Sophisti-pop Meets Faith: A Musical Journey Inspired by Eucharistic Miracles

In this episode of A Resounding Yes! podcast, host Christina Sabo speaks with Catholic singer-songwriter Stephen Becker, the principal songwriter of Le Concorde. They discuss Stephen's musical journey, his reversion to the Catholic faith, and the inspiration behind his single, 'Corpus Christi,' which pays tribute to Eucharistic miracles and Blessed Carlo Acutis. The conversation explores the creative process of songwriting, the role of art and music in faith, and the significance of Sophisti-pop as a genre that embraces grandeur and beauty in relation to Catholicism. Read the article by Paloma & Fig on Corpus Christi here.

Le Concorde is the brainchild of LA-based songwriter Stephen Becker. Originally born of 80’s UK influences, now known by the nouveau genre moniker, “sophisti-pop”, Le Concorde reintroduced this high style to the world of indie-pop music in the mid-00s, pulling in personnel from Scritti Politti and The Psychedelic Furs for a series of releases on iconic indie-pop labels, March Records and Le Grand Magistery.

The first single “Corpus Christi” (from the forthcoming album, “Second Mansions”) is a song of miraculous signs, geographical entanglements, and the future patron saint of the internet. “Corpus Christi” features an ensemble of legendary personnel including: Scottish producer Calum Malcolm (The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout), keyboardist Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish, Beck), drummer Ash Soan (Seal, Trevor Horn), bassist Vinzenz Benjamin (ABC, Paul Young), and vocalist Doris Brendel.

Listen to the Corpus Christi single and watch the music video.

**Please note that Le Concorde has produced additional songs since the recording of this episode, entitled “Saint James" and "Morning by Morning." To learn more about these and hear their newest work, please visit their website.

Takeaways

• Stephen Becker is the principal songwriter for Le Concorde.
• 'Corpus Christi' is inspired by Eucharistic miracles and Blessed Carlo Acutus.
• Stephen's musical journey began in childhood, influenced by rock music.
• His reversion to faith played a significant role in his songwriting.
• The creative process for 'Corpus Christi' involved collaboration with notable musicians.
• Art and music serve as powerful tools for evangelization.
• Sophisti-pop is characterized by its ambition and embrace of beauty.
• Blessed Carlo Acutis life and faith inspire Stephen's music.
• The pixel art music video for 'Corpus Christi' connects retro gaming with Carlo's interests.
• Music can evoke transcendent experiences and connect listeners to deeper spiritual themes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resounding Yes Podcast
00:18 Meet Stephen Becker and Le Concorde
01:16 Stephen's Musical Journey and Reversion to Faith
04:05 The Inspiration Behind Corpus Christi
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