The Path, Guadalupe, Kofi Stone: Berlin-based beatmaker FloFilz shares the tracks that inspired his latest body of work, “Dim Down”.
Flofilz picked up the violin at four years old: since then, his relationship with music has been lifelong, and has helped him cultivate a genre-bending sound that sits somewhere in-between the silky folds of Hip-Hop and Jazz. Born to two classically trained musicians in Aachen, Germany, Florian Meier (AKA FloFilz), grew up surrounded by sophisticated sounds. Granted, it gifted him with a natural ear for the finer inflections in music, but also, an urge to move beyond what was comfortable territory for him.
Whilst studying music, Meier decided he wanted to have his try at producing – without any peers who understood the technical side of music, he learnt courtesy of YouTube videos. Little did he know this would cascade into a bigger movement than he could ever imagine, the self-taught music maven has since recorded with MF Doom, Alfa Mist, and Blue Lab Beats, to name a few. Raw sounds, as he puts it, excite the beatmaker, citing Dave Brubeck and A Tribe Called Quest as early influences. Exploring sounds that let the mind escape into new dimensions, with drum beats ruminating in dissonant rhythms, as crunchy harmonies wash over melodic peaks and troughs. This was where his love for both Jazz and Hip-Hop emerged, and marked the beginning of FloFilz’ confidently curious sound.
His latest offering, “Dim Down”, is FloFliz’ five-pronged project, boasting an entourage of collaborators: from emerging R&B singer Jerome Thomas to British Hip-Hop artist Kojey Radical. The album, which dropped last Friday, has a richness to it which speaks to the success of modern Jazz’ impact within the British music scene right now. Still basking in the release of “Dim Down”, FloFilz rounds up the tracks that have been taking over his playlist, in Wonderland‘s latest On Repeat…
Listen to “Dim Down”…
FloFliz is On Repeat…
Nyron Higor, Johanna – “Me Vestir De Você“
I simply love Brazilian music and this is a beautiful new release which a very good friend of mine gifted me on vinyl for my birthday!
The Path – “Total Blue”
Sometimes I just need something to rest my mind to and this track and the whole record is perfect for that. Takes you to different worlds with its very unique soundscape.
Michi, Kiefer – “Way I Do“
A very nostalgic combination of Michi’s soft voice and Kiefer’s soulful piano, the perfect spring vibe!
Guadalupe – “Paraíso“
My girlfriend sent this one to me and I loved it on the first listen. I reached out to a friend who just moved to Brazil and is a massive crate digger and he was able to find the record (which was released in the 80s and never reissued) for me in just 1 day!
RUBII, Kofi Stone – “Chameleon“
2 of my favorite artist right now, Kofi is also featured on my new EP and I did a couple of sessions with RUBII at a songwriting camp in France last year which was very inspiring. Perfect combination!
Fujimaru Band – “Paper Machine”
Very chill instrumental track that a friend from Tokyo showed me. I am very heavy into Japanese Jazz and Fusion right now and this definitely hits that nerve.
Joe Armon-Jones – “Hurry Up & Wait“
Great UK jazz by one of my favorite keyboarders, a real pleasure to listen to from beginning to end. I also like how it’s 7 minutes long, as longer tracks like that seem quite rare these days!
Charif Megarbane – “Dreams of an Insomniac“
Charif is a friend and amazing musician and composer, he plays all the instruments on the track himself, except the violin which I am happy to have contributed! To me it feels like a beautiful 70s movie soundtrack.
INDIA BLUE – “Imperfect Me”
INDIA BLUE should definitely be on your list of artists to watch, she just released her 3rd EP and I’m sure her soulful voice and great vocal arrangements will catch your ear.
I Am An Instrument – “One Part Is Our Path“
More than 10 minutes long but it won’t feel like it. A stunning musical meditation which is definitely gonna take you on a journey.
