Musician Sophie Payten, known as Gordi, has released her new single, "High Line." The track was co-written with fellow musician Alex Lahey, and its release precedes Gordi's current Australian tour, which includes intimate performances throughout April and support dates for Of Monsters and Men in May.
New Single: "High Line"
Gordi's new single, "High Line," was developed in collaboration with Alex Lahey, with whom Payten is in a long-term relationship. The initial version of the song, including its melody and chords, was co-written with different lyrics intended for Lahey. Both artists expressed not being satisfied with this original rendition.
Gordi's new single, "High Line," originated from a collaborative effort with Alex Lahey, though the initial lyrical content, intended for Lahey, was later revised by Payten.
Payten subsequently rewrote the lyrics, retaining the original melody and chords, with Lahey's consent. The updated lyrics were developed in Los Angeles. While "High Line" was considered for inclusion on Gordi's third album, Like Plasticine, which is scheduled for release in 2025, Payten decided it did not fit the album's sequence.
Despite being considered for Gordi's forthcoming album, Like Plasticine, "High Line" was ultimately released as a standalone single to offer new material for her current Australian tour.
The song was then released as a standalone single to provide new material for her current tour.
Professional Collaboration and Relationship
Regarding professional collaborations, Payten has stated that both she and Lahey believe there is sufficient space for their individual careers within the music industry, noting that they maintain distinct career paths. Payten indicated that significant career milestones for one artist, such as a major support slot, could potentially test the dynamics of their professional collaboration.
Sophie Payten and Alex Lahey are committed to maintaining distinct individual career paths, acknowledging that major professional milestones could present unique challenges to their collaborative dynamic.
Australian Tour Details
Gordi is currently undertaking a series of intimate performances across Australia throughout April. The tour includes scheduled dates in Brisbane (April 10), Coorabell, Castlemaine, Melbourne, Ballarat, Sydney, Milton, Port Kembla, and Orange. In May, Gordi is also scheduled to support Of Monsters and Men.
Reflections on Early Career
Payten recounted an experience from a decade ago when she performed a gig in Katoomba for $50. During the performance, the sole audience member wore noise-canceling headphones. Following the show, Payten incurred a $600 traffic fine and lost eight demerit points for speeding in a 60 km/h zone while traveling back to Sydney. The fine was subject to double demerits, which Payten mentioned occurred near the Christmas holiday period, resulting in a net financial loss of $550 plus petrol for the engagement. She regained the demerit points after three years.
A formative early career experience saw Sophie Payten performing for $50 to a single audience member wearing noise-canceling headphones, only to incur a $600 traffic fine on the return journey, leading to a significant net financial loss and a "character-building" moment before her career took off.
Payten cited this incident as a character-building and humbling experience that preceded her career gaining traction. Approximately a year after this event, one of her songs received radio play, which she noted contributed to her career transitioning from an expensive hobby to a profession.