Caroline Polachek Reflects on Growth, Tour Life, and the Legacy of SOPHIE in Latest Album

Caroline Polachek gained invaluable experience while joining Dua Lipa for select dates on her Future Nostalgia tour.

Polachek described the tour as a “military operation,” where every moment of her 30-minute set was carefully planned.

Initially thinking she would grow bored after two weeks, the singer instead emerged as a more confident artist and performer.

She credits the tour for teaching her about stage presence and physicality, explaining that she had to be both expressive with her body movements and precise with her facial expressions to captivate the large audience.

Building Confidence and Moving Forward

Polachek’s newfound confidence was put to the test when she played a 20,000-person show at Primavera, which she found less intimidating after performing on a similar scale with Dua Lipa. 

In February, she embarked on her own headlining tour in support of her fourth studio album, Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, and her previous album, Pang.

The North American leg of the tour is set to begin on April 14.

A Diverse and Collaborative Album

Desire, I Want to Turn Into You showcases Polachek’s ethereal, electronic art-pop sound, while also incorporating more orchestral and psychedelic elements.

The album explores themes of romance, sensuality, and relationships with loved ones who have passed away.

Polachek collaborated with several artists, including Dido, Grimes, and Charli XCX, making it a diverse and captivating listening experience.

Polachek’s newfound confidence was put to the test when she played a 20,000-person show at Primavera, which she found less intimidating after performing on a similar scale with Dua Lipa.

Honoring SOPHIE’s Legacy

One of the standout tracks on the album, “I Believe,” is dedicated to the late musician and producer SOPHIE, who tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 34.

Polachek was inspired by SOPHIE’s ability to embody both softness and hardness in her music, as well as her unique approach to the pop diva archetype.

In “I Believe,” Polachek seeks to encapsulate the contradictions that made SOPHIE a fascinating artist and celebrate the legacy she left behind.

The song touches on themes of protection, faith, and immortality, reflecting the enduring impact of SOPHIE’s music on her fans and fellow musicians.

The Spiraling Tour and Exciting Collaborations

Caroline Polachek is set to hit the road later this month for The Spiraling Tour, which will include stops at iconic venues such as New York’s Radio City Music Hall and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The tour will feature up-and-coming artists Magdalena Bay, Sudan Archives, and Ethel Cain as supporting acts.

Polachek is excited to bring her new album to life on stage, promising a captivating performance complete with a volcano-inspired set design and the opportunity for fans to sing along with her.

A Promising Future

As Caroline Polachek continues to evolve as an artist, she remains inspired by her experiences on tour and the collaborations she has formed along the way.

With Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, she showcases her growth and pays tribute to the late SOPHIE, whose influence will continue to shape the music world for years to come.