In an age of AI algorithms, artificially generated emotions, and ever-shortening attention spans, Sophie Auster is an artist who offers a counterpoint with her music. While her songs deal with personal loss, the emotions they explore—such as grief and anger in the face of uncontrollable events—are universal and connective. They stand in contrast to a media landscape that tends to foster isolation rather than community, and often fails to recognize the value of such feelings.

The album title “Milk for Ulcers” emerged from a conversation about outdated healing methods. The metaphor captures the ambivalence of healing: while milk may soothe pain in the short term, it can worsen ulcers in the long run. The album addresses the difficulty of healing wounds without offering easy answers, and sheds light on the complexity of loss and grief. It reflects emotions such as defiance, anger, and pain, but also hope and joy—especially shaped by Sophie’s experiences as a mother. The album’s final track, “Blue Team”, is dedicated to her father, Paul Auster. Fortunately, she completed it in time for him to hear it before his passing.