FLO want an R&B rivalry: “It gets boring being the only girl group”
FLO have spoken to NME about the power of R&B – and joked that they hope to see more girl groups emerge so they can have a rivalry. Read the interview below, or check it out in full via the video above.
The trio spoke to NME at the 2025 edition of the BRIT Awards this weekend, where they were shortlisted for the award for R&B Act – alongside Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Michael Kiwanuka and RAYE.
Looking back on the comments they made to NME last summer – when they called for more R&B girl groups hit the mainstream – FLO said that they are still yet to see any new groups who could be competition for them.
“Well, it would be nice to see more R&B girl groups because we’re holding it down,” said Jorja Douglas. “Come through girl groups, we need a bit of rivalry in this life!
“It gets boring being the only girl group, and it’d be a bit more fun [with more of us]. Rivalry aside, we are about girl power so the more women, the merrier.”
Stella Quaresma explained why R&B grows stronger with “real music and real lyrics” and “melodies make you feel something”.
“It’s very real,” she said. “You can cry, dance and laugh to it.”
Looking to the future, FLO said that their plans for 2025 involved hitting the road on the victory lap for recently released debut album ‘Access All Areas’.
“There’s some new music, we’re going on tour, there are festivals,” Douglas said. “We’re just hoping to be out and about because last year we spent so much time sheltered and working on the album. Now that it’s out, it will be nice to actually get out there.”
‘Access All Areas’ was shared in November and given a four-star review from NME, which described it as a record that is set to “bring back the glory days”.
“On ‘Access All Areas’, FLO have it all down pat: the talent, charisma and star power are all on display. Riding on the wave of nostalgia has gotten the trio this far, and now it feels as if they’re within striking distance of a true breakthrough,” it read. “Even if ‘Access All Areas’ doesn’t overwhelmingly herald the return of R&B girl group dominance, the massive momentum FLO have built over the past two years hint that the dam is about to break.”
FLO are touring the UK throughout March, and were also recently announced to headline a show at London’s Somerset House Series. Visit here for tickets and more information.
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Liberty Dunworth
NME
