Introducing #160 - Fleur Rouge — When The Horn Blows

Let us introduce you to Manchester songstress Fleur Rouge who’s last single ‘Game Boy’ was a deliciously poppy affair. She talked us through her methods and music.

Hey Fleur, how are you? You’ve recently released your new single Gameboy, can you tell us a bit about it?

All good thanks :) I have yeh, so this one came from a pretty frustrated place ngl. I’ve been on the online dating scene a bit recently and met quite a few ‘interesting’ guys and that’s pretty much where this song came from. It touches on the typical games played in any unrequited love situation and walking away when something or someone is clearly not right for you.

It feels like something of a departure from your previous singles, Hype especially, was this a deliberate move?

I think sonically gameboy and hype (my previous single) tie in loosely together production wise. I’m not someone who wants to just stick to one flavour all the time. Gameboy is definitely more upbeat but it still has that electro style that we see in hype. Both have a sassy quality imo and are about something I’ve experienced personally.

If someone had never heard your music before, how would you best describe it?

I’d say my sound is pop with a sassy quality to it. Again I like to mix up the slightly darker tones to brighter ones sometimes like it’s fun to keep people guessing on what’s coming next.

Your music is pretty different from a lot of what’s going in Manchester currently. Have you found that beneficial or has it given you any difficulties?

Is it? I mean I guess that’s true when you look at the indie bands that are all over Manchester but I’ve defo come across some female pop acts not too different from my style but you’re right they are the minority. I think being different to what’s about helps you to stand out more but I don’t feel like it’s made a difference anyway, people are pretty open minded here and there’s space for all kinds of genres which is cool.

Who would you say some of your biggest influences are, and in what way do they influence you?

I feel like my main ones are Bülow, Banks , Lana del rey and Lolo Zouai they all have a slightly darker edge to them which I love and I feel like the lyrics always come from a real place which is so important to me and I try to make sure mine mean something, that storytelling quality is so infectious!

Finally, now the track is out there, what’s next for you?

Well, I’m working on my first EP which I’m buzzed about and it’s gonna be full of sass so I can’t wait to get it out there and to get gigging again! I’ve really missed the performing side of things so it’s gonna be MAD scenes when it all pops off again!