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  Lumes Flowne Interview
interview 0561 added 08.07.08 words:
Nina Carmela
technical:
Spoon
Lumes Flowne has been flirting with music for over a decade, and whilst perfecting his craft in production and artistry he’s gained a clear insight to the industry as a businessman. This compelling venture has consisted of developing his abilities with UK collective ‘FAUNA’ then later representing himself as a solo artist, Lumes weighed up his ambitions with education in Law as well as music. After completing his degree music became a prime focus, and with his dedication to fulfil his ambitions Lumes Flowne had already raised a compelling portfolio before any official release.
Musical efforts were not long noticed by promoters across the UK and Europe which include supporting the likes of Ginuwine and Donnel Jones on stage, and collaborations with Sway and Mikey T. ‘Tidy’ is the first solo effort taken from ‘The Portfolio’ album, followed by forthcoming single ‘My Girl’ which were currently showcased at the Lumes Flowne official album launch party.
Having now committed to music, Lumes Flowne has a keen interest in experimenting with different sounds, styles and lyrical content. And with the launch of his own company On My Jacks Entertainment, what better way is there to represent your music abilities through your own aspiring empire?!
When did you gain an interest in music and who motivated your movements?
I played instruments when I was real young but I wasn’t that into music, I loved sports. But when I was 15 I was introduced to making music through sampling and programming by my music teacher Mr Crabb (I know its funny). Since then, I made a deal with my parents that I’d stick school out if I could always have music as one of my subjects. Hence I also got to study music production and engineering as one of my A-Levels.
You were a member of UK collective FAUNA, who did this consist of and how were you pursuing musical interests?
 FAUNA was (and IS), a 5 man collective consisting of 2 producers, “Drif” n “Awekid” who are both better known now as “THE THUNDERCLAPS”; and 3 rappers Jonny Virgo, Mikey T and myself. We just loved making songs, it wasn’t tactical or with marketing in mind or whatever, we just loved trying to make good songs. I used to get on the train from Paddington, (paying/bunking), to get to Reading where most of the other guys were based. We’d cipher and vibe and always record and one day Awekid and a close friend set up EJECTORSEAT RECORDS and we released an A+ B side singles “EXTRA EXTRA” and “YOU MIGHT SEE ME”. We did a lot of shows and I gained more and more live experience and grew as an artist overall.
You put music on hold to complete your university degree, when you went back to the group had your perspectives in music differed whether it was positive or negative?
Well my passion never diminished, but my mindset had changed in that I was a bit more business “conscious” (as opposed to business minded as I am now). A lot of people would say in this modern era that might be a negative thing, but for me, I think I’ve incorporated that side of the music quite well; i.e., the business aspect doesn’t dominate or determine my music, but it is something I keep in mind.
What made you go the solo route and how has this advanced your ventures?
Fauna sort of drifted apart although we all remain quite close and stay in touch and I still get instrumentals from THE THUNDERCLAPS and talk with Mikey and Jonny quite regularly. So you could say the solo route was inevitable really. It focused me in on putting a whole project together right down to getting photos and artwork done, and buying CDs n sleeves to press up. In that respect, the solo thing has really made me have to knuckle down and graft, not just in the studio, (as I used to do with Fauna), but any and everywhere I had to go or be to get my music heard.
You’re currently promoting ‘My Girl’ which is the follow up to your debut solo single ‘ Tidy’, what’s the feedback been like from both fans and industry professionals?
 Real real real good! Sorry bout being OTT but it’s just real talk! It’s a real radio friendly song and from the moment my younger brother first played me the beat, (shouts to T. Johnson on the beat by the way), I loved it. It had a real soul feel to it and I just love old skool soul so I was instantly sold. On top of it, we got a funky house version of it starting to gain momentum on the club scene so it looks to be moving from strength to strength which makes me very excited. Don’t forget the video, soon to be aired on MTV BASE and Channel U, although you can get a sneak peak online exclusively @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbQ5T5gyFpU
You held an album launch party for your debut album ‘Portfolio’, what has been the outcome?
A lot more awareness about the album which I been noticing with the extra traffic I been getting on the website and MySpace pages. Internet DJ’s have been feeling the songs and showing a lot of support (HHB Radio, Pyrotechnic Radio); with the mainstream radio DJs soon to follow suit.
We got a few shows lined up for the next few months so make sure you check the website for all the details. It’s going to be an interesting summer!
What should we be expecting from the album?
A healthy diet of quality, substantive music. It’s that simple really; I wouldn’t say it’s a “heavy” album (in terms of intensity), but its got something for everyone without spreading itself thin. The common theme throughout the album is introducing myself and showing my different sides, (and moods). One thing I will say is that the production throughout the album is of the highest quality and that’s what I believe also stands me out from the crowd. On that note, I’ve got to give a big mention to DVD (Eppidemix Productions), MR FASH (Mr Fash Music), T. JOHNSON, and myself.
 You also have your own independent record label OMJ, what are your intentions for the label?
On. My. Jacks. Ent. is just that, an “entertainment” company, it’s a brand and under that umbrella/guise it can manifest itself in a multitude of ways.
For now, we have OMJ the label as well as the first few pieces for the OMJ Clothing line, (see pics @ myspace.com/lumesflowne). It’s an organised movement with branches that work in a structured way. I’ll leave it at that for now.
Being a producer and artist how do you compromise your own abilities with anyone you work with?
 I believe the key skills required to be a (good) producer, centre around the ability to put the “song” before everything and everyone else. You have to have a vision and be brave enough to know who is right for a song and who isn’t, (including myself). So if I have to sacrifice my vocals being on a track that I love because in order to get the best end product, it might be without my vocals. That’s just an example of how I think when I’m in “producer” mode.
But I tend to know what I want from an artist and just try and get the best out of them.
What comes first, the beat or lyrics?
For me, the beat writes the lyrics for me.
You’re very versatile within your production and lyrical content, where do your aspirations come from when you’re writing or producing a song?
Well I think my unique selling point, (sorry to sound all “markety”), is the fact that I’m an educated young black man trying to make something of myself out here. It seems everyone else has either “made it” (or at least that’s what they want you to believe), or they’re in the depths of hell and every aspect of life is dark because they’re so “road”. Each to their own because everyone can’t be in the same lane but I have never tried to be anything I’m not and being honest with my audience, (and myself), leads me to where I end up when I’VE WRITTEN A SONG. That doesn’t mean I can’t tell another person’s tale in my songs because I have done in the past and always do, but the key thing is I write it in a way that lets the listener know that I’m merely a narrator and not trying to claim someone else’s story or life as my own.
How have you seen yourself develop as an artist, producer and businessman from when you first started out?
I’ve learnt to motivate others in my team and being able to delegate efficiently is another skill I’ve learned. Jus because the movement’s called On My Jacks doesn’t mean one should try and do everything alone. It’s particularly the business side of the game I think I’ve matured and learned a lot. I’m much more aware of developing relationships and networking within the industry, (which is not something I’ve really ever been interested in). I’m always trying to learn and grow as an artist and producer, but on that side of things I believe I’m at a very high standard as that is what I have been focused on most of my (musical) life. But I believe, as ever artist/professional should, and that is there is ALWAYS room for improvement.
The UK market is very competitive and considering how small it is how do you see your projects standing out above the rest and creating a career of longevity?
The UK is not my only target market with the album. I believe the Portfolio has a universal appeal and that stems from the cultural inputs from everyone that participated on the album, from producers to background singers. Plus, my exposure to all sorts of musical styles and tastes has given me a quite rounded outlook to my album, music, and life as a whole.
You’re no stranger to live events and have had the opportunity to share the stage with many great artists, what’s been your most memorable performance to date?
It has to be a call between when I opened at the HAMMERSMITH APOLLO for Donell Jones and Ginuwine; and performing at the ZARAGOZA Hip Hop Festival in Spain alongside THE BEATNUTS and M.O.P. I think it’s got to be the Zaragoza show because that was special. I won a rap event at the world famous Deal Real, ( that involved artists like Oriphis Vulgatron of FOREIGN BEGGARS), and the prize was to represent the UK in a similar event in Spain, as well as promotional opportunities and live performance at the festival.
It was a big big look. (Shouts to Webbafied and the whole EOW movement)
Who’s been the most inspiring artist or producer you’ve worked with and why?
 Every artist and producer I’ve worked with has inspired me in different ways but to date, I would have to say the artist that has inspired me the most is SWAY, simply because from when I first met him back when he was part of the collective ONE, I’ve always understood his genius and to see him succeed has only given me more fuel to achieve the same level of success.
The producer that has inspired me the most is a tie; between DJ SHUX (producer of Sway’s LIL DEREK), who is a good friend of mine, and THE THUNDERCLAPS (Drif n Awekid), as the biggest hit I have released to date was produced by them, THE MIRACLE.
What’s set for the rest of 2008 and what are your goals for the next 2 years?
 The launch party was such a success that the label has decided to take it on tour at the end of July; so look out for a Lumes Flowne Album Launch Party coming to YOUR town soon. Other than that, it’s going to be more of the same, a lot of good music, starting with an electro house single we’ll be releasing called “Strobe Light Delight” which is going to be a monster smash. The sound is along the lines of “Rolex”, but please believe me when I say, we made this song before the release of that tune so don’t think I’m just jumping on bandwagons because I just don’t know HOW to do that. We also have the full clothing line coming later in the year, as well as regular OMJ showcases all over London, (and soon further afield). Keep an eye on me because I’ll be out of sight very very soon.
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Nina Carmela
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