[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: FLOHIO

British rapper FLOHIO has fast become one of the most in-demand voices in contemporary UK music, get familiar with this VIPER Presents interview…

What five words define your sound?

Cold, Trance, Alive, Fun and Alternative. 

Tell me something unique about your creative process?

I have moments when I don’t want to hear the instrumental until I’m in the booth about to record. I sometimes loose a bit of focus if I hear the instrumental more than once. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Unveiled’ because it felt like a party recording it and the rapidness of the tune keeps you on your feet. It radiates such high energy, if you’re on a car trip it only makes sense to have it as your opening song to ease you in. 

What inspired you to make that song?

I heard the instrumental and in my mind I was already on a trip. I connected with it and knew what I wanted to say as soon as I started writing. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I’d say every time I write music I’m being vulnerable, I’m always opening up about some aspects of my life so there’s no space to not be vulnerable. Maybe when I touch on topics about my family is when I’m being most vulnerable. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The worst experience would be one time in Gdansk. The venue was packed out, a good vibe in the air and everyone getting ready to have a wicked time! As I get on stage to start performing the whole place starts rattling and a crazy wind shaking those large festival canopies comes in. Long story short they shut off the whole system and I was instructed to come off the stage just as my DJ Rico pressed play. There was about to be a crazy storm so everyone had to scatter the scene asap [laughs]. It was such a downer but they did give a warning earlier that shows might stop halfway due to a storm, so at least we were warned; I just didn’t think it would be during my set. The best experience, there’s too many but one of them was connecting with a supporter of mine whilst I was on stage and after the show. I really appreciated her energy, she made the show special for me and it so happened to be her birthday that day; I was really pleased she chose to celebrate it with me at the show. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘Rollercoaster’. 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Eve – ‘Eve-Olution’

What’s the meaning behind your name?

It’s an acronym of my full name. There’s just some letters missing that’s all. 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I’d probably be a graphic designer or an aerospace engineer. 

What’s success to you?

Having peace and happiness combined with enough money to be able to live well. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

I knew I wouldn’t be able to rise to my full potential if I approached life the conventional way, so I followed my heart. It didn’t even feel forced, I just never handed out any CVs and decided to carve out my own lane instead. 

Where can people keep in touch with you?

It’s all digital, so ‘FLOHIO’ or ‘flohio_’ on all socials. 

Photo by Maxime Ellies