We were lucky enough to catch up with musician Fleur Lion following the release of her superb single ‘I Already Am’. Enjoy the full interview now!
Hi Fleur, tell us about yourself?
Hi everyone! I am so thankful and honoured to be part of FVMusicBlog.
My name is Fleur Lion, and I am a singer/songwriter from the Netherlands. I write and sing songs about my past experiences in my life. Pain and taking back your power and place in this world are the main subjects.
For some years, I wanted to work as an artist, and in 2019 I decided to take the leap.
What is your songwriting process?
It depends on my creative process, which is always different. Suddenly I can have the inspiration to start writing, or I have an idea, and I save it for later.
Sometimes an idea has been around for a long time, and I start working on it a year later. I’ve found my own twist in songwriting, and it’s not so much from point A to point B. I’ve been practising songwriting from an early age.
In recent years I have also experimented a lot. I also do a lot of research and listen to different music, artists and new sounds that inspire me to write music.
Tell us about your latest release, ‘I Already Am’?
‘I Already Am’ is about being constantly rejected as a singer. That started from my college in music that I have followed after high school. I hoped to make it as a singer.
At the time, I was 17 years old, very naive and had no idea how the music world worked. It wasn’t such a fun time. I kept being told I wasn’t good enough or was singing out of tune. I didn’t have many friends at the time, and I felt quite lonely. I was never asked to play in a band. It made me very insecure, and later it was also said that I would never make it as an artist.
Of course, it is good to be realistic, which is not easy. But it was so negative because of my environment of teachers and classmates. ‘I Already Am’ is letting myself know that I don’t have to prove myself to the outside world. Because I know what I can do and what my talents are. I don’t need validation from others, only from myself.
You are based in the Netherlands; what’s the music scene like there?
I love this question! The music scene is very broad in the Netherlands. There are a lot of talented musicians and artists. There are a few big names that are doing very well and have also made their breakthrough abroad. Hip-hop artists and female singers are doing very well right now.
Unfortunately, there have also been serious situations of very famous and successful artists. #metoo and violence is a big subject that happens in the business.
Big names of rappers have been dragged through the mire for abusing their power like sexual violence and abuse. This breaks my heart, especially for the artists who have so much talent and can really mean something for making music.
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
I hope that my music makes people feel lighter and understood. Although my music refers to my stories and experiences, maybe someone else can recognize themselves in it too. Get strength from yourself and go after your own dreams and desires. So don’t feel alone because of your sadness and pain.
You are already a beautiful person, and everyone is light and love. You are not your pain, your fear or your past. You don’t have to define that in who you are. That’s why I hope that people can benefit from my music.
Who are your musical influences?
I am a huge fan of Kimbra. She has inspired me a lot through my musical journey. But there are so many artists that I really like and who have inspired me. Making a choice is kinda difficult.
Who are your non-musical influences?
I get very inspired by certain sounds. I also partly produce music, and I always look for specific sounds that I like and can use. But also things about mental health, such as depression, inspire me. This is because I have lived with this a lot in the past.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
I see it as a very large pond with a lot of fish. So to stand out can be a challenge.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Stay true to yourself and make what you really love. This is a very cliche answer. But the funny thing is, I’d asked this same question to a great artist who I have met: Eagle-Eye Cherry. He answered exactly the same as me. But it is true. You must be your first biggest fan.
‘I Already Am’ is your debut single; what do you have planned next?
I want to release more music and collaborate with other artists. I really want to breakthrough in the Netherlands and abroad. Being able to tell my story here is a very good start! I also really want to perform on stage. Now that Covid-19 almost has been ended in the Netherlands makes this possible. I can’t wait!
FVMusicBlog March 2022
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