May 26, 2020
Tune-In Tuesdays #71: Floss on Her Debut Single, “Kings & Queens”
By: burgundy bug
Black and white photograph of Floss adorned in a flower crown
Source: Floss
Dripping dreamy melodies and sultry vocals, UK-based alternative artist Floss made an upbeat debut last month with her single, “Kings & Queens.”
Recently, we spoke to Floss via telephone to learn more about the budding of her music career as well as the story behind “Kings & Queens.”
Summarize your sound in just three words
I would say my music is ethereal, cinematic, and dramatic.
What sparked your interest in music? When did you realize you wanted to pursue it as a career and why?
A few years ago, I started writing music for fun with friends. Before that, I was working as a professional dancer – dancing for TV, music videos, and live shows.
I remember being so inspired by these artists and at the same time I was experimenting with writing my own music.
So I decided to checkout some music courses to see if I could take it further. I ended up enrolling in the music production course at BIMM in London.
What impact did studying music have on you as a musician?
The most important thing I’ve taken away from studying music is the production side of things because it really helped me to find my sound as an artist.
Floss
Knowing the production techniques has really helped me firstly understand production, and helped me take my songwriting to the next level.
How would you describe your relationship with making music and the music industry?
Making music has given me a new outlet to express myself in the same way that dance does, so I guess I’ve always connected with music in a creative way.
Music has always been a kind of therapy for me – especially when life gets difficult. The music industry is tough, but the most important thing for me is to stay true to myself as an artist.
Floss
I want to enjoy the journey as much as possible, to grow and develop along the way.
What is your songwriting and production process like?
Normally, I start by writing the music first. Chord progressions, then I’d topline the melody and develop ideas from that, lyrics. Then I’d create a new project in Logic, record the chords, vocals, then add the other instruments to start building the song in production.
The most important thing for me is making the song strong on its own first with just the chords and the vocals, then adding in other production techniques, the arrangement, other instruments.
It took me quite a long time to find my own sound, so now I create with certain instruments that I always use in my songs to build up my sound.
Tell us a little about your debut single, “Kings & Queens”
It’s a special song for me, being my first single. I remember the feeling of just wanting to run as fast as I could with my headphones on when it was first recorded. I was so excited!
I feel like it’s an uplifting song and I hope others can find that too, really.
Could you tell us a little more about the story behind the track?
“Kings & Queens” is about the relationship between individuals. I suppose when things in a relationship are really great between them, they believe they can achieve anything.
When I was writing it, kings and queens came to mind; the strength and power of royalty, not material wealth. I feel like life can be a battle sometimes and it’s about lifting each other up, uniting together.
On the flipside, relationships can become toxic. In the second verse, there’s a glimmer of that.
“Kings & Queens” is not just about a king and a queen, a female and a male. It could be two kings, two queens, two friends.
How long did it take you to write and record “Kings & Queens?”
It took me about a day to write it. The production took some time, and I ended up co-producing it with my friend David who also went to BIMM. He’s amazing at what he does.
What was your favorite part of shooting the music video for “Kings & Queens?”
Kings & Queens by Floss music video
Source: floss – “Kings & Queens” (Official Music Video) | Floss
My favorite part was watching the sunrise around five in the morning. We were standing in a field in Oxford, which is where we shot it, and dancing to the choreography.
It just felt like we were all in our own personal battlefields. I remember feeling so excited about the choreography, styling, working alongside my amazing team on the day.
What was the most challenging part of shooting the music video?
It was extremely cold! We shot it in November last year and I was wearing a net dress for most of it, dancing in the mud. It was a good challenge, it was really fun, but it was freezing.
What do you hope listeners take away from your debut single?
I would like them to feel uplifted, to fight for what is important to them in life.
I was going through quite a lot when I wrote this and I guess writing it helped me through it. I hope it can give others the strength to overcome certain times.
Another message in “Kings & Queens” is surrounding yourself with people who make you feel like a king or a queen.
Overall, what impact do you hope to have on your audience as an artist?
I hope they relate to my lyrics, my music, and to me as an artist. I just hope that my music speaks to them.
What are your overarching goals, both musically and personally? How do you hope to see yourself grow throughout your career?
Musically, my goal is to create music that speaks from my heart – music that’s meaningful to myself but also to my listeners.
I want to make them feel something that’s relevant to them.
Floss
Personally, I just want to enjoy each day as it comes. Just try and be the best person I can be.
What advice would you give to musicians who may be apprehensive to release their first single?
I know it’s a cliche, but just go for it. It took me a long time to release this, I just wanted it to be perfect and have the perfect timing to release it, but there’s never going to be a perfect time.
It’s important to have a clear understanding of yourself and who you want to be as an artist, but don’t delay and overthink it. Life is a journey and so is your music. You will learn so much along the way.
Floss
Friends who know me well know that I’ve been writing for a long time, and they kept saying, “Awwh, just release it!” I suppose every artist goes through that, so it’s a sense of achievement just to do it and see what the response is.
What’s next for you, Floss? Do you have any additional music or videos in the works? Perhaps an EP or an album?
Yeah! I have a lot of music in my portfolio and I’ve already filmed another two music videos, so I will be releasing my next single quite soon, followed by an EP, then hopefully an album.
Do you have any additional comments or final thoughts to share?
During this time, stay safe and well. My thoughts are with anyone who has lost a loved one or is struggling with the lockdown.
I’ve been focusing on my music and that’s helping me get through it.
Give “Kings & Queens” a listen on Spotify and watch the music video on YouTube!
Be sure to follow Floss on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with her latest releases.
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burgundy bug
https://burgundyzine.com/about/#burgundybugA cynical optimist and mad scientist undercover, burgundy bug is the editor, graphic designer, webmaster, social media manager, and primary photographer for The Burgundy Zine. Entangled in a web of curiosity, burgundy bug’s work embodies a wide variety of topics including: neuroscience, psychology, ecology, biology, cannabis, reviews, fashion, entertainment, and politics. You can learn more about working with burgundy bug by visiting her portfolio website: burgundybug.com
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