Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Camille Schmidt’s debut album, Nude # 9, which will be released on January 10, 2025, via Six Castle Road, is a stunning achievement that cements her as one of the most captivating new voices in contemporary music. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing surrounded by artists and the raw humanity of life drawing sessions, Schmidt turns the lens inward, creating an album that feels as vulnerable and unfiltered as its title suggests. Across ten vulnerable tracks, she masterfully blends elements from synth-pop, folk, indie rock, and punk together, crafting a collection that is both musically adventurous and emotionally resonant.
Building on the promise of her debut EP, Good Person (2024), Schmidt stretches her sonic boundaries on Nude # 9. While her previous work leaned heavily on folk-rock influences, this album is a kaleidoscope of sounds. With producer Ben Zaidi and an ensemble of gifted collaborators, Schmidt marries intricate soundscapes with her signature wit and self-reflection. Tracks like “XOXO” showcase her willingness to experiment, layering processed vocals over shimmering synths and drum machines to create a sound that feels both intimate and futuristic.
Schmidt’s lyrics are where Nude # 9 truly shines. She has a knack for transforming personal anecdotes into universal truths, weaving absurdity and poignancy together with ease. On the lead single, “Stanley,” she delivers one of her sharpest narratives, blending surreal imagery with raw emotion: “I walked the plank, I mean I went to the bank / I had a hot matcha and a heart attack.” Meanwhile, “Cult in Denver” juxtaposes her expansive vocal range with meditative instrumentation, capturing the intensity of devotion—whether to a person, an idea, or a fleeting moment of connection.
Some song highlights:
"Fish Pills" is a riotous punk-fueled romp that bursts with energy and humour, balancing its infectious chaos with razor-sharp wit.
"Proton Electron Photon" is a hypnotic journey through spacey synths and philosophical musings, highlighting Schmidt’s ability to turn science metaphors into compelling storytelling.
"Back Porch" slows things down with aching simplicity, reminiscent of '70s Laurel Canyon folk, with a little pop flair, as Schmidt reflects on family ties and the passage of time.
Throughout her debut album, Schmidt delves into the themes of self-discovery, love, loss, and identity. Her immense candid reflections on relationships—whether they are romantic, familial, or platonic—make the album feel deeply personal on an otherworldly level. She captures both the beauty and the messiness of human connection with a twist of humour and heart. As she puts it in her own words, “What if I just reflect the truth of what I’ve seen? What if I just say what happened?” With this commitment to unvarnished truth makes Nude # 9 an intensely relatable and cathartic listening experience from start to finish.
Nude # 9 is a bold and beautiful debut that announces Camille Schmidt as a force to be reckoned with. It’s an album that invites listeners to laugh, cry, and reflect alongside her, offering a window into her world while holding up a mirror to our own. With its fearless exploration of experimental sounds and raw unadulterated human emotion, Nude # 9 is more than just a collection of ten songs—it’s a declaration of self, as unflinching as it is unforgettable.
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