Florence Welch, lead vocalist of Florence + the Machine, joins Zane Lowe to discuss her new album 'Dance Fever'. They talk about working with Jack Antonoff, the impact of the pandemic on the sound of the project, and the challenges of songwriting and maintaining a sense of self in the music industry. They also explore the power of flow in music and performance, reflect on relationships and identity renewal, and discuss the importance of vulnerability and humor in the creative process.
Constantly creating music and taking breaks to live life fully are both important aspects of an artist's journey.
The theme of surrender plays a significant role in Florence Welch's music, representing her deep need for music and exploring complex ideas.
Florence Welch's lyrics capture universal experiences and existential questions, resonating with listeners through their honesty and authenticity.
Deep dives
The introspective nature of Florence Welch's music and the importance of taking breaks
Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine, discusses the importance of both constantly creating music and taking breaks to live life fully. Some artists keep releasing music consistently, while others choose to step away for years to gain experiences and have something meaningful to share. Welch emphasizes the value of having something to say and the unique voice she brings to her music. She talks about how her albums feel like personal reflections of her experiences, combining grandiose sounds with self-aware lyrics.
The concept of surrender and the importance of letting go
Welch and the interviewer discuss the theme of surrender in her music, highlighting the importance of being able to let go and allow the creative process to guide her. They analyze the song "The Glorious Surrender" as an embodiment of the purest sentiment behind Welch's artistry. It represents her deep need for music and performance and her complex relationship with the concept of freedom. They also discuss how songs can hold complicated ideas and existential themes while still being enjoyable and relatable.
The vulnerability and self-awareness in Welch's lyrics
The conversation delves into the self-awareness present in Florence's music and her ability to convey deep emotions through her lyrics. They discuss how her songs capture the funniest, saddest, and most cutting moments in life, often exploring existential questions and the meaning of life. The interviewer highlights the honesty and authenticity that comes through in Welch's lyrics, which resonate with listeners because they touch on universal experiences.
The challenges and fears of releasing music and being vulnerable as an artist
Welch opens up about the fear and vulnerability she experiences when sharing her music and creative process with the public. She describes the anxiety of making private thoughts and dialogues public, and how it feels like a continuous cycle of self-doubt and self-exposure. Despite the challenges, she acknowledges the importance of daring herself to continue creating and sharing her music, even when faced with uncertainties and the urge to start over.
Exploring personal growth, self-awareness, and the complexities of being an artist
The conversation touches on Florence's personal growth as an artist and the journey of self-awareness she has undergone. She discusses the trade-off between her low self-esteem and huge ego, the challenges of sustaining personal relationships while fully committing to her music, and the constant struggle between the desire for stability and the need for artistic expression. Florence also talks about dismantling and questioning previous mythologies and identities she created, allowing her to take herself less seriously and find liberation in self-knowledge.
Florence Welch joins Zane discuss the new album ‘Dance Fever', breaking down tracks 'Morning Elvis', 'King', 'Free' and others. She talks about working with Jack Antonoff, her formative days in the South London indie scene and how her pandemic experiences changed the sound of the project.
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