Catch up with London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Flowers and listen to his latest single, "Misused", out now.
What first got you interested in music?
Joe Flowers: It’s been an interest of mine as far back as I can remember. When I was a kid, I loved watching Disney films like The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, etc. and being drawn in by their soundtracks and how the music interacted with the visuals. I think those movies definitely played a part in sparking my interest in music from an early age.
Do you remember the first song you wrote that you were happy with?
I wrote a song called “Baby Steps” when I was a teenager that I was pretty happy with. It was at a time where all I seemed to write was ballads, but "Baby Steps" was definitely my favourite.
Which musicians have you been influenced by?
Tonnes and for different reasons. Great singers like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra and great songwriters like Elton John and David Bowie. Also, contemporary acts like Frank Ocean, Gallant, and NAO help shape my sound.
If you were to make a playlist for your fans, which three songs - from other artists - would you have to include?
“Nights” by Frank Ocean
“Moments of Pleasure” (Director’s Cut version) by Kate Bush
“Sweet Gene Vincent” by Ian Dury and The Blockheads
How would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard your music?
Cinema pop.
What were your inspirations behind your single "Misused"?
Musically, I took a lot from the new wave of R&B artists that are around at the moment. Some older R&B artists like Maxwell and D’Angelo were influential with this song, too. Lyrically, I drew upon my own thoughts and moods; there is also a reference to a movie from the '70s somewhere in there.
Do you have plans to release an EP or album?
An EP perhaps, somewhere down the line. Just taking it single by single at the moment.
What do you hope listeners are able to take away from your music?
I hope they get from my music what I get from listening to other people’s music – catharsis.
Is there anything you want to add?
Thanks for the support!