Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
My name is Flo Chase, I am an indie pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. My background is French, I was born in Paris and moved to a French Island in the South Pacific, called ‘New Caledonia’ at the age of one. I started learning music and taking piano and guitar lessons at the age of seven while sport played a huge part in my upbringing. At age 12, my family relocated to Australia, and this is the time when I really found my passion for music. Not speaking a word of English at first, I started playing guitar and writing songs a lot more as I believe this was a way for me to express my feelings of solitude. After studying science at university, I decided to move to Sydney where I studied music performance at the JMC Academy. I released my first EP in August 2017 and since then have relocated to Los Angeles California where I am pursuing music full-time.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
If I had to name a few, I would say, John Mayer, Ben Howard, The Paper Kites, Kings of Leon, and Bob Marley. I grew up, listening to a lot of their music and still do today so their music has shaped my writing style. I also grew up on an island where reggae is important in the culture, which I believe also influenced some of my sound.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
John Mayer and his album, ‘Born and Raised’. When I first started gigging in Sydney, I would have the album on repeat as I would either drive or catch the bus to the gigs. I basically knew the entire record by heart and played a lot of these songs live too. I think it’s been one of the most influential records for me especially in the early stages of my career.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
I would say this current one that I am currently working on called ‘Found Myself’. It just feels really good and I’m very excited about this new sound. it had been a while that I wanted to write a reggae cross rock record and instrumentation and production on it feels very fun. I guess it’s very fresh to my ears also which is probably why it feels great.
Last year I think was the hardest year for me so far in terms of challenges, and this song is all about finding myself, living in the present and knowing it’s ok not to be ok.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
I’m just about to release a new record on Friday, April 12 called ‘Seasons’ which I’m really stoked about. The album talks about what I’ve been through this past 24 months or so and the ups and downs which I like to refer to as different seasons of life. The record touches also on current social issues and world crisis.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
I recently went back home, where I performed with a band for the first time in my own venue. My brother and I opened a bar/venue in New Caledonia, and it was pretty cool not on to play a home show but also in our own establishment. It was a really fun show.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I definitely do I would say, sports, movies and traveling. I grew up, playing a lot of tennis, so still play almost every day as it’s a big part of my life. I’ve also always been a movie for which certain movies or stories have influenced some of my songs. And lastly, traveling. I’ve been traveling since a young age and discovering new countries and cultures is one of my favorite things to do and from which I feel I grow most as a songwriter and story teller.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I’ve been listening to a lot of the Paper Kites new record lately often get told that we have a similar voice. I’ve also been a fan of their music for a long time, so it would be a dream collaboration for sure.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
I would say, enjoy the process and try to be patient as it not only takes time to master your instrument, but also to find your sound and steps in this industry. I would also say try and focus on the music as a good song or story is truly what will make the difference and matters most.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
Like I mentioned earlier, I’m releasing my brand new record ‘Seasons’ on Friday, April 12th. I’m very excited for fans to hear it as I’ve been working on these songs for the past two years now and they’re very close to me.
I am also currently working on the next batch of work which I’m super stoked about and can’t wait to share later during the year. These new songs feel very fun and definitely suitable for some summer festival crowds.