Macedonian-born, Philadelphia-based, R&B/ funketeer, FL!P has grown an online following during quarantine. Over on Twitch, he’s been performing live stream concerts combining his two loves… music and video games.
On FL!P’s latest single, “Oh, And I Like You,” he explores vibey, disco-funk influences like “RAM” by Daft Punk, Chic’s “Good times”, Tuxedo’s “Tuxedo” and more. He checks in for a Dispatch From Around the World interview:
How has your 2021 been so far?
2021 has been kind to me so far. I’ve been able to continue performing, playing, creating and with the way the world is right now I realize that not a lot of people can say that, so I feel really blessed in that regard. I like to think of 2021 as one of those rare occurrences when the sequel is better than the original (fingers crossed).
How have you been keeping busy during quarantine?
Most of my time is spent on improving and building up my Twitch channel twitch.tv/flipofficial. Spending time with my instruments and writing songs is kind of a given at this point, but definitely the best part of my day is when I go live and all of my friends and followers (also known as the “Hoomin Fam”) get together and hang out in chat while I play for them.
What was an album that was on non-stop repeat in 2020?
I was listening to a lot of music in 2020, but I have to say that two albums were always in my recently played section on Spotify. “Metropole part II” by Anomalie is one of them.A lot of music in this one. No singing but you understand everything that he’s trying to say. Talented musician/pianist/keyboardist, but more importantly he’s really relaxed about the entire thing, doesn’t take everything too serious. That’s what makes a great musician and a person.“Neon Impasse” By City Girl (funny enough I’m listening to this one as I’m writing this). Another album that you can’t get tired of. It’s one of the early adopters of the lo-fi style that did it right and every time you turn it on you are just happy that you get to be in the same bubble of emotions as this album. This girl did it all in her small studio apartment with her laptop, some headphones, a midi keyboard and her guitar, what more do you need? My wife introduced me to this one in 2019 and it’s been on my personal playlist ever since.
Which Philly Bands should we be listening to?
Philly bands and creators that I listen to and you should too are:
Rubber – Fantastic duo that I wish to work with some day. Their style is just amazing and to the point.
Trap Rabbit – Another drum & keys crazy duo that is incredibly talented.
Archpalatine – I want this man’s voice. I wish I was born with that voice.Taylor Kelly – Just listen to her and you’ll know what I mean.
To all of the people on this list, I respect and love what you do.
Which non-Philly bands should we listen to?
I really love Joplaysviolin’s band called “My Fable”. They have a really unique character and style, I just love em. Ortopilot is a friend and a person I look up to. You can’t help but smile when listening to his songs. So much talent packed into a single human being, it’s just crazy. JordinLaine is another one of those that I admire. Her voice and music are so nice to listen to.I have a lot more and I’m sorry for all my musician friends out there that I can’t name all of you, but if I did we’d be here a while.
What Philadelphia-local venues should we be supporting?
The answer is in the pudding. Support the ones that are near you. If you live in Manayunk support the places that are there like The Grape Room. If you live close to World Cafe Live, support and show your love there and always remember to tip your waitresses and bartenders. That’s what you should be doing at least.
What Philadelphia local restaurant should we be supporting?
Right out of the gate, you should check out “Tratoria Momma”. Such a cozy little Italian place and the people that run it are a family on top of that. It is in Chestnut Hill and it was on the verge of closing down back in June of 2020. Thankfully the community got together and donated to the restaurant to the point where it could stay open.
When quarantine is over, who do you want to perform with live?
Rubber and Trap Rabbit are up there, but I’d like to dive deeper in the rap scene and work with some hip-hop artists.
What is the best thing you have binged?
I don’t know if binging movies is a thing. But I’ve watched a lot of mafia movies. Mean Streets, Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman, The Departed, Once Upon a Time In America. As far as shows, I recently re-watched Naruto and right now I’m binging Star Trek.
What is the first public place you want to go to after quarantine?
I am going to South Philly and going to all of the bars and restaurants. Just all of them. I am gonna start from South 12th street and go to all the places till I reach the Delaware River.
Where should we be donating our dollars to help out our fellow Philadelphians?
The first answer that comes to my mind is “everywhere you can!”, but some of the organizations that I believe are doing work that is extremely important and needed in this day and age would be PHL COVID-19 Fund, obviously, ACHIEVEAbility and the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, as well as the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and FringeArts, who are taking care of my fellow artists and performers during this difficult time. And finally, I can’t not mention the many animal rescues and shelters, like ACCT, PSPCA and PAWS – if you can’t adopt a furball, they always need financial help for medical procedures and taking care of the many animals who desperately need it.
Find FL!P Online HERE:
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