'Clay' is the third full length album by contemporary singer-songwriter Flo Perlin. A Londoner with Iraqi and Belarusian heritage, Flo Perlin began learning the cello at the age of five, later falling in love with the guitar when her Colombian teacher Cesar Rodriguez-Duran (the same person who taught Michael Kiwanuka) introduced her to the world of Bossa Nova, which influenced her own finger picking style.
Combining this experience with a diverse range of influences from artists such as Zero 7, Laura Marling, Buena Vista Social Club, Suzanne Vega and Erykah Badu, enabled Flo to develop an accomplished talent, further enhanced by a unique vocal style and ability that is instantly recognisable - a rare gift in today's musical landscape.
In addition to the soothing and hypnotic nature of her voice, Flo Perlin is able to create beautifully crafted, melodic and poetic songs that address common yet complex issues, intertwined with profound and personal perspectives. In light of this, BBC 6 Music have described her as "a true storyteller". 'Clay' itself is a metaphor for the human capacity to adapt and adjust to different experiences and challenges. Just like clay, we mould and change shapes.
Flo's previous work has already gained her an international audience, with her single 'Baghdad' achieving over 4.4 million streams on Spotify, as well as air time across a whole range of leading radio stations, including a much discussed live performance and interview on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, not to mention a string of high profile gigs and festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival, Wilderness, Celtic Connections and Americana Festival, plus shows at The Green Note, Omeara, and EARTH Hackney.
Press:
"A complex and compelling delight from first to last, and a personal favourite release of the year so far." - 10/10 Americana UK
"Clay is a sensational release - packed with so much charm and personality." - ***** UK Vibe
"The 10 self-penned songs straddle Joni Mitchell territory; seamlessly dipping into jazz, folk and soul genres with an addictive and soothing quality." - **** Music Republic Magazine
"Clay exists in a musical dimension where soul, R&B, pop, jazz and Latin elements mix, mingle and merge into a soothing backdrop for Perlin's mesmerizing, vibrato-rich pipes. In addition to the soothing nature of her voice, she is able to create beautifully crafted, melodic and poetic songs that address common yet complex issues, intertwined with profound and personal perspectives." - Tinnitist
"What strikes you about Flo Perlin's Clay is how deftly she synthesizes her multifaceted heritage into a singular, sonically striking work that will resonate with listeners far and wide." - Fame Magazine
"Occupying the jazzier and soulful side of folk, Perlin weaves an intoxicating and often sensual spell, this feat of Clay is quite remarkable." - Folking
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