Who is Sappho?
Sappho Hansen Smythe is a Toronto-based sci-pop artist, expressing her passion for the intersection of art and technology by writing high-concept, futurist pop music. She is currently focusing on an ongoing collaboration with Tampa-based artist, Near/Far, developing synth-heavy retrofuturist pieces based on popular sci-fi literature & fiction.
In 2023, she released a monthly series of instrumental electronic singles, culminating in Magrathea (2023), a tropical progressive house album. This independently produced, synth-led album brings a chill reprieve from the intensity of modern life, perfect for a beach trip or a journey to Mars. This project was inspired by by Canadian electronic music icon Steve Hansen Smythe, and his album Mostly Harmless (2001).
In 2022, she released her sophomore album, Fight to the Death, as a series of songs that tell a dreamlike sci-fi narrative. Inspired by geek classics such as They Live, Hitch Hiker’s Guide, and Starstruck Odyssey, this project tells a dark tale of hope, betrayal, and world domination. She then released a follow-up remix album, FIGHT TO THE DEATH: REMATCH (2022), featuring the talents of DJs, producers, and arrangers from a wide variety of genres (including Cozmic Cat, Near/Far, P Tee Money, Daitm, Chester Sky, Hyper Lion, and Toronto-based barbershop legends Yonge Guns Quartet).
She also enjoys creating music with other artists. She appeared as a lead vocalist on Stripes by Darkonian, When There’s No One Around and Don’t Wake Up by Chester Sky, Koinkidink by Hyper Lion, and Go for Hope by Bryne Carruthers. Additionally, she arranged and performed backup vocals on Like A Tide Rising by I.H.Smythe, and Vagabond by Tomacco, and contributed as a producer/keyboard player on Leandro by Ary Roberto.
Sappho has also been heavily involved with the world of digital/immersive arts. She regularly integrates emerging technology into her work and collaborates with other artists on future-focused projects. These projects include sound design for immersive escape rooms, acting in horrifying short films, directing 360 music videos, and more.
