Earlier this month, close friends Emma Louise and Harley Streten, known as Flume, discreetly unveiled one of the year's most captivating electronic albums, titled ‘DUMB.’ This album encompasses a clear blend of soft rhythms and euphoric vulnerability that flourishes upon engagement. Co-written, it revisits the airy sensation found in 2022’s ‘Hollow,’ while tracks like ‘Monsoon,’ ‘Easy Goodbye,’ and ‘Shine, Glow, Glisten’ navigate through trauma like a tennis prodigy, shaping a psychoactive realm with heartfelt revelations. Songs such as ‘Stay’ and ‘Whenever You Want’ affirm that Streten’s synthesizers still serve as a channel for catharsis, but the album also delves into creative liberties and the way art can reinforce the importance of rediscovery.
“The title ‘DUMB’ carries a significant weight for me. Growing up without a diagnosis for my neurodivergence, I often felt unintelligent—struggling academically, forgetting things, and silencing my voice to conform,” Emma Louise reflects in a press release about the collaborative project. “Initially, I thought calling the album ‘DUMB’ was irreverent and liberating, but I later realized how closely it tied to my fear of being perceived as foolish and unworthy. This album represents my reclaiming that term, shedding shame, and dedicating myself to never silencing my voice again.”
This 10-track collection is essential listening for the latter part of summer, especially for fans of ‘Skin.’ CLASH recently spoke with Emma about the recording of ‘DUMB’ in New South Wales, her creative partnership with Flume, and how artistic expression can enhance self-worth.
—
—
How do you navigate your creative output at this point in your career without overextending yourself or clinging to a past version of yourself?
I don’t become overly attached to past iterations of my creative self. I tend to get bored quickly, so I'm always seeking to do something entirely different from my last creation.
What would you say has been the most significant difference in your writing and producing over the last decade?
I used to tie my self-worth to the creations I produced, often feeling compelled to write songs that would affirm my deserving of love. A few years back, the pain that came from that mindset pushed me to burn through the nonsense, leading me to a deeper, more authentic self-worth. Now, I create with more freedom, focusing less on outcomes, and I’m increasingly grateful and open to collaboration. I've discovered that I enjoy contributing to other artists' projects even more than my own.
How did the mantra 'make it dumb' originate?
Harley and I began using it whenever we became fixated on minor details. It helped alleviate our judgments, allowing the music to flow more easily.
What is the relationship between the title 'DUMB' and the themes present in this new project?
There isn't a strong connection, really. The album's lyrical content leans towards the heavier side, but we didn't want the overall feel of the album to mirror that. Harley and I are not serious individuals, and we have a lot of fun collaborating, so since the album's themes were somewhat emotional, we decided to keep the presentation lighthearted.
Given your experiences of introspection throughout your career and the relationship to this record, when did you first recognize your neurodivergence? How did it impact your daily life and your shift to full-time music creation?
I was unaware of it until I was about 27. I always felt different, experiencing life in a raw, tactile way. Eventually, that intensity led me to reevaluate my existence. I took a step back to prioritize my mental health. At some point, I learned that I was a specific type of neurodivergent, which introduced me to a gentler and more self-compassionate way of living. My creativity flourished once I allowed myself to prioritize my needs.
—
—
How would you compare ‘DUMB’ to your debut album ‘vs Head vs Heart’? Are there any unexpected similarities a decade later?
I haven’t listened to that album in over ten years. However, I doubt it contains as many quirky sounds and beats as ‘DUMB’ does.
What were your initial recording sessions with Harley like last year, and what motivated the decision to elevate things by releasing an album together?
We actually began writing together during the lockdown in 2022. When we're not in L.A., we both reside in the Northern Rivers. We would hang out and write music without any specific objective, which I’m grateful resulted in an album. The process felt very organic.
As musicians who embrace collaboration, why did you decide to release a project that focuses solely on the bond you two share, without any guest artists?
It wasn’t a deliberate choice; it simply evolved over time as we created significant amounts of music together.
With the new record reaffirming your emotional openness, which
Earlier this month, close friends Emma Louise and Harley Streten, also known as Flume, discreetly launched one of the year's most fascinating electronic albums with
