THIS year the UK charts have been notably quiet when it comes to home grown artists.
Only the likes of Charli XCX and Raye have managed to cut through against our American rivals across the pond.
But fear not, British girlgroup Flo are here to change our fortunes thanks to their debut album Access All Areas, which is currently at No3 in the UK midweek charts.
The trio consists of Londoners Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Renee Downer and they have already attracted the support of stars including Sir Elton John and Ariana Grande.
In fact, Ariana’s Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo even lends her voice to introduce the girls on the album’s opening track.
Appearing on the record, Cynthia says: “I would like to introduce you to a tenacious trio of talented young ladies.
“In the fateful year of 2019, a pact was formed, a promise was made, a movement began. Our girls found each other. And meticulously prepared a feast for our ears. Miss Jorja, Miss Renée, Miss Stella.”
Sitting down with Bizarre’s Jack as they battle it out in this week’s charts, Flo admitted they couldn’t believe it when Cynthia came on board.
Renee explains: “When we made the intro and we were thinking about who we wanted to introduce us, and obviously we’re British and we’re black and we wanted somebody like us, somebody that we look up to, somebody that’s kind of like a UK legend to introduce us.
“So we thought Cynthia would be the perfect, perfect person and she really did deliver.”
Jorja adds: “We’ve met her on two occasions. So I feel like that may have helped a little bit.
“She wasn’t like, ‘Who the f*** are these random girls that want me to introduce their whole entire debut album?’
“But every time we’ve met her, we’ve made it very clear that we are massive fans and that we love her work. So I think that definitely helped to break the ice.”
FLO have released a mini-deluxe of their debut album Access All Areas: Unlocked featuring new remixes by Chloe x Halle, Kehlani, Bree Runway and more.
Opening up about the recording process, Stella continues: “It’s been almost two years, pretty much from when we started thinking about the album – it’s been a long time but amazing because it had to be that long. We learned a lot…”
Rather than being a flash in the pan, Flo are determined to play the long game – and have turned to social media to help build an army of fans.
Stella adds: “I think we know how important it is in this day and age and we respect that.
“We know that we’re not influencers. We are musicians and that’s our main priority.
“But we know the scope, the landscape right now is pretty much if you have a viral song on social media that will translate into having a successful song.
“So we have a team that loves social media so we get help with that and we just do it where we can. But yeah, we know we’re going to have to work the album online and that’s fine.”
In recent years it’s taken more and more artists longer to “make it”, with this year’s stand out star Sabrina Carpenter grafting away for a decade before becoming a household name.”
Stella says: “All the thought that went into the album was that it had to be great quality and everything that we do has to be perfect.
“And we have to be super happy with it. So I think for us, longevity is important. And if that means it takes a bit longer, then that’s fine. But we know that we put everything that we needed into this album.”
While the industry can be a minefield, Flo have also counted on another source of support: Keisha Buchanan from Sugababes.
Jorja explains: “Keisha has made it clear she’s always there if we ever need her or if we ever need any advice.
‘Full picture’
“She’s constantly always showing us support and that she cares about us and that means a lot as you know, sort of a fellow UK girl group member.
“She knows exactly what we’re going through – I feel like she gets the full picture.”
Looking ahead of what’s to come, Renee adds: “I definitely think we have goals that we want to achieve. We haven’t really necessarily done a thorough five-year plan.
“Our first plan was the debut album, which has taken us two years and we’ve completed it on our terms, which is great.
“And now we’re focused on pushing the album, carrying it everywhere, really making sure that it establishes us and defines us. And then we want to explore and create new sounds, work with some of our inspirations and just continue to get bigger and bigger.”
We can’t wait to see you rise, Flo.
Cynthia Erivo lends her voice to introduce the girls on the album’s opening track[/caption]
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