cd was released called 'Collections:One'.

Most of 2005 and 2006 were spent writing and recording new songs for the fourth studio album 'Technology Won't Save Us', which was released in October 2006.

In the Spring of 2009, the new album 'There Are No Goodbyes' was released. The limited edition version featured a bonus disc of an acoustic gig (Robin solo with a string-quartet), recorded at Valentine's Day 2009 in Vienna.

During 2010 Proper-Sheppard did an extensive solo acoustic tour called 'At Home With Sophia...'. The idea was to create an atmosphere that was as intimate as a living room, for people to come and hear the songs of Sophia much as they were originally written. All shows were recorded and a number of them are available for free download on the Sophia Bandcamp page.

Discography

Albums
Singles

External links