Dec 11, 2023

Austra releases her original score 'Swan Song' for ballet feature documentary

Renowned producer, songwriter, and creative powerhouse Austra, also known as Katie Austra Stelmanis, showcases a new facet of her musical prowess as she debuts her inaugural film score for the Canadian documentary feature and docu-series, SWAN SONG. In a departure from her usual synth-based compositions, Stelmanis draws upon her classical roots to craft an evocative score, utilizing only a Juno-106, a Mellotron, and her ethereal voice. The result is a mesmerizing sonic landscape that weaves dissonant textures and complementary melodies, paying homage to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.

Immerse yourself in Austra's cinematic soundscape by streaming SWAN SONG in its entirety HERE. Accompanying the release, Austra offers a visual feast with the mesmerizing "Jurgita's Theme" visualizer – watch it here [insert link]. For a glimpse into the documentary's enchanting world, check out the official trailer HERE.

Reflecting on her work, Stelmanis shares, “Scoring SWAN SONG has been a dream project. My first-ever experience performing was as a kid singing in the orchestra pit for the National Ballet of Canada's Nutcracker sometime in the '90s, and my love for Tchaikovsky has sustained ever since. For this project, I was influenced by artists like Vangelis and Oneohtrix Point Never to compose a deep, textured, almost entirely electronic score that traverses the spectacular music of Swan Lake.”

SWAN SONG, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, is not just a feature documentary but also includes a four-episode docu-series. It's available for streaming on CBC Gem and broadcasting on CBC TV. Katie Austra Stelmanis, recognized for her distinct musical identity through four albums, most recently 2020's HiRUDiN, has been a force to be reckoned with for twelve years. Her voice, a powerful instrument capable of evoking personal and universal drama effortlessly, has earned her critical acclaim, Juno nominations, and Polaris Prize recognitions.

The SWAN SONG documentary immerses viewers in The National Ballet of Canada, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a legacy-defining production of Swan Lake. Directed by ballet icon Karen Kain on the eve of her retirement, the documentary is helmed by Chelsea McMullan (Ever Deadly, My Prairie Home) and written by producer Sean O’Neill (Crystal Pite: Angels’ Atlas, LIDO TV). Distributed in Canada by Blue Ice Docs, with international sales handled by Dogwoof.

Dive into Austra's SWAN SONG universe with the tracklisting:

1. Karen’s Theme

2. Corps De Ballet

3. Jurgita’s Theme

4. Tights

5. Genevieve’s Theme

6. Shae’s Theme (Chandelier)

7. Rothbart

8. Shae’s Theme (Pool)

9. Siphe’s Theme

10. Move To The Theatre

11. Curtain Call