Liverpool-based musician Luce Mawdsley, who identifies as non-binary, has unveiled a new three-track EP titled Dream, Baby Butch. This collection of music was specifically composed for Becky Manson’s film exploring the work of artist Catherine Opie. The EP is scheduled for release on September 4th via Pure O Records. In a move highlighting community support, all proceeds generated from the EP will be donated to Sahir, a Liverpool-based charity serving the LGBTQ+ community.
A Soundtrack for Visual Art and Film
The musical compositions on Dream, Baby Butch were created as a sonic accompaniment to the film Catherine Opie: Moments of Being. This film was commissioned by the National Galleries of Scotland. The EP and film are closely linked to Opie’s significant solo exhibition in Scotland, titled Catherine Opie: To Be Seen. This exhibition is currently on display at the Royal Scottish Academy and will continue until November 1, 2026. Adding a personal touch, the artwork for the EP features Catherine Opie’s own 1970 piece, Self-Portrait.
The first track from the EP, “Triptych,” is now available for listeners to experience. Mawdsley shared initial feelings of apprehension regarding the commission, noting the profound depth of Opie’s artistic vision. “Opie’s work is a devotion to representation, the story of people who are made to feel they do not belong, building worlds of their own, thriving, resisting and grieving on their own terms,” Mawdsley explained. “I felt at home in a world where divergence resonated in glorious possibility and through the generosity of Opie’s work hope radiated.”
Musical Exploration and Instrumentation
In crafting the soundscape for the EP, Mawdsley incorporated the distinctive tones of the pedal steel guitar. They described this instrument with enthusiasm as “surely the most nonbinary queer coded western instrument!” Alongside the pedal steel, the EP features the use of synthesizers and percussion, with contributions from Michael Paul Metcalfe. This blend of electronic and traditional instrumentation creates a unique sonic texture.
Mawdsley elaborated on the creative process behind the track “Triptych,” discussing its connection to Opie’s artistic references. “Opie’s reference to Christianity through the Self Portrait trilogy was fascinating and led to a particularly beautifully and serendipitous collaborative moment in the film where my pedal steel mutates into an angelic church organ sound,” they stated. “I was thinking about how I could use effects to generate a club music mirage when all of a sudden, the Seraphim erupted in euphoric praise, as worlds, and timelines collide.” This description highlights the experimental and evocative nature of the music, aiming to translate visual and thematic elements into sound.
Upcoming Performances and Future Projects
Following the release of Dream, Baby Butch, Luce Mawdsley has several live performances scheduled. On September 4th, Mawdsley will perform at Chats Palace in London, sharing the stage with Marisa Anderson. Subsequently, on September 6th, they are set to perform at Chapter in Cardiff, accompanied by William Tyler. These performances offer an opportunity for audiences to experience Mawdsley’s music live, including the newly composed pieces.
Looking ahead, Mawdsley is also actively working on their next full-length project. This upcoming album will serve as the follow-up to their previous releases, Northwest & Nebulous, and is anticipated for release in 2027. The continued output suggests a prolific period for the artist, exploring new creative avenues and expanding their discography.
The release of Dream, Baby Butch on September 4th through Pure O Records marks a significant moment, bridging the worlds of independent music, film, and visual art. The EP’s connection to Catherine Opie’s celebrated work and its support for LGBTQ+ charities underscore its multifaceted artistic and social significance.
