James Florio aka Flo, is a Toronto, Canada based producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His signature style combines diverse musical elements and genres together to create an immersive listening experience. The rich mixture of delicate sounds, booming basslines and silky, chopped vocals will keep listeners coming back for more. His latest single is “Mix in a Water”. Is there any way to describe the music of Flo other than stylistically shimmering, and rhythmically hypnotic? Not really: write down those words and free-associate as much as possible with eclectic and luscious, and chances are you’ll have written Flo’s press blurb.
The Flo sound is one of silky sunsets, shuffling hipsters and swinging groove. It’s also irresistibly good, which might explain why Flo has no need to mess with the formula that will most likely win him some serious accolades in the near future.
Savvy enough to give his fans exactly the tones they’ve been hoping for, Flo blends vintage organic sounds against a welter of modern electronic elements, all of it crisp and gorgeous. At the same time he is clever enough to add spice where it’s needed, edging his smooth and dynamic beats away from New Age or simply ambient, and into something more engaging.
Taking listeners on an expansive and otherworldly journey, sound-tracked by an eclectic amalgam of what appears to be analog sounds, electronic synths and live instrumentation. It’s a progression that feels natural, organic, allowing listeners to see not just the evolution of the music, but of Flo as an artist.
Flo finds a niche wedge between warm, smooth and sometimes intentionally jagged arrangements, together with the electronic sophistication of Northern European composers. In this sweet spot, he treads a fine line between soothing chill music and multifaceted sonic landscapes that warrant close listening.
He is primarily driven by rhythm, texture and mood, rather than by melody. On this release his mindset surfaces in the darting layered horns and smooth vocal adlibs that form the melodic core of the track. The stop-start rhythm is no afterthought, as it serves as a platform to push the melodies around the sharp angled corners.
Flo is undeniably indulgent at all the right times, and fans who found themselves captivated by his ability to craft soundscapes to revel in, on his previous work, will find that same creative spark here. “Mix in a Water” reveals that Flo pushes no specific boxed-in agendas with his music.
He creates it to be adaptable, and while it undeniably comes from a particular time, place, and experience, it’s penned to work ubiquitously and spins on its own axis. It’s the telling of a new musical narrative in his book of songs, and it’s an excellent addition to his building catalog, which continues to producing a dynamic and energizing soundscapes.
More Stories
JSCToken: Uniting Rhythms, Cultures, and Dreams with “Haiti to Here”
Colt Shepherd Calls for Unity with Anthemic New Single, “It’s Time to Unite”
OLI’s “When It All Goes Quiet” — An Introspective Journey Through the Stillness of the Night