Florence Welch – British singer, author noticed because of her incredible voice, theatrical appearance and magical performances. “I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you are being sucked down into the ocean and you cannot breathe” – says Florence. Sometimes romantic, sometimes frightening and dark the musical masterpieces of Florence, relaxes, frees and invites you to a magical world.
Florence was born in Camberwell, London, in 1986. The genuine attraction to music was encouraged by her father, and the themes of love, death, sex and violence were inspired by her mother who is a professor teaching Renaissance.
Since the early days Florence who had a nickname Robot used to perform with her best friend Isabella Summers nicknamed Machine, so the original name of the band was “Florence Robot/Isa Machine.” The present band consists of 6 members: Florence Welch (lead vocals), Isabella Summers (keyboards), Robert Ackroyd (lead guitar), Mark Saunders (bass guitar, percussion), Chris Hayden (drums, backing vocals) and Tom Monger (harp).
Florence started her career performing in local pubs and bars. One night she cornered Mairead Nash (of the DJ duo Queens of Noize) in the bathroom and sang the Etta James’s “Something’s got a Hold on me” to her. “I had literally never heard anyone with such a powerful voice ever,” said Nash. After a week Florence performed as an opening band for the Queens of Noize, making the 2006 the year of the big break-through.
It is not a secret that lyrics for most of the Florence’s songs are written while she is drunk or hangover “You are lucid, but you are not there, you are floating through your own thoughts and you can pick out what you need. I like those weird connections in the universe. I feel that life is like a consistent acid trip, those times when things keep coming back,” the singer explains. In her music the influences of Kate Bush, Tom Waits, Nick Cave or even Bjork appear. “I feel things quite intensely, which is why the music has to be so intense. I am either really sad or really happy, tired or completely manic. That is when I am at my most creative, but it is also dangerous for me. I feel I could write some good songs, or break some hearts. Or tables. Or glasses,” she adds.
The first studio album “Lungs” in UK was released on 6th of July in 2009. Album has its gothic vibe as well as fairytale motives and fantasy ideas. “Allmusic” called the album “one of the most musically mature and emotionally mesmerizing albums of 2009.” Florence herself sais it is pretty simple “Everything is about boys. The whole album is love – and pain. People say my lyrics are crazy, but to me it is a honest heartfelt album. I did not see it to be wacky. I just want it to be emotive.”
The second album “Ceremonials” seems a bit different, portrays some hell themes although stays loyal to the unique sound of the first one. Florence claims that the second album was not intended to be far from the first one, just supplemented with more bass drums and fuller sound.
Uplifting and intense sound of the band was used in couple of movie soundtracks such as the famous fairytale adaptation “Snow White and the Huntsman.”
As well as the story of 30’s party symbol “The great Gatsby.”
Having an extremely powerful voice, Florence creates unforgettable and extraordinary live performances, where the program is never the same and the stunning outfits take you to the other world.
In 2011 “Florence and The Machine” won the Grammy award for “The best new artist”. Honestly bold and exceptionally creative Florence admits “It sounds cheesy, but I want to touch people. Not in a weird way. I just want to help them feel what I am feeling.”
