Music Monday:: "Madres" by Sofia Kourtesis: A Tale of Unyielding Love and Miracles
Sofia Kourtesis' "Madres" is more than just a musical journey; it's a testament to the power of love, hope, and the unexpected appearances of remarkable individuals in our lives. Surprisingly, this album is not just dedicated to Kourtesis' mother but also to the world-renowned neurosurgeon, Peter Vajkoczy. The story behind Vajkoczy's involvement in the album's liner notes is a compelling narrative of determination, miracles, unwavering love, and ultimately, hope.
When Kourtesis embarked on creating her debut album, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her path had been marked by a series of EPs and singles that received widespread acclaim, catapulting her to stardom in the electronic music scene and beyond. She had graced the cover of Mixmag, delivered an electrifying Resident Advisor 'RA Session,' earned spots on 'End of Year' lists from reputable sources like The New York Times, Pitchfork, DJ Mag, and Spotify (#6 Best Electronic Song), and performed to sold-out crowds at venues such as London's Lafayette and Manchester's YES. Her captivating performances at festivals like Glastonbury, Green Man, Wide Awake, and Primavera, as well as supporting Caribou and Bicep on tour, further solidified her rising star status.
However, amidst her whirlwind career, Kourtesis was frequently rushing back to her native Peru to be with her ailing mother. A few months after the passing of her father, who had been the inspiration for Kourtesis' breakout single, 'La Perla,' her mother was diagnosed with cancer and rapidly deteriorating. "Doctors were constantly calling me, telling me to say my goodbyes for months," she recalls.
Refusing to give in to despair, Kourtesis tirelessly sought advice from every available doctor. The prognosis remained bleak, with surgery deemed too risky. In a desperate bid to reach out to the highly sought-after neurosurgeon, Peter Vajkoczy, Kourtesis posted a snippet of her music on social media, promising to dedicate a track to him in exchange for just a few minutes of his time. Astonishingly, Vajkoczy responded and agreed to meet. He even went a step further and agreed to perform the operation. The outcome was a success, and Kourtesis' mother was granted an extended lease on life, surpassing all expectations.
With her mother's health restored and now living nearby in Berlin, Kourtesis could finally regain a sense of normalcy. "Madres" is the result of this newfound stability. While it bears the imprints of the struggles from those years and her personal mental health journey, the album radiates with joy, bathed in warm light, and brimming with a sense of "hope and the transformative power of profound love." It encapsulates the intricacies of life that Kourtesis had not had the time or energy for: going out with friends, dating, dancing, eating, and simply living. Vajkoczy became a part of this world, turning into a devoted music enthusiast and even serving as a sounding board for the album. Kourtesis even introduced him to the iconic Berlin nightclub, Berghain.
"Madres" also encompasses all the elements that have already made Kourtesis an adored artist. The dual influences of her Peruvian heritage and her adopted home in Berlin are palpable, with her remarking, "My heart is deeply Latin American, but my drive is German." Furthermore, her activism in support of gender equality, the rights of queer individuals, and access to safe abortions in Peru holds a special place in her heart. Having left Peru herself due to the challenges she faced for being ostracized and forced into conversion therapy because of her queerness, Kourtesis had not openly discussed the true reason for her departure until now. Through her music and words, she hopes to connect with others who share similar experiences, as regrettably, her story remains all too common.Social Media:
IG - @sofiakourtesis
SoundCloud - @sofia-kourtesis
Facebook -@sofia.kourtesis
Website - sofiakourtesis.com
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Music Monday
Music Monday is a weekly celebration of the vibrant world music creates. Music, a universal language, paints our lives in brilliant hues, connecting hearts and transcending boundaries. It adds color to a monochrome world, conveying emotions and experiences, fostering unity, and celebrating the diverse tapestry of human existence. Join us in embracing the power of music every Monday and let its melodies fill your world with vivid shades of joy and harmony. Check out our other Music Monday posts. Don't forget to use the hashtags #DAILEYMUSIC.
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