A Q&A with Flora Fiora
Flora Fiora: indie pop emotional rollercoaster…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
In No Particular Order. Being a teenager in this world is wild. There’s so much going on all the time. You have to figure out where your place is within it all. And along with all of that, you’re feeling every emotion under the sun. Once I’d grouped the songs together, it became clear that the sporadic nature of the selection reflected the chaotic nature of life at the time. I hope the music brings some comfort and clarity to listeners. It will be OK, you’ll figure it out.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I found the hardest part of putting this project together just that. Putting it together. All of my work so far has been single releases, single campaigns etc. I’d always wanted to release a collection of songs, but I’ve never written specifically for a project. I’ve just written for the sake of writing. So putting songs together that had no intended relation was a challenge. But I realised that’s the point.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
On the production of the EP I worked with Mike Batt and Luke Batt. They each have such a wealth of experience to offer. It was cool to be in a room with them working on these songs. I think they brought a well-rooted pop angle to all of the songs. They made me realise the importance of purpose. Each lyric must make sense, and add something to the story/meaning of the song. Each sound must enhance the intended feeling. I didn’t want the music to distract from the story and neither did they. I enjoyed working with them.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
That they’re not the only people feeling these things on earth. It’s OK to feel what you’re feeling. Let it out. Sing, dance, do nothing, do something. I don’t mind. If my music is on and it triggers any kind of response for them I’ve done my job. I just enjoy the vision of everyone getting together and thinking, ‘Wait! Put on Flora Fiora.’ How sick will that be. To be a part of their moments?!
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Usually I have a rough concept I want to write about. Other times I know I’m feeling something, I just don’t know what it is until I’ve written the song and I read the lyrics back. And others, the chords, the vibe comes first and the lyrics just seem to fit as they come. Another way I write as well is for my live show. If I feel an element of my show is missing, I’ll write a song that fits it. I often know a song has potential if I can vividly picture it live.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Over the course of writing and producing this project, as well as working to create the visual identity of the music, I’ve listened to a lot of Olivia Rodrigo, I’ve watched a lot of Wunderhorse and Florence + The Machine. I’m trying to consume as much music as I can. I want to enter this industry knowledgeable. And I want to be inspired for future projects. Where better to look than the current successes I admire and the people they admire?
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
There’s so many places I need to go. And so many free VIP tickets I owe. I have a fan up in Scotland who’s been supporting my music since 2022. I’d go there for them. I’d love to do a full sold-out UK tour, and end it at my ‘home’ venue The Frog & Fiddle in Cheltenham. To sell that venue out is definitely on my to-do list. Thinking big, I want to sell out MSG. I want to headline Glastonbury, on the Pyramid Stage. I think my biggest next goal will be to sell out the venues in cities surrounding me, Gloucester, Bath, Bristol. I’m coming.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Honestly either ‘Kick the Tyres’ or ‘Mad in the Head’. Either of them. I know that’s two but whatever. I think they are a perfect representation of where I am now, both lyrically and sonically. But they are such a great bridge into the next project of music. I’m proud of their lyrics. I’m proud of their music videos. I’m proud of how they sound. I love ’em.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I want to be in this industry for years. I want to be up on that stage until I’m wrinkly and wearing glasses an inch thick. To fulfil that I’m taking the time to build a solid foundation. That being knowing who I am, where I stand, and making sure my listeners know and that I know what I will do for them. Really I’m seeing stadium after stadium. But that boils down to this: If I can write songs, and perform them to people who will sing and dance with me, I’m happy.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
I always say ‘I’m Flora Fiora, thank you, have a great rest of your night’. One, I want them to look up who the hell Flora Fiora is. Two, I had a great time because they were cool, thank you for coming, thank you for watching and engaging, thank you for being cool. Three, I’m just a small part of their day. My 30/45 minute set is a drop of water in the ocean of their lives. I know that. I do my best to make my shows memorable but it’s ultimately out of my control what they take from the show. As long as I’ve not set a sour taste for the rest of their night, that’s a solid starting point. I’m Flora Fiora! Thank you! Have a great rest of your night 😉
Follow Flora Fiora on Instagram at @florafioramusic
