Florrie Shares the Story of Resilience Behind Her Debut Album, The Lost Ones
After more than a decade, English singer-songwriter, drummer and producer Florrie has at last released her stunning debut album, The Lost Ones, and we believe it's been more than worth the wait.
Consisting of 12 tracks, the album tells a story of self-discovery, written over half a decade as Florrie found herself yet again after a long period of feeling lost. Featuring richly layered production and striking synths, it's a collection of vibrant and danceable '80s-inspired electro-pop, with Florrie herself performing all of the drums on the album. It's a triumph from start to finish, with an uplifting vibe we can all use right now, and we had the pleasure of speaking with Florrie herself to learn more about her process and precisely how The Lost Ones came to be.
Sweety High: What does the album title The Lost Ones mean to you? Why did that title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?
Florrie: I wrote The Lost Ones over this five-year period of coming out of a pretty dark time to find my way back to who I am now as an artist and as a human. The whole theme of the album is resilience and letting go of past mistakes, things that didn't serve you, and looking forward to a future where you can hope for better days.
(The Lost Ones via BMG and Xenomania Records)
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SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
Florrie: I want fans to be uplifted by this record, and some of the themes are a little darker, but I always try with the production, the chords and the melodies to give that feeling of of positivity. If anyone is going through a tough time, I hope that they can relate to some of these songs on the album and feel that there are better things ahead and nothing lasts forever.
SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
Florrie: I work in a very free and open minded way, and I never bring references into a session. I have things that I love. I love big '80s-sounding drums, I love euphoric emotional chords. I love big, soaring melodies and weird little rhythmical verses. I stick to those things that make me feel good when I'm creating.
(Image courtesy of Florrie)
SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
Florrie: That's interesting, because it's really a snapshot of my life over this period of time, but right now I feel really great. I'm so happy to be touring again and to have music out there. I'm thinking about the next ones, which might be a bit soon, but I'm excited to get writing again.
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SH: What's your favorite song on the album? Why?
Florrie: I think it's probably "Kissing in the Cold." It was one of those songs where the production came together so easily, the melodies and the lyrics took a little bit longer and there are so many like interesting rhythms and synth parts that I just layered one on top of the other, and everything just clicked into place. We did it in like one afternoon—obviously finessing mixing the record took a bit longer—but the bones of the record.
SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut album?
Florrie: I really just locked myself away, and I go into music-making mode. I guess maybe it surprised me how long I was able to stay in that mode and I really enjoyed it.
I think I am an introvert at heart, but I feel in the studio I can be anything and anyone I want.
I'm in this really safe space with people, and I honestly could have stayed in there forever.
I love that feeling!
(Image courtesy of Florrie)
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SH: How did you feel about releasing it to the world?
Florrie: I'm feeling very excited and positive. I don't feel nervous. I feel ready, and it's been a long time coming. So I'm excited to hear what people think! I love a bit of feedback as well, so please leave me some.
SH: Is there anything else we should know about The Lost Ones?
Florrie: I hope people take something positive from it. That it makes you feel good about your day, and maybe you put it on when you're having a slightly more difficult time, and it picks you up.
(Image courtesy of Florrie)
For more of the stories behind our new favorite music, click HERE to read our interview with Meghan Patrick on her latest single, "Whether You Love Me Or Not."