THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with Fluir for a special online interview.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by music. My most vivid childhood memories all stem from music related scenarios. Growing up, my parents made me learn classical piano, which I hated but at the same time I’m grateful for in retrospect. I ended up finishing AMEB 8th Grade in piano, however my heart has always been in contemporary music. When I was 13, I became obsessed with the guitar and pop/punk/rock music. I begged my parents to buy me a guitar and they eventually caved. That’s when I first started songwriting.
The moment that really lit my flame for me in terms of wanting to become an artist was when my sister won two tickets to see Missy Higgins perform Live At The Wireless Triple J. I was only around 15 at the time and my sister let me go with her. It was my first ever-proper gig. It absolutely blew me away. To see a home-grown artist making a career out of music and not some far-removed band from overseas, that’s when it really hit home. From that day on I knew I wanted to be an artist.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I love the thrill of the chase in sitting down to write and never knowing what you might come up with. Also gratitude motivates me a lot. Being able to write and have the resources to create music is something I’m very grateful for. There are a lot of people in the world that will never have access to even a laptop.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
Ultimately, my goal is to establish myself as an artist and work alongside and collaborate with artists I aspire to. I’ve also always wanted to play Coachella as well so that’s definitely on my wish list.
In the past, I’ve often been so hard on myself for not having already achieved my next goal or comparing myself to other artists’ success. Looking back, I’ve achieved so many of my personal goals from when I started out, however I was always too busy looking forward to my next goal rather than fully appreciating the moment. I now make a conscious effort to celebrate each achievement, no matter how big or small that may be.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Following the release of ‘Higher Ground’ on May 17, I’ll be playing a free gig on 26 May at the North Gong Hotel in Wollongong, NSW. You’ll also find me working hard finishing a bunch of tracks that I will be releasing throughout 2019 and hoping to play a heap more shows.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My music is a mix of electro-dance and pop, with some 80s synth influences.
I wrote ‘Higher Ground’ with Sam Littlemore while recording and producing my previous two singles ‘Change and ‘Feeling For You’, both released last year. I spent a couple weeks at Sam’s home studio in Sydney where we worked together on all three tracks simultaneously.
I’ve always wanted to write a dance record. In the past I’ve spent unnecessary energy worrying about what to say and how to say it lyrically. For this song, I wanted to be free from that and allow the music to be at the forefront. This song is about the freedom and excitement of getting lost in the music and chasing the night with friends, wherever that may lead.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I try to write every day. The quickest way to write a song is to just write. Even if the ideas I come up with won’t ever see the light of day, each idea is important in the overall process. ‘You’ve got to dig through the trash in order to find the gold’.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Fluir means to ‘ebb and flow’. I chose this as I feel it represents the journey when listening to my music. I’ve always wanted my music to be a space for listeners to interpret their own meaning from it so I avoid giving too much away.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success is subjective. Personally, success to me means being able to pursue music full-time whilst making a living from it.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Having my songs played on Triple J and ‘Change’ premiering on ‘Good Nights’ with Bridget Huswaite. Also, playing my first-ever festival slot at Groovin The Moo (VIC).
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I’m constantly inspired by fellow DIY musicians and artists. Being a self-managed independent artist, being able to connect and collaborate with like-minded creative always inspires me.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I’m always writing and working with other artists. At the moment I’m in the studio mixing my next single with Tom Garnett. Hoping to have it finished in the coming weeks!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hopefully having established myself as an artist playing across key festivals. I’m also interested in writing music for screen/sync so I hope to have started delving into that as well.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My least favourite part of this line of work is the lack of accountability. My favourite part is being able to express myself creatively and getting paid for it!
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
A few of my favourite Aussie artists are: Sparrows, Antony and Cleopatra, Pnau, The Aston Shuffle, Flume, Rufus Du Sol and Nyxen.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
The industry has changed significantly over the past couple of years thanks to the internet. Artists can now build fan bases directly through shows, socials etc. Only once an artist has shown reactivity with their audience will the industry jump on board. In short, there’s no ‘guru’ who’s going to swoop down out of the clouds and make you a star.
We’re moving away from the tradition model where artists need a record deal to ‘make it’. We’re entering an era where artists are able to create their own empire and rightfully retain their rights and creative control. It’s a really exciting time to be making music!
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
Building the right team and achieving success in Australia before trying to make the jump.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I’m constantly working with other artists writing and top-lining work for mostly producers.
I’d be intrigued to work with Grimes. I feel like she would extract some weird and wonderful ideas from me that I never knew I had. I’d also like to collaborate with HAIM, purely so I could hang out with Este Haim. She seems like a lot of fun.
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard and remember to take time to appreciate all your wins (big or small). Be competitive but don’t compare yourself to other artists. Be grateful that you have the opportunity to express yourself creatively. As long as you’re happy, at the end of the day that’s all that matters.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
I have the best fans! I’m always interacting with them online. At gigs I also try stay back after the show to meet everyone. Reach out and say Hi!
Any last words?
Listen to as much music as you can and know your market.