FLO: the next big girl’s band with y2k vibes
These girls are already getting noticed in the UK. Formed in 2021, FLO includes Stella Quaresma, Renée Downer, and Jorja Douglas and they want to conquer the space recently left by other girl’s bands such as Little Mix or Fifth Harmony and bring back pop and R&B sounds from the ’90s and early 2000s.
After the first single "Cardboard Box" went viral on TikTok, FLO have been compared to TLC, 3LW, and even to the early days of Destiny Child, which doesn't bother the group at all. The truth is that their references are the soul rhythms from 20 years ago, even before they were born.
On social media, they already have thousands of followers, including some big names in the music industry such as Little Mix, SZA, or Missy Elliot and the British producer MNEK, who are also responsible for some of the songs on the band's first EP.
FLO's first EP is called The Lead and it’s already available for streaming. After the success of ‘Cardboard Box’, expectations were high as to what was to come. The truth is that the EP doesn’t disappoint and it pleased fans and critics, starting with the second single “Immature” that, for the band, is a song “about being strong and confident in yourself”. It is without a doubt a very 2000s R&B, very catchy, that makes you want to dance while posing in the mirror before going out.
The EP includes five songs that will, on the one hand, remind older generations and on the other gift the new Millenials with rhythms of the now-called classic R&B, very Aaliyah or Ashanti style. “Another Guy” is the only ballad on the EP, an acoustic version that lets us know the vocal ability of Stella, Reneé and Jorja.
Overall, FLO want to proudly embrace their femininity and sexuality, both in the band’s identity and in their songs. Their intention is to make good music while also conveying female empowerment and continuing to make sure young black girls feel represented. For now, the band will continue to follow the R&B vibes, but in an interview with The Face Magazine, they have promised to bring in some afrobeats in the near future.
