Gordi’s “Like Plasticine” Melds Vulnerability and Resilience

The much-anticipated new album from Australian artist Gordi, titled “Like Plasticine,” was officially released on August 8, 2025, marking the singer-songwriter’s latest evolution both musically and personally . Known offstage as Sophie Payten, Gordi has been a prominent voice in indie music and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, imbuing her work with authentic reflections on queer identity and the complexities of self-discovery.

“Like Plasticine” is described by Gordi as a meditation on the transformative events of the past several years—a period she characterizes as both turbulent and formative . In her announcement on Instagram, Gordi expressed gratitude and excitement: “My new album, ‘Like Plasticine’, is out August 8. Goddamn, I cannot wait for you to hear it” .

The title draws on the metaphor of plasticine—a malleable material often associated with creativity and childhood—to represent the fluidity and adaptability required in facing life’s upheavals. Gordi’s lyrics trace her journey through grief, love, and resilience, resonating especially with LGBTQ+ listeners for whom change and reinvention are often familiar experiences.

Gordi has been open about her identity as a queer woman, and her visibility remains significant for fans seeking representation in contemporary music. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to champion inclusivity and challenge norms in the industry. “Like Plasticine” continues this legacy, featuring songs that directly address themes of belonging, chosen family, and the search for authenticity within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community .

Reflecting on the past, Gordi’s previous album “Our Two Skins” was lauded for its honest exploration of sexuality and mental health. With “Like Plasticine,” she builds on that foundation, offering a body of work that is at once intimate and universal. Fans and critics alike have praised her ability to blend lush, electronic-inflected production with raw, confessional songwriting—a style that continues to break ground for queer artists in the singer-songwriter tradition .

The release of “Like Plasticine” was accompanied by a series of live performances and media appearances, including a set at Seattle’s legendary KEXP studios and an in-store at Easy Street Records, where Gordi discussed the album’s creation and her hopes for its impact . These events have been met with enthusiasm from fans and underscore the sense of community that Gordi fosters at her shows—a space where LGBTQ+ identities are not only welcomed but celebrated.

Preorders for the album, including limited-edition blue and white vinyl variants, sold briskly in the lead-up to release day, reflecting strong demand and anticipation within the queer music community and beyond .