Music has the ability to change lives—just ask Philly-born and Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Fluencee. Having grown up with a lifelong stutter, Fluencee turned to music as a way to express himself. He quickly caught the ears of writers and editors in the industry for his unique electronic twist on pop music.
His debut single, “Better”, reached #21 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 chart and has over sixteen million streams! When he’s not performing at A-list events like Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando and Sundance Film Festival, he’s lending his production prowess to help inspire others.
Pop Culturalist recently caught up with Fluencee to chat about his career and brand new single, “Skinny Dip”, the perfect summer anthem.
PC: Music has played an important role in your life. Tell us about that connection and how you discovered your passion for it.
Fluencee: I have a stutter, which I’ve had since I was a little kid. It’s something that seems harmless to other people, but it’s really a vicious thing to have. Being unable to speak like everyone else is truly brutal and I got bullied a lot as a kid; I had a hard time doing normal things like reading aloud in class, talking on the phone, and making friends. I was never really able to find an outlet for me to prove myself as more than just some bumbling, nervous, stuttering little kid. I tried playing sports, writing, art, lots of different things because I wanted people to see me as something else other than a kid with a speech impediment. It took me a while to realize I can do that by letting music speak for me.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Fluencee: My family. Their support has been unrelenting, and words can’t describe how much I appreciate it. I also have a really close-knit group of friends in L.A. who support me unconditionally, which I’m very lucky to have. I’m on a constant mission to impress the ones closest to me, so all the love from my friends and family makes me a better producer.
PC: Tell us about your new single, “Skinny Dip”. What inspired the track?
Fluencee: My birthday usually falls on the first day of summer, so I wanted to make a warm, sun-kissed beachside jam for people to rock out to. I produced some smooth saxophone patterns, breezy xylophone strikes, and a vocoded Daft Punk-inspired refrain that oozes tropical vibes.
PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed through the years?
Fluencee: It’s changed a lot through the years. At first, I was making predominantly bangers, but they had no substance. Now, I try to make deeper, more visceral music with sounds and lyrics that people can relate to.
PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Fluencee: It’s important not to get discouraged when you get rejected. Rejection is such a major part of the music industry and it happens so frequently that you can’t get down on yourself. Just because one person at one label didn’t understand your vision doesn’t mean someone else won’t.
PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Fluencee: I’m currently in the process of lining up some shows this fall. Besides that, I’m just waiting patiently for football season to start. Go Eagles!
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Fluencee: Impractical Jokers
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Fluencee: The Girl Next Door
PC: Favorite book?
Fluencee: The BFG
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Fluencee: Beauty and the Beast
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Fluencee: Manchester Orchestra
PC: First album you bought?
Fluencee: Creed’s Human Clay. Don’t judge me. [laughs]
PC: First concert you attended?
Fluencee: Foo Fighters
PC: An album that changed your life?
Fluencee: Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? There are so many classics packed into one record.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Fluencee: Red Rocks
To keep up with Fluencee, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Skinny Dip” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.
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