As a devoted Flume fan since 2013, back when he only had one album released, I’ve watched his music evolve, his fan base grow, and his popularity skyrocket over the years. He hasn’t died down at all because he continues to surprise us and change his style of music. I anxiously await the releases of every new single and album, knowing it’s going to be unlike anything that he has previously released. Flume, otherwise known as Harley Edward Streten, is unlike any other artist in the sense that he continuously keeps us guessing, making it hard to predict what his next release is going to sound like.
Here are five reasons why I vote Flume best overall:
1. He has music to fit every mood:
From relaxing songs like “Sleepless” to pump up songs like “Hyperreal” and ‘Hyperparadise,” he offers it all. He’s had pop songs with Nick Murphy and Lorde and rap songs with artists like Vic Mensa. Also, some of his songs, like “3,” have no words, which can help clear your mind. Wherever you go or whatever you’re doing a flume playlist is necessary.
2. Although he’s becoming a big name, he stays humble and sticks to his true self.
His effortless persona and social media remind us that he’s just another person with an incredible amount of talent. He shouts out his fans on Instagram by posting pictures taken from the crowd at concerts. At the same time, he posts pictures that reflect his quirky humor and careless attitude. He never makes his fan base feel as if he is “god-like” or a superhuman, as some celebrities do (no offense, Yeezy). Also, we often notice that in today’s music industry when an artist or DJ starts becoming very famous, agents and managers take over their music and start controlling the sound and style of music that they produce to “give the people what they want to hear.” Flume, on the other hand, hasn’t allowed his fame or managers to control his style; rather, he remains true and original. In many interviews, he says his one goal is to “make weird stuff” in order to help the music world evolve, rather than be the guy who releases another one of the overplayed, overused radio singles.
3. Flume fans = Instant friends
He has fans from all over the world of all ages. I’ve seen Flume perform live 3 times now, and out of all the crowds I’ve ever seen, his are always the most peaceful, united, and energetic. I’ve never witnessed any fights breakout; rather, people in the crowd bond by sharing their favorite songs until he comes on stage. Every time I start talking to the people around me in the crowd, there are always a handful of fans who have traveled a long way just to see him perform.
In fact, my very first Flume concert, I lost my friends and decided to go to the front row alone, where I found two other girls who were also alone and devoted fans. We became instant friends and started dancing together. I didn’t know anything about them other than their names and their love for Flume, yet it seemed as if we’d been friends for years.
4. His concerts never disappoint.
Whether you’re stuck all the way in the back of the crowd or you're front and center, the energy level is the same throughout the entire crowd. People generally complain that watching a performer from the back is a “rip off” or “isn’t fair.” But from my experience, even the back of the crowd is amazing because Flume’s set and his graphics are the biggest part of his show. Every song has a moving, bold, bright graphic to fit the sound and the energy that he is aiming for. While some performers stand still on stage, Flume interacts with the crowd and his energy is contagious and invigorating.
5. Every song has a meaning behind it:
His latest album “Skin” has an explanation for every song. For example, he explains his song “Free” by telling fans on Instagram, “I was going a little crazy trying to write music in my studio at home in Sydney. I had writer's block for months, to the point where I thought I may never be able to write music again. So I bought a one-way ticket to Tasmania, found a log cabin in the woods, and isolated myself from the world for 10 days. This is the moment I broke free from my creative block.” He later named the song “Free,” which sounds like someone breaking through a tough time, because he was finally able to free himself of his writer's block and write the rest of the songs featured on the album. This also shows that he’s not ashamed to admit that he, too, has flaws and struggles at times. It proves that there was a lot of time, energy, and dedication that went into every single song on the album.
