Interview w/ Flo [O1TES]
How many people still “know what Bo don’t know”? Oregon continues to host and nurture several local treasures who could make an impression in music at large. Flo brings a blend of beauty with humility, class with swagger and a unique Samoan spice to the R&B scene. Her voice is one that reaches beyond genres and carries a power that will readily break through a cloudy day to usher in some melodious sunshine. We’re glad to introduce Flo as an up-and-coming local artist who will be sharing the stage with several other local acts for Oregon’s First The Everything Show (more info at the end of this article).
How long have you been at the R&B game and how did you get started? FLOI’ve been singing just about all my life…my mom taught my sister and I how to harmonize when we were young and made us practice every night…I hated it then, but I’m grateful for it now. I started pursuing a music career a couple years ago when I recorded in the studio for the first time…there was something electric about it, I knew it was something I had to pursue.
How would you describe your sound and what makes it different from other solo R&B artists?
FLO My sound has a lot of island influence because I’m Polynesian and I love the reggae vibe. But I also fuse some R&B into it. I’d say my songs are all feel-good songs, something you can listen to when you’re winding down at the end of the day or just chillaxin, but the beats still get ya toes tappin!
What is a live experience with Flo like? What are some of your best/worst experiences at a live show?
FLO A live experience with my group is always a good one, crowds get to experience a different type of music that they’re not typically used to listening to but at the same time will catch their ear. I think generally a bad experience at a show is when nobody’s feelin’ what you’re performing. You put your heart into this music and for people to not like it is always a bad experience. Whenever I can get a crowd to move with my music or if I’m able to hit a nerve with some people through my music then I consider it a good show.
Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your local scene? FLO I’m originally from the coast, Florence to be exact…the music scene there is not as active as in other parts of Oregon but it’s nice because the small community there really appreciates any musicians that come out of that town so I’ve always felt supported.
Who has been the greatest influence in getting you to where you are now? FLO My family has been a great influence on my music. My mom has always pushed me musically whether I liked it or not but it’s been a great help in getting me where I am today.
It’s the start of a new year, what are some of your favorite memories from 2009?
FLO 2009 was a tough year for me but at the same time, tough experiences provide great inspiration for music. I had a great time in the summer of 2009 exploring new musical avenues, also just cruisin’ with my friends and family was nice.
What are you looking forward to in 2010?
FLO I’m looking forward to a hopeful release of an album in late 2010. I’ve been working with a lot of talented producers and musicians and I really hope to make 2010 a great year.
What do you hope that fans will receive from your music?
FLO I hope they’ll find some music that makes them happy, makes them feel good, something that they can get a good vibe from.
What is one of the coolest stories you have heard from a fan?
FLO One of the coolest stories I’ve heard from a fan probably was when I went to Utah I didn’t realize that my music had reached that far. I went to visit a church one Sunday and got approached by a couple random strangers saying they loved my music and supported it all the way. I’m always grateful for all the support I receive from fans and hope to gain a few more from this show 
Trend that you have noticed that you will never join?
FLO I don’t think I’ll ever go with that Rihanna half-shaved head short hair look…it’s edgy and hot but on me that wouldn’t look right…I gotta keep my long hair…long hair don’t care!
Currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird…one of my all time favorites! Listening to Bedrock – Young Money, Sad Songs – Melanie Fiona, You’re the One for Me – Dondria, Here Come the Hotstepper – Ini Kamikaze.
Any crazy pre-performance rituals?
FLO I usually drink a loooooooot of water before a performance…I always get a really dry throat when I’m nervous so I drink as much as I can so I don’t sound lame haha.
When you blow up to become the next superstar diva, the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are?
FLO Three things that gotta be in my dressing room are: Water, iPod stereo and Double Cheeseburgers with extra onions!
Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now?
strong>FLO Feluteni – Siaosi, Here Come the Hotstepper – Ini Kamikaze, I Love You – Chris Brown, You’re the One for Me – Dondria, Get Me Bodied – Beyonce
Catch Flo in Albany, Oregon on March 27, 2010 @ 7pm withOregon’s First The Everything Show see banner link below…
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