In the dynamic realm of British R&B, the girl group Flo has emerged as a formidable presence, especially in 2023, which many had anticipated would mark their watershed year. Comprising three talented members—Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma—the trio has made significant inroads into the music scene, starting with their debut single, “Cardboard Box.” This track, a bold anthem addressing infidelity, resonated with listeners and was heavily influenced by the iconic sounds of ’90s girl groups like En Vogue, SWV, and Destiny’s Child. With impressive sales of 205,000 copies, its success set an admirable benchmark for Flo as they topped the BBC’s Sound Of 2023 poll, outpacing established acts such as Fred Again and claiming the coveted Brits’ Rising Star prize.
Following the momentum from “Cardboard Box,” Flo quickly released their second single, “Fly Girl,” which featured a rare collaboration with the legendary Missy Elliot. However, despite this promising trajectory, the band fell into a period of relative silence. Their highly anticipated debut album, titled “Access All Areas,” faced numerous delays after being originally scheduled for release in the previous year. While such postponements often imply turmoil within a group, Downer, Douglas, and Quaresma reassured fans that their motivations for refinement and perfection were at the forefront.
Determined to craft music that authenticates their artistry, the trio undertook an exhaustive process, demonstrating patience and dedication. “We can’t just release any old piece of music,” expressed Douglas, emphasizing their intention to thoroughly represent themselves and their message with their inaugural project. This ambition led them to discard many tracks midway through production, heeding the advice of LVRN (Love Renaissance), a management company integral to the careers of stars like Summer Walker and 6lack. While daunting, this constructive criticism encouraged them to push beyond their comfort zones.
As they expanded their sound, Flo spent time both within the UK and across the ocean in the U.S., collaborating with a variety of writers and producers to refine their music. This rigorous endeavor ultimately bore fruit with the release of their debut album last month. “Access All Areas” swiftly garnered exceptional reviews, with Pitchfork lauding it as a comprehensive showcase of melodic harmonies, awarding an impressive 8 out of 10. The album debuted in the UK charts at number three, marking a historic moment for Flo as they became the highest-charting British R&B girl group in over two decades, matching the position held by Mis-Teeq’s debut album (2003).
The girls reflect on their musical journey and its significance, particularly in a landscape historically challenging for female R&B artists, especially black women. The genre has often struggled to find a foothold in the UK market, with prior artists feeling neglected by labels unversed in R&B’s vibrancy and appeal. Commenting on this issue, Douglas noted, “When we go out in the UK, people love R&B, but I think the people who make decisions in the industry aren’t so familiar with it.” This disconnect can render artists feeling “unappreciated,” yet Flo strives to be a voice for their contemporaries facing similar challenges.
Navigating the complexities of commercial success, the group is conscious of the industry pressure to create more pop-leaning sounds while remaining true to their R&B roots. Their first single from the album, “Walk Like This,” exemplifies this strategy, harmoniously blending catchy pop with intricate R&B grooves. The girls understand the delicate balancing act required to reach a broader audience, aiming to push for increased visibility and respect for their genre.
Flo’s dedication has also seen them collaborating with notable artists like GloRilla and making guest appearances alongside the acclaimed Cynthia Erivo on their album. The trio has been part of major events, including being special guests on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, which has provided illustrative insights into their projection within the industry.
Their commitment to both their artistry and their collaborative spirit is evident even in their off-stage interactions, such as a humorous encounter with a mechanical bull while on tour with Kehlani. The members continue to learn and grow from their experiences, with aspirations for an evolving sound and a promising future in the ever-changing music landscape. Through perseverance and talent, Flo looks set to shape the future of British R&B while bringing their unique blend of artistry to the forefront.
