Flume

We’re diving into the thrilling journey of Flume, the Australian music prodigy who’s reshaping the world of electronic music. His story is not just about beats and rhythms, it’s about a relentless pursuit of innovation and the courage to break boundaries.

From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise, Flume’s biography is a testament to his talent, determination, and vision. Join us as we explore the life of this groundbreaking artist, tracing his steps from obscurity to global stardom. It’s a tale that’s as captivating and complex as the music he creates.

Early Life & Background

Flume, born as Harley Edward Streten on November 5, 1991, originates from Sydney, Australia. He discovered his aptitude for music at a tender age of 11, experimenting with a simple music-making program found in a cereal box. By 13, his fascination with synthetic music production had blossomed, thanks to a copy of a music production program he received as a gift. His passion for electronic beats and loop-based composition continued to grow, despite traditional music never resonating with him. An interesting bit: this future star used to create music under the pseudonym HEDS during his initial years.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

As Streten’s experimental phase flourished, the pseudonym HEDS took a backseat. The world met Flume, a fresh face in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene. His self-titled debut album, released in 2012, served as his breakthrough project. It climbed the Australian music charts, reaching the number one spot and going double platinum. Tracks like “Sleepless”, “Holdin On”, and “On Top”, showcased his distinct synthesis of electronic sounds, catapulting Flume into the global spotlight. Janeiro’s record label Future Classic recognized his potential, not only signing him but also releasing his debut work. This landing point becomes Flume’s launch pad, firing him up towards a trailblazing journey in the pulsating world of EDM.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Flume’s sound revolutionized the international Electronic Dance Music (EDM) landscape. His musical prowess remains unparalleled, creating a distinct beat that echoes his signature. Herein, we delve into the specifics of Flume’s unmistakable EDM style.

What Type of EDM is Flume?

Flume transforms the conventional EDM blueprint into an art form that is essentially his own. Defying specific categorization, his sound sails fluidly between genres, anchoring within the Future Bass realm. A genre marked by manipulated vocals, powerful bass, and spacious beats, Future Bass reverberates with Flume’s unique stylistic beats. Furthermore, he dips his musical toes into other sub-genres like IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), Trap, Glitch Hop, and Synth Pop, cementing his versatility.

Distinguished by his innovative approach, Flume amalgamates slices of pop music, hip hop, and soul into his EDM compositions, setting him apart from contemporary EDM producers. Examples of songs that characterize his cross-genre fusion include “Hyperreal,” featuring Kučka’s ethereal vocals, and “Say It,” a smooth blend of Tove Lo’s pop sensibilities and Flume’s riveting electronic beats.

Flume challenges the orthodoxy of EDM structure, often skipping a formulaic drop and instead leading listeners through an intricate labyrinth of sound layers. It’s more about the journey, less about the destination in Flume’s musical realm. The opening track of his second studio album, “Skin,” titled “Helix,” epitomizes this bold approach. The song’s suspenseful build-up and unexpected rhythmic shifts exemplify this new-age EDM journey that Flume ingeniously crafts.

Flume’s uniqueness does not stop merely at his genre-bending abilities. The Australian producer’s nuances in production techniques go a long way in shaping his signature sound. Sampling everyday sounds — a signature move in his audio arsenal — offers another dimension to his tracks. For instance, the song “Wall Fuck” from the album “Skin” famously incorporates the sound of Flume banging on a wall. This unconventional resourcefulness remains etched in the soundscapes of Flume, making them instantly recognizable.

Similar Artists to Flume

In examining artists who share similarities with Flume, four stand out: ODESZA, Mura Masa, Disclosure, and Jamie xx. ODESZA, recognized for tracks like “A Moment Apart,” mirrors Flume’s genre-defying approach, blending Indie and Electronic. Mura Masa, on the other hand, plays with textured soundscapes reminiscent of Flume’s work in songs like “Love$ick.” Disclosure, famous for “Latch,” intersects with Flume’s marriage of Electronic and Pop elements. Finally, Jamie xx, known for “Gosh,” offers layered compositions, a technique characteristic of Flume’s production style. These artists, while distinct, echo elements of Flume’s original sound design.

Discography

Transitioning from portraying Flume’s unique stance in the EDM scene, let’s delve into specific albums and prominent tracks. Starting with his eponymous debut album, “Flume” in 2012, featuring well-known songs such as “Sleepless” and “Holdin On,” he marked his entry into the global electronic music lexicon. In his subsequent work, “Skin” in 2016, Flume infused diverse genres, crafting tracks like “Hyperreal.” This blend of Pop, Hip Hop, and Soul diverged from typical EDM, demonstrating his skill with intricate sound design rather than conventional drops. Future works, including the “Hi This Is Flume” mixtape in 2019, further exemplified his evolving, boundary-pushing style.

Tours & Live Performances

Flume commences his transformative live shows after major success from his debut album in 2012. Counting numerous headline tours globally, appearances at coveted music festivals underline his career. High-profile instances include Coachella in 2016, a testament to his booming popularity, and Lollapalooza in 2014, indicating his rapid ascent in the EDM sphere. Additionally, touring sessions for “Skin” in 2016, received massive response, displaying his ability to fuse live elements with his signature sound. For “Hi This Is Flume” in 2019, he crafted a stunning visual experience with artist Jonathan Zawada, complementing his sonic experimentation.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Harley Edward Streten, aka Flume, maintains a vibrant, adventurous persona off-stage. Born on November 5, 1991, in Sydney, Australia, the EDM pioneer cherishes anonymity, in contrast to his music’s grand scope. Though internationally recognized, he keeps his private life away from the paparazzi’s lens. As per diverse interviews, Flume values his downtime, often indulging in adventure sports or spending time in nature. A surfing enthusiast, he even participated in the Red Bull Cape Fear surfing event in 2019. The importance of a balanced lifestyle for creative freshness is a strong belief he practices, a perspective shaping his musical endeavors. With a passion for exploring new cultures, he travels extensively, gaining inspiration for his music. Building visuals for his mixtape with Jonathan Zawada carries evidence of this, showcasing stunning imagery from his travels. Flume’s off-stage fascination with visual arts and daring sports underpins his music’s eclectic and courageous spirit.

Follow Flume

Here are the official social media accounts for the artist Flume:

• Instagram: @flume
• Twitter: @flumemusic
• Facebook: Flume
• YouTube: Flume

You can also visit his official website at flume.la for more information and links to his other social media profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What propelled Flume to global recognition in the EDM scene?

Flume gained worldwide recognition following the release of his debut album in 2012. The album, featuring notable tracks like “Sleepless” and “Holdin On”, landed him a record deal with Future Classic.

2. How has Flume challenged traditional EDM norms?

Flume is known for his genre-defying style that blends Future Bass with elements of IDM, Trap, Glitch Hop, and Synth Pop. His 2016 album “Skin” further establishes this, as he incorporated genres like Pop, Hip Hop, and Soul in tracks such as “Hyperreal.”

3. Can you mention similar artists to Flume?

Artists like ODESZA, Mura Masa, Disclosure, and Jamie xx are mentioned as having a genre-blending and layered production style similar to Flume.

4. How has Flume’s live shows contributed to his career?

Flume’s transformative live shows have been a significant factor in his career. His headline tours globally and appearances at prestigious music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza are pivotal showcases of his unique sound.

5. What is known about Flume’s personal life?

Born Harley Edward Streten, Flume is known to value privacy and leads a balanced lifestyle off-stage. Being a fan of adventure sports and spending time in nature, he draws inspiration from exploring new cultures during his travels.