Brighton Welcomes Colleen

Colleen's introduction to music production was a chance encounter, sparked by a friend's gift of ACID Pro software in 2001. This serendipitous event set her on a path that would lead to the creation of nine albums, each one a testament to her boundless creativity and experimentation. Born in Montargis, France, in 1976, Cécile Schott, the mastermind behind Colleen, has been drawn to a wide range of instruments and techniques, from the baroque viola da gamba to dub production methods.

Her debut album, Everyone Alive Wants Answers, released in 2003 on The Leaf Label, was built from heavily modified looped samples taken from records in her collection. As her career progressed, Colleen's sound expanded to incorporate acoustic instruments, as seen in her 2005 album The Golden Morning Breaks, which consists almost entirely of natural, non-synthetic sounds. This shift towards acoustic instrumentation has been a hallmark of her live shows, where she often performs solo, using pedals to create a rich, layered sound.

Colleen's music is united by a devotion to existential questions, which she explores through contemplative, dreamlike soundscapes. Her use of the viola da gamba, in particular, has been a long-term source of inspiration, and she has drawn on dub production techniques to create a unique, hypnotic sound. With her ninth album, Libres antes del final, released on Thrill Jockey in March 2026, Colleen continues to push the boundaries of her music, incorporating warm analogue synthesis and introspective lyrics.

On Monday, 2 November 2026, Colleen will perform at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton, with support from Johanna Bramli. Tickets are with the button beside the article. As a musician who has played over 250 concerts across Europe, the US, Japan, Brazil, and Singapore, Colleen is sure to deliver a captivating live show, one that will showcase her remarkable talent and her ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The opportunity to experience Colleen's music live is a rare treat, and one that promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. With her unique blend of acoustic instruments, synthesis, and existential contemplation, Colleen is an artist who will leave a lasting impression on all who listen to her music.