Multi instrumentalist Flo Naegeli is known for his mix of soul and indie pop and is inspired by artists like Jordan Rakei, Stevie Wonder and Benny Sings. Playing live since he was 16 his first EP ‘It’s Getting Better’ has a refreshing, yet nostalgic sound. Working with Amsterdam-based Vokall records Naegeli has more than a million listeners on Spotify and has just signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell. Tipped for big things Naegeli, from Dresden, Germany is currently working on his first album. He tells Entertainment Now the story so far..
How did your musical project/band first start? Is there a story to tell about it?
Funny enough one could think it started with me and my guitar but it actually started with me and Logic Pro X. I was really obsessed with it. I wrote my first songs with just my voice. I would record up to 150 layers and more with just vocals and would make my family members little musical gifts that way. I think they couldn’t really do anything with it since it was a lot of complex and ‘grown-up’ harmonies. But I enjoyed making these. Was listening to a lot of Take 6 and Jacob Collier at that time. And after that, I bought my first synth and drum kit and I learned to play those and then I started to write more band-oriented stuff. And now I’m playing those tunes with my Band.
What was your first gig?
My first gig with my own material was actually this year in April. We played a show in Amsterdam. But I started doing jazz and cover gigs around the age of 16.
How has your music/live performances been received by fans?
Oh, it was always fun so far.
What three words best describe your musical style and why?
Phantasmagoric – Implies a surreal, dreamlike quality with shifting, fantastical elements.
Velvetine – Conveys a rich, smooth texture that’s also oddly luxurious.
Luminous – Suggests a bright, radiant, or almost glowing quality.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have to mention my Grandparents. My Granddad is an organist and a singer. He accompanies the family on Christmas and every other occasion. He’s very musical I also think he has perfect pitch at least on the piano. My Grandma is a very good soprano. Then I’d say, Stevie Wonder. The biggest musical treasure of this age. And Jordan Rakei I love his voice and his music a loooot!
Tell us about your new release.
I wanted to write something that could easily be played on a The 1975 release concert. A lot of my songs start with other artists in mind. I kinda like the artistic freedom you feel when you pretend not to be yourself. Can be quite adventurous.
What inspires your lyrics?
Oh, it varies a lot. But most of the time when I record the music I kinda have a picture or a mood in my head that I want to put into words afterwards. Sometimes when I don’t get that first initial spark of an idea I ask my loved ones what the song (instrumental) evokes in them. Or I put Netflix on and mute the movie and play my own music instead and write down everything that comes to mind. After that, I try to find a narrative around that.
How do you hope listeners will feel after hearing your music?
I hope they can enjoy themselves.
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
Yes, right now we are planning a tour at the end of March that we currently booked. Stockholm and London are already confirmed. I will announce the tour in October. Hopefully, we have all the venues booked by then.
What are you/your band working on next?
Right now I’m working on my debut album. Very excited about this one!
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