Meet Your Next Favorite Artist: Interview With Flora Rose

Flora Rose, self-portrait

Whether you’re looking for songs to blast late at night in the car, heartfelt ballads, or just fun songs to sing along to, rising indie star Flora Rose has it all. The French singer has a talent for putting her own unique spin on the sounds of her favorite artists, such as poetic lyrics that bring to mind Taylor Swift and guitar-driven songs reminiscent of Sam Fender. A fangirl who proves she has a talent for making music, part of her charm is her relatability. There’s a warmth and comfort to her songs that comes from self-producing her music from her apartment – bedroom pop at its finest, and an attribute to her hard work.

I came across her music last year and have been hooked ever since. It’s truly been a thrill watching her gain more and more recognition, from amassing followers on TikTok to touring with Nieve Ella earlier this year. Her debut EP, Synthetic Flowers For A Romantic Comedy came out in February this year, a project that really showcases her love of indie rock.

I had the pleasure of asking Flora Rose some questions about her EP, her year so far, and what she’s listening to. Keep reading for the full interview!

Photo by Nathan Marriott

Emma Zoe Polyak: This has been such an exciting year for you, from the release of your debut EP to several tour dates, how would you sum up your year so far? What was the biggest highlight for you?

Flora Rose: Even though my first song came out in 2020, I only really started making music and having people listen to it in 2023, so this year feels really new and exciting! These past few months were the first time that I really felt like it could be more than a dream and I’m not doing all of this for nothing, so that’s been really motivating.

The biggest highlight was definitely supporting Nieve Ella on tour because it made me feel like I had a real grown-up job. I was meeting and taking pictures with fans and playing my songs live for the first time. It was a lot of stress, not gonna lie, but so worth it.

EZP: What are you looking forward to the most, any exciting news coming soon?

FR: I’m most excited to release new music. If everything goes well, we should have some new stuff to listen to on my Spotify page this year. 

EZP: What was touring like? Any preshow rituals? 

FR: Touring was kinda weird and I felt like a newborn trying to learn my job while doing it. I played my first show alone and without in-ears just trying not to mess it up. I only did two dates, so it wasn’t that much of a touring experience but being dived into a professional music environment for the very first time was the best experience. My pre-show ritual was trying not to shit my pants laughs.

EZP: Do you have a favorite song to play live?

FR: I had so much fun playing “By the Way,” my first ever song. It was just pure fun to reminisce about all the things I’ve achieved in 4 years. I love to play “Replicate” too, it’s a really I-feel-cool song. 

EZP: Synthetic Flowers For A Romantic Comedy is such a succinct and immersive EP, from the lyrics to all the visuals. It feels like a very personal project, and I wonder if it was ever hard to be so open on your songs?

FR: It is really hard, but at the same time it’s not because English isn’t my native language. So, when I write and sing certain things, it holds a kind of barrier. When I write in French, it’s much harder to be honest. It isn’t that personal of a project because the songs are mostly fictional stories and inspired by others, however, my next project is much more honest and personal.

EZP: What is your process for songwriting? Do you just let ideas flow as they come, or do you have a more structured process?

FR: I have 1-2 week periods when I can write 2 songs a day and produce them in full. But then 3 weeks can go by when I don’t write anything. I can’t really explain why, but I know when those periods come and I just sit at my laptop every day and I start composing stuff. Most of the time I start with the music and then I add the singing and lyrics. “Where Have You Been” is the only song on the EP that started acoustically, and I produced it afterwards. 

EZP: On your recent EP you had your hands in the writing, recording, production, and art direction processes, as well as a lot of the marketing. Being an independent artist can be super challenging, what keeps you motivated, and what advice would you have for other young musicians starting out? 

FR: What keeps me motivated is that I proved I can do it all alone and that you can start from anywhere. Music is the only thing I didn’t give up on, my love for doing what I do is the exact same after 5 years of doing it. If you have the love and you appreciate working your ass off for what you love, then you’ll get where you want. 

EZP: Did you always want to be a singer?

FR: Not at all. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a professional dancer. I couldn’t even sing back then. I discovered playing and writing music in 2019. I just started making silly songs on GarageBand.  

EZP: For the last few questions, I’d like to ask about your music taste – as a music fan I’m always curious about what type of music my favorite artists like to listen to, and I’m sure your fans would love to know too!

What is the last song you listened to?

FR: “Tiny Moves” by Bleachers.

EZP: What song or artist have you been obsessed with recently?

FR: My obsession this year is definitely Chappell Roan.

EZP: What 3 albums would you take with you to a deserted island?

FR: Fine Line by Harry Styles, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it by The 1975, and Folklore by Taylor Swift.

EZP: What is your go-to karaoke song?

FR: “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele.

EZP:  If you could be featured on any song, what song would it be?

FR: “Champagne Coast” by Blood Orange.

EZP: Controversial pick: What is a song that you love but others hate, OR what is a song others love that you dislike?

FR: Right now, I’m thinking “Superstar” by Taylor Swift, nobody seems to like that song but it’s legit my favorite on Fearless.

EZP: Who is the last artist you saw live?

FR: Coldplay!

EZP: In your opinion, what is the best song of all time?

FR: I gotta say maybe “Careless Whisper” by George Michael or “Purple Rain” by Prince.

Flora Rose will be touring in Europe this September with Swim Deep, you can check out the dates here, and look for tickets here!

Listen to her music below!