Flo’s Journey to ‘Access All Areas’
Despite a steady stream of singles, the British R&B trio Flo found themselves in a unique predicament: where was their highly anticipated debut album? With all the pop machinery already in motion, the group made the bold decision to put the album’s release on hold. Initially, they had planned to unveil a full-length album in 2023, following a series of singles that kicked off in March 2022 with the track “Cardboard Box.” This smooth, close-harmony breakup anthem has garnered over 54 million streams on Spotify.
Following their 2022 EP, “The Lead,” and a whirlwind of live performances that showcased their impressive vocal prowess, Flo was honored as the best rising star at the 2023 Brit Awards. They further expanded their reach with collaborations featuring notable artists like Missy Elliott and Stormzy.
However, the trio—composed of talented singers and songwriters Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma—wasn’t entirely satisfied with the tracks intended for their album. They were determined to avoid releasing any material that felt like mere filler. So, amidst an increasingly busy tour schedule and a rapidly growing fanbase, they took a calculated risk, trusting that their audience would be willing to wait a little longer. This decision allowed them to continue writing and exploring new collaborative opportunities.
The culmination of their efforts, the album titled “Access All Areas,” is set to be released on November 15.
“We just kept on creating music—and we kept on improving our sound,” Downer shared during a video interview, comfortably seated on a couch backstage at the Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte, N.C., where Flo was opening for Kehlani’s headlining tour. They appeared relaxed before their soundcheck, with their striking costumes and polished styling scheduled for later in the day.
“Access All Areas” draws inspiration from iconic groups such as Destiny’s Child, TLC, and the Pussycat Dolls—musical influences that the three women, all in their early 20s, have grown up listening to. “Back in the day, the standards for pop music were significantly higher,” Quaresma remarked. “Today, it seems that if you have a following, you can easily step into the role of a singer. People can see that we are genuinely inspired by the true talents and artists of the past. I believe there is a strong craving for that authenticity.”
Yet, Flo is equally committed to carving out their own distinct sound. “While our melodies may carry nostalgic undertones, reflecting our backgrounds, we also need to be aware of the current musical landscape,” Douglas noted. “We strive to blend the essence of what we’ve learned from the past with contemporary influences.”
