Fleur Shore is a UK based artist who has really made people sit up and take notice over the last few months. With a recent release just out on The Martinez Bros “Cuttin Headz” imprint, we sat down with her to find out about her last 18months, and what plans she has for 2022…
Hey Fleur, how are you, what’s good and bad in your world?
Hey! Everything is perfect at the minute, my dreams are fully becoming my reality. It’s so, so exciting! Don’t get me wrong, sometimes you doubt yourself but it’s all about positive self talk to the bad out!
What was it like to get back to partying and DJing again after the pandemic?
I was very eager to get back playing again as I had spent nearly 18 months in the studio. I had finally cracked music production and I was raring to go!
Do you make music that suits certain labels or do you create first and worry about that later?
When I get in the studio I just let things flow. It all depends on what I’m listening to at that time, which will then usually influence my studio session. I listen to a lot of old hip-house, and you can probably hear that in my tracks.
What are some of the key bits of music making gear in your current set up?
I’m currently using a Korg Minilogue, and I also recently invested in a Behringer MS-1 for my Bassline..it’s an evil addition to the collection to say the least!
What inspired or influenced the new one on Cuttin Headz?
The inspiration behind the whole EP was old school hip-hop. You can hear the vocals in No Hoes as that’s where I sampled the vocals from.
Do you feel a weight of responsibility as a female in the dance music industry?
I personally don’t feel a weight being a female in this industry, I am an example that females can be a success in this industry as well as any other gender, or however people feel comfortable identifying themselves. I think the whole “female DJ” agenda is doing the opposite and actually dividing male/females/LGBTQ+.
I don’t deny that discrimination has existed in the music industry, but as well as focusing more on equality on lineups, the main focus should be on talent behind the decks and in the studio first and foremost. I’ve never been interested in becoming a token female on a lineup, I let my DJing and productions from the studio do the talking.
Who did you look up to? Who were your role models?
Kerri Chandler – one of the leading pioneers of house music – his music is incredible. It’s timeless and he is such a talented guy.
Is representation important, do you think, so young people of all backgrounds, ages, races, colours, sexualities and religions can see themselves on stage and aspire to be the same?
Of course, like I said before, I don’t deny that discrimination has existed in the music industry. But as well as focusing more on equality on lineups so it’s as evenly balanced as possible, the main focus should be on talent behind the decks and in the studio first and foremost.
What last made you happy and why?
I live opposite a woods and I walk in there a few times a week. I sit in this spot where it’s complete bliss. There’s barely anyone around there, I sit for 10-15 minutes meditating next to a tree whilst taking in the natural surroundings. It really grounds me and makes me feel so grateful for life.
What makes you unhappy and how do you get over it?
I don’t like it when people are unnecessarily nasty for no reason, as I try my best to help people where I can so it goes against my values. I try to not let it annoy me by explaining to myself that I don’t understand their experiences they’ve had in their life to become that person.
How much has the last year of the pandemic affected the music you have made, the style and sound of it?
Strangely, the pandemic was the best thing that ever happened to me, as I was able to focus so much time on production. I was in the studio every single day (other than weekends) for nearly 18 months. I have learned so much, and the tracks I’ve been making the past few months are the best I’ve ever made. It made my sound mature so much, and now it’s a true reflection of all the types of music I really have a passion for.
What else have you got coming up/are you working on?
There’s so many exciting things in the pipeline. I’ve signed some more music to more of my dream labels. There’s talks about where I’ll be playing in Ibiza in summer 2022, a potential mini South American tour in January, and lots of Europe bookings coming in so it’s super exciting!
Fleur Shore’s “No Hoes” is out now on Cuttin’ Headz
Grab it here
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