FLO doubt they would be able to cope with the “very difficult” music business if they weren’t a group.
The popular trio – comprising Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer – have enjoyed a string of successes since forming in 2019, including being crowned the winner of the 2023 BBC Sound of… poll and the BRITs Rising Star award, while their debut album ‘Access All Areas’ has peaked at number three on the Official UK Chart.
However, they admit they arrived at the industry at a time when it’s not easy on the artists, especially with social media and the “negativity” that comes with it, and so they are glad they can lean on each other when things get tough.
Jorja told the Metro: “This industry is very … it’s just difficult. This day and age is difficult.
“The things that new generation artists have to deal with, social media and all of the negativity that’s out there in the world at the moment, it’s just very difficult for any artist.”
Noting how girl groups aren’t so common these days, she continued: “So I think there being more than one artist [in a group] to some people it might be a scary thought. And even with labels, thinking there’s this new breed of children and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if we can deal with more than one of them.'”
Stella added: “The thing that’s kept us going the most is each other.
“I think that if we didn’t have each other, we probably would not be here with you right now.”
Jorja said: “Or on this earth to be honest.”
The trio noted how girl groups today – including themselves – have more control over their sound and image compared to manufactured groups such as the Spice Girls and Girls Aloud in the ‘90s and noughties.
Jorja said: “They’re definitely on their way back.
“I think a girl group now compared to what girl groups were before is completely different.
“Before it was obviously the most successful time for girl groups, it definitely was a sure way for a label to make money, and I think it was all obviously manufactured – more so than now – but the music was incredible.
“But I think now it feels more led by the artist. Definitely in our case, nobody can tell us what we’re going to put out, what this is going to look like, what that’s going to sound like.
“So, it’s a good resurgence that’s coming back.”