Check out our interview with London’s singer and songwriter Flo Gallop who’s new single “21” is a head-bopping tune featuring painfully relatable lyrics narrating the familiar day-to-day life of a 21 year old.
Flo sings about having fun, partying and living for the moment. “21” shimmers with bold, confident instrumentation and honest, sassy, storytelling lyrics. Her music is reminiscent of the likes of Kate Nash and Lily Allen, oozing an early 2000’s feel, while delivering a fresh pizzazz. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, the song is an account of her youth – she may make mistakes, but she doesn’t regret anything. With her strong identity, “21” features infectious melodies and a fat, head-bopping bassline which dominates the chorus.
The music video for “21” features Flo working long shifts, saving up money to blow it on a night out at a karaoke bar. Bright colours, flamboyant outfits and vibrant shots of London town emit feel-good vibes, getting you in the mood to party.
Follow Flo @flo_gallop
Hi Flo, please tell us a little about you?
22 years old. Born and bred south-east Londoner passionate about honest music and songwriting. Live for the moment where you hear a killer lyric in a new tune. Love performing gigs and having a good time!
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve always sung and wanted to entertain, however I probably only wrote my first song at 17. 17 was a good year for me, it was the year I started to discover music for myself. Before, I had listened to whatever was on the radio or what my friend’s were listening to but at 17 I started actually finding a music taste for myself, the music my dad had always listened to suddenly became interesting and brilliant, I found a love for new bands and started studying the lyrics of songs and thinking more in depth about them. That was when I felt like I had to start writing. I started writing to backing tracks of songs because I didn’t play an instrument, then realised I need to back myself with something so picked up the guitar and now that is my way of writing on my own. Thankfully I now write with others too, most commonly my best mate and guitarist Will Thomson bouncing off each other with ideas or just finding any chat we have on any sort of topic will generally lead to a song written by the end of the day. I’m learning everyday, especially about what I do and don’t like when it comes to making music. What I love about this is there’s just not enough you can know.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Quirky, fun and vibrant
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Honestly, probably my dad. I was brought up around music, it was just a part of my life from the day I was born, my dad drenched us in music, singing and entertaining. He was in bands and gigged frequently. I just fell in love with entertaining making people have a good time through music. It just seemed like something I wouldn’t ever be able to get away from because its a part of me. Saturday’s were spent at the music shop near our house, dad was friends with the owner so we just hung about, saw behind the scenes etc and I think being engrossed in it you see the intricacy of every element. My dad has always been amazing, he just loves music the way I do and I am thankful that we are able to share that. He’s the first person I send a song to when its written and he’s always guiding me on how to make things better. When I was young he was always singing and writing new music so I was just around it a lot. He also has been a saint in teaching me to set up my own gigs and work with a band. He’s my biggest fan and I am his haha!
Do you play any instrument?
Yes! I play the guitar!
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! Nerves are good though, I quite enjoy the rush of them. Life would be boring if you didn’t get butterflies!
Tell us about your new single “21?”
It is a feel good track, I wanted to write a track where for that 3mins and 8 seconds you forget all your worries. I wrote it because I felt so behind all my friends in life and I needed a way to turn that into a positive and just for people to be able to relate to how I was feeling. You’re 21 there’s no time for dramas, worrying why a boy didn’t text u back or the fact that realistically you’re not raking the money in. Worry about that on a later date. Life is too short
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I would absolutely love to tour, that’s defo something I hope to do soon!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
I love entertaining, I say it all the time but I do, I just love it. I want to sing, I want to dance and I want to have fun, if I can get others to have fun that’s enough for me to rest easy at night. I also love to write music, I see it as a diary where if something happens to me, good or bad, I get it out through writing a song. I guess everyone has different ways of coping with their emotions and I think this is mine. To be honest though, I think the boys that have dated me quite enjoy the fact that they get a song out of it lol. It’s also the aspect of working with creatives that is wonderful, I love creative minds and the way we think. I believe it’s the equivalent of wizards and muggles, it really is a form of magic. I can honestly say there isn’t really anything bad, although packing down at gigs can be a bit boring but you’re so buzzed from the gig its not all bad!
What’s next for Flo Gallop in 2021?
2 more singles, lots of fun and brightening up your lockdown/ After lockdown parties and reunions with friends and family. Stay in touch on my socials
Instagram @flo_gallop
Twitter @flo__gallop
Facebook Flo Gallop
Tik Tok-@flo_gallop
Or subscribe to my mailing list on www.flogallop.com
What is you favorite song? And why?
My favourite song ever is ‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel which is really random because its quite slow but I really like the imagery of the song and what I picture when I’m listening to it. It’s been my favourite song for years and years so I just feel comforted by it now too.
However, I do have many many favourite songs
If you head to my Spotify, I have 3 playlists-
Flog’s Weekly- this is a playlist updated regularly with new finds and songs I’m listening to at the current moment.
Dad music that pops off- says it in the name, the legendary anthems that you can’t not like
& finally
The reasons- these are my all time favourite songs, my go to songs, the songs that make me feel homely and comfortable.
These playlists show what I’m usually listening to at that moment but will also highlight my top songs ever!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would absolutely LOVE to have met Freddie Mercury, I just would’ve just loved to have a chat with him. I bet he had the best energy and vibe. Also would’ve like a masterclass in performance & a tour of his wardrobe. Coolest man evaaaaa!
Best advice ever given?
‘Don’t Panic’
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Oasis- Don’t look back in anger
Or ANYTHING SPICE GIRLS
What is your favorite healthy food?
Bloody love aubergine and there is no deeper meaning there!! hahaha
And your favorite cheat food?
Dominos Pizza, GOTTA BE HAM AND PINEAPPLE (SORRY)
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If they didn’t like Oasis…. That’s not cool, ever…
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Making more music, gigging and just loving life. Hopefully meeting more inspiring people along the way!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Full of colour, outrageous and anything that people would look at and say ‘why would you buy that’ hahaha
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s great, I love being able to interact with people who are on other sides of the country or even the world. However, its easy to get caught up on and I think you just have to keep a clear mind and realise everyone puts only their best self out to their followers. Nobody is perfect and sometimes on social media its really hard to look past that. Don’t lose your confidence. My advice would be to just focus on what you’re doing because its probably absolutely fab!
Where we can follow you?
Where can our readers find you online?
Instagram @flo_gallop
Twitter @flo__gallop
Facebook Flo Gallop
Tik Tok-@flo_gallop
Or subscribe to my mailing list on www.flogallop.com
Quote: P.T Barnum ‘no one ever made a difference by being like everyone else’
Movie: WILD CHILD !!!
Travel Destination: New York! I would love to gig there one day!!
