Shadow Speaks: Flo Perlin
Flo Perlin is a singer-songwriter with Belarusian and Iraqi heritage hailing from London. Bursting onto the scene in early 2019, her music is beautiful, easy on the ears, and... self-released. Not confined to the pressure of a major label, Flo is completely free to make and release whatever she wants.
You burst onto the scene in 2019, with your EP 'Stories'. The four tracks on that EP are beautiful, such easy listening. Tell me a bit about your early years as a musician.
Thank you! I grew up listening to a huge variety of music. To name a few: Stevie Wonder, Suzanne Vega, Nickel Creek, Zero 7, Dar Williams, Buena Vista Social Club, Santana, etc...
Most Fridays I watched Later with Jools Holland with my dad. Every week we'd discover a new artist. Since I was a child it's been my dream to perform on the show.
I was classically trained on cello from the age of 5 and then learnt guitar at around 10 when I was introduced to a teacher from Columbia who taught me Bossa Nova.
Who inspires you?
Laura Marling.
What's your songwriting process?
My process changes all the time. Sometimes, I'll be on a bus, and a melody just comes to my head, and I have this uncontrollable desire to record it on my phone. Then I'll come back to it months later with my guitar, and bit by bit, a song will come together. I write songs in bits, rather than a few hours of trying to finish a whole song. Songwriting has always been something I do in private, but more and more I want to write with others.
Do you have any frequent collaborators?
I've been collaborating with my co-producer, Duncan Thorley, for years now. I have session players who I often play with, and they contribute creatively. I had the pleasure of singing with Kaidi Akannibi on my latest album, 'Clay', and we're aiming to write together for the first time this year. Collaborating is something that I want to do more of and am actively seeking to do for my next release.
Your songs are such intimate portrayals of your inner emotions. Is it difficult for you to be so vulnerable, or does the music provide a sense of comfort?
Really good question. A bit of both. Music has always been a place where I have 'permission' to be vulnerable without feeling overbearing.
What were some of your inspirations for 'Clay'?
This album was inspired by my reflections on belonging and growth. Just like clay, we mould and change shapes. Shining a light on and accepting my flaws, mistakes, patterns, and imperfections is what inspired this album.
What was your favourite part of the process of recording this album?
My favourite part was getting to spend many days in the studio with my band and co-producer and seeing the album come together! It's like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly.
'Clay' feels a lot more romantic than 'Characters'. Was this your intention? Especially tracks such as 'Part Of Me', remind me of early '00s soul artists like James Morrison.
I can see what you mean! I often feel that the development of my music is unconscious instead of 'intentional', but yeah, I do think I've been leaning more towards expressions of love, whether that's romantically or not.
You're currently on tour! So, I have to ask - is there a song of yours that is particularly cathartic for you to play to an audience?
Yes, I've just been touring around Europe, supporting a band called The Bygones. Now, I'm about to do my UK headline tour. I feel a special connection to every song on my new album. My favourite track on my new album is called 'Clay' as I feel like it came from a raw and honest place. I also love playing 'Part Of Me' where Kaidi Akinnibi (saxophone) joins me as a vocalist. It shines a light on the musical direction I'm moving in.
What's your favourite gig you've played?
The best gig I ever played was in Dresden, Germany. I played in the middle of a square that was surrounded by these incredibly beautiful buildings. A huge audience surrounded me in a circle. They were so attentive and I received so much kindness. The sound was also great and that makes a huge difference to one's performance.
Out of your whole discography, what's your favourite track?
My favourite track changes all the time. There's a song on my first album (that's only on Bandcamp) called 'Last Night I Prayed'. This song was written as a teenager at a time when I felt quite stuck and it helped me to embrace certain parts of myself which at the time were suppressed.
https://floperlin.bandcamp.com/track/last-night-i-prayed
I'd love to know a bit more about your song 'Baghdad'. First of all, such a lovely song! Did you expect it to get the recognition that it got? And people connect with it in the way that they did?
I didn't expect it to get as much recognition as it has! It's been so moving for me as it's such a personal song. I love it when people come up to me or DM me to share their own stories with me about where their families are from. A lot of people relate to that desire to explore their heritage and to figure out what belonging means to them.
Bit of a rogue one, but I'm interested to know of any books that have affected you throughout your life.
'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini. I'm not usually a fan of fiction but this book deeply moved me. It was also beautifully and empathetically written. I'm interested in understanding people's experiences and cultures.
What's your favourite TV show?
Right now it's Couples Therapy on BBC.
It was a pleasure to chat with Flo, and you should catch her on her UK tour!
Flo's BandCamp:https://floperlin.bandcamp.com/music
