Flawes – 'we just set out to make music that we enjoy first and foremost'

By Run That Again

Yesterday, Flawes, the London-based trio released a 3 bonus track-EP via Red Bull Records after the roaring success of their debut album ‘Highlights’. The band have garnered millions of streams, support from the likes of Radio 1, toured with Ella Eyre and Maximo Park and have only gone from strength to strength during the lockdown period; engaging with their fans in new and unique ways online, gaining a whole new connection with their following before this release.

These three tracks – ‘Number One’, ‘I’m Letting Go’ and ‘Turn Back Around’ mark the closing of a chapter for the band after 18 months of promotion for the album. They are a primer for the reveal of brand new music, which is set to come later in the year. We absolutely love Flawes, whose sound will enthral fans of The 1975 and Imagine Dragons alike. We really connected with Number 1 with its deep emotional pull as it confronts the memories of a break-up and the trials of a failed relationship. Check out the new video for Number 1 above.

We wanted to chat to Flawes – Freddie (guitarist), JC (singer) and Huss (drummer), to talk about their music so far and their new EP.

Flawes by Daniel Broadley

How much do you think about how a song will sound live during the ideation process for new music?

JC - “I’ve never consciously thought about it as I don’t ever like to put any rules or restrictions during the writing process. Having said that, there have definitely been times where I’ve thought that “this would be the best set opener” or “this is going to sound awesome to hear the crowd sing back at me”.

How much do you think you have changed as artists since you first started out?

Huss - “Quite a lot, I think we’ve all naturally grown in confidence as we’ve started making music that better represents us. We’ve not really followed any trends in making music, we just set out to make music that we enjoy first and foremost and that seems to be working”.

What's one piece of advice about the music industry you heard before you started and do you still stick by it?

JC -”I’m always so focused/obsessed on what the next thing is and what we need to do next I forget to enjoy myself. One of the songs on our debut album ‘Highlights’ called ‘Take This Slow’ is all about telling myself to slow down and was written to remind myself to try and appreciate what we’ve achieved. It’s a work in progress haha.”

How has lockdown changed how you will interact with your fans in the future afterwards, as you've done lots of amazing online events like your Youtube Isolation Sessions series and zoom calls?

Huss - “Yeah we had quite a lot of fun over lockdown, we did zoom calls all over the world and had a nice singalong with all our fans. I think in the future there will obviously be more virtual opportunities, which is great for us to interact with fans we wouldn’t have been able to previously. But we can not wait until it’s safe to tour again. I don’t think there’s anything quite like playing live music so it’s going to be a hard thing to replace.”

Who are your biggest inspirations and influences and who is your dream collaboration?

FE - “I think we all have different individual music taste, but collectively we love acts like One Republic, The Chainsmokers and Lauv. They all manage to combine traditional band elements with a more modern electronic sound. A dream collab for us right now would be Finneas - we were lucky enough to write with him a little while back, and love the stuff he’s putting out these days.

We love Number One and can't wait for it to be released! What was the process behind the conception and production of the song?”

JC - “Thanks so much, it’s a personal favourite of mine and I am so happy it is being released. It is a post break up song that basically looks back at a failed relationship. It reminisces ‘what could have been’. The three of us wrote and produced the song but still felt the production needed a boost so we took it to our good friend and producer Lostboy (who produced a bunch of songs on Highlights) and it developed into what you hear today.”

These three singles mark the end of a chapter after 18 months of releasing music from your diverse catalogue of tracks from your debut album 'Highlights' - what's next in store for Flawes?

FE - “We’ve been making the most of our time during lockdown by writing and recording music remotely. We hope to release what we’ve been making as well as touring it as soon as it’s safe to do so.. We can’t wait! “

What's one thing people don't tell you about the music industry?

FE - “I think it can often seem a lot more glamorous than it probably is! There is a tonne of waiting around involved at live shows, and lots and lots of driving. I think you also need a lot of optimism and perseverance to get into the business, as there will undoubtedly be plenty of setbacks along the way. Patience is key! “

Favourite snack? (We love snacks at Run That Again!)?

Huss - ”I think I can speak for everyone when I say Nature Valley is a band favourite! I can’t get enough of the maple syrup one. We have them on our rider when we tour and it’s always a race to get to them first in the dressing room. Haha.”

Favourite Netflix show right now?

JC -”Prison Break - (Yeah i know I’m a little behind on this one. I started watching it a couple weeks ago and now i’m hooked.”

Huss - “I’m obsessed with Ozark, I binged the first 3 series and can’t wait for the 4th!”

Freddie - “I’m currently watching Money Heist and loving it!”

Listen to the bonus tracks here. Follow Flawes on Instagram here.