Independent Neo-Soul singer and poet The Floacist will be unveiling tracks from her new album with her fans live in concert at Hideaway Streatham on 8th and 9th June. Despite there being no confirmed release date for her project yet, gig attendees will be in for a treat – as you’ll be among the first to hear her new sound, as well as hearing her brand new single ‘SuperNatural’, due for release later this summer.
Pride had a catch up with The Floacist – real name Natalie Stewart – about what she’s been up to recently and the creative process of creating her new project. Take a wander into the life of The Floacist below…
1. What have you been up to recently?
I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be sharing at this particular time, that’s taken a lot of prayer and study and stillness and participation in life.
Flo is growing, my poets across the country are doing incredible things, we’re building that, we have some theatre productions to bring forward. I’m in schools trying to help the children to connect with their inner voice and I’m just living and praising God every day.
2. You said you’re in a new space; in what sense is your music different this time round?
It’s an embellishment, It’s not the case where I’m doing thrash metal or trap (laughs), I haven’t gone “oh I’ve got to be relative”. The interesting thing about creativity is you get better, the more you sit [and] find your purpose, you become an artist of longevity which has always been my dream.
For me, the difference in the music is, it’s matured, it’s not different in the sense that it’s not what it used to be, it’s just more rooted in what it is. There’s a likkle bit more of a reggae presence in there but you’ve still got your soulful chords and journeys.
They don’t have to sensor it from their children; you don’t have to worry about the N-word dropping at any time. I’m about positive productive energy and vibes, so it’s more of that. There’s a new message, there’s new word. I’m really just expressing everything that is me.
The project is called a “Subatomic Soul”. This is music for the smaller particles of your soul.
3. What do you enjoy most about the creative process in your home?
It’s very different; you don’t have to deal with a receptionist or who’s in the room next door. It’s very organic, it’s very free.
I love to cook. Studio is so fast food and take away and it doesn’t have that gripping home feeling which I prefer when creating. We do some work, we build, we talk a little scripture, we look at the world, we laugh, we eat, we break bread and then we make the music.
My career before, I had to commute [to the states]. I’d have to be away from home, away from my core. Now I’m creating from my core, which makes me feel really brave and makes me feel safe.
4. Do you have particular songs that mean a lot to you on the project?
A few years ago, Macy Gray said to me: “I’ve got songs people don’t like but I love them. I don’t put out music I don’t love.” And it was a brilliant piece of advice for me.
I have a lot of songs right now that I’m very in love with. True, which is just about truth and loving through truth, Get Up and Live, Ready For You Now and Freedom… SuperNatural is on the new new album, there’s some really powerful alignment music. Then it gets even deeper, with Children of God… I’m proud of the whole thing.
You know what’s funny; I’ve made two albums. I made a record with my dear friend and producer Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis. We made this great piece […] really speaking on the experience of Negro people in America, it was really reflective of the time. Then suddenly, the next thing I know I’ve made another album (laughs). And it’s like okay, what am I meant to do, are they meant to be together, are they supposed to be separate…[I’m trying to make that decision as we speak].
5. Are there any features on the new album?
Terri Walker, I’m hoping to have Michelle John, I’ve got a song with Omar – as you can see I’m reppin’ the UK. It’s very collaborative. I don’t know if I’m putting it out as a solo album or a collective album. I was never trying to be a solo artist; that was never the focus for me. I love being part of a unit.
6. What has been your inspiration?
We live in a world where there’s a lot of addiction, and I’m attempting to ease the experience. I’m talking about my own journey and assuming that most of us are going through similar things. I create for Solace, that’s it.
I don’t believe in money, I don’t believe in structure. My ambition right now is happiness.
I’m sat here with music that I truly believe is the best music I’ve ever made. It’s interesting to have this without that energy of “hey look at me.” It’s a really different feeling and I’m enjoying it.
7. What else can we expect from The Floacist?
I’m actually trying to get my book finished. It’s a novel, not no biography, I’m not old enough! (She laughs.) It’s the first thing I said I wanted to do. Writing is a much quieter place. I hope I can offer something important in literature and maybe follow in the footsteps of my favourite, Miss Octavia Butler.
8. What’s been your favourite part of 2018 so far?
Truth. I also found out this year that the actual slave trade finishes next year that’s been the most joyful thing I’ve found out about 2019.
9. What can we expect from the show?
The first half will be about what everyone knows, then the second half is introducing everyone to new music. I wanted to introduce the new music in a live environment, not just kick music out on the internet. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Buy tickets to The Floacist show on 8th and 9th June 2018 right here:
Floacist also leads Flovortex, a spoken word night, the first Thursday of every month. Get your tickets here:
Interview by Rhia Harry
