One of the most intriguing emerging artists of the new generation, Flwr Chyld possesses the remarkable talent to revive the golden era of Neo Soul through an innovative catalog. From the 2022 release of ‘Luv N Chaos’ to the upcoming ‘Café Noir’ in 2024, he has solidified his position as R&B’s most sought-after underground sensation. Working alongside notable figures such as Planet Giza and Joe Kay from Soulection, Flwr Chyld has made a name for himself as an immersive artist, staying true to the essence of the genre's roots while embracing a bold experimental approach.
Initially recognized solely as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Flwr Chyld is now ready to showcase his vocal abilities and expand the limits of his artistry with his latest project, ‘InsydeOut’. Clash spoke with the Brooklyn-based musician to discuss how color theory influenced the development of this album and the challenges encountered in bringing it to fruition.
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Your music seems to pay tribute to the genuine essence of neo-soul. What do you aim to add to the genre that you feel is lacking?
When people ask what I want my legacy to be, I believe it comes down to a sincere approach to making music. Many artists observe their surroundings and feel pressured to conform to specific sounds. However, I have always been drawn to what I genuinely love. I take inspiration from various genres, particularly ‘70s jazz and soul fusion. The early days of neo-soul, especially from the mid-‘90s to late ‘90s, drew heavily from that period. My parents are quite young—only 18 years older than I am—and they grew up with that music in the early 2000s. It’s not about trying to recapture a certain vibe for me; it’s about creating what resonates with me personally. My goal is to bring a truly honest element to neo-soul.
How did having younger parents influence your musical taste?
I feel like I grew up alongside my parents, creating a closer bond. With only an 18-year gap between us, I feel more connected to them. As a kid, I would often organize my dad's CD collection and discover new albums. Although I had a somewhat sheltered upbringing, my parents always encouraged my artistic inclinations, even with shows like The Chappelle Show, which I started watching at around 12 or 13. My dad was just like, “It’s time.”
Turning to ‘InsydeOut’, I find the concept of color theory behind the project particularly intriguing. Could you elaborate on that?
I began conceptualizing this in the fall of 2023. Regarding the visual direction, I usually work on these aspects a year and a half or two years before the music is complete. This process helps me establish a foundation and clarify my direction. I often consult with friends who are designers, asking them about concepts like tertiary colors and how they interact. I wanted to build a world around complementary colors. I love discussing love; I’m a romantic at heart. My aim was to create a narrative combining color theory with love and relationships.
Dating in New York is a unique experience compared to other cities I’ve lived in. You encounter many different people with various dating philosophies. I’ve certainly faced my share of challenges in this realm. At the time of creating this project, I had been with my current girlfriend for five months, and I wanted to illustrate the journey of finding the right partner. I explored the idea of opposites attracting. For instance, on the color wheel, red and green are opposites. If I’m represented as red and my partner as green, we might seem perfect together, but internally, we might not align. This album reflects both the artistic and romantic aspects of color theory.
I have a fondness for bridges in music; I enjoy taking unconventional approaches to song structure. Instead of following the usual verse-chorus format, I decided to introduce unexpected key changes in the hook. I created complexities with darker tones in the verses that transition to brighter moments in the hooks before returning dark again. The theme of oxymorons is woven throughout the project, even in the song titles. There’s a significant amount of ambiguity in the record. My intention was to convey the challenges and experiences of dating during a phase of fully developed maturity.
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I imagine that developing this project involved considerable self-reflection. What have you learned about yourself as a partner and what you need?
I discovered how important personal space is for me. I enjoy spending time alone, but solitude serves a different purpose than needing space. As a man, it's crucial to take time to reflect and contemplate. I relate this need for alone time to introspection; many people struggle with sitting with their thoughts to ascertain their needs and desires. I took significant time to understand myself. Having a partner introduces questions that require deep introspection.
One of the most intriguing new talents of the upcoming generation, Flwr Chyld possesses a distinctive gift for reigniting the golden era of Neo Soul through a
