Flowidus return to UK's Elevate Records with new release ‘Shelter’

New Zealand and Australian Drum and Bass producers Flowidus return with their new single ‘Shelter,’ available October 30th on UK Label Elevate Records.

Inspired by soulful, jazz and rhythmic styles of music, Flowidus have remixed for artists such as DC Breaks which hit the Beatport Top 10 and have also gained extensive support from the likes of Friction, Pendulum and Andy C. In 2017, their first EP ‘Arrival’ saw them sign exclusively to ‘Elevate Records’ Following the success of that and their collaboration with New Zealand legend, Tiki Taane, the boys embarked on a tour supporting their label boss Friction, playing sell out shows across New Zealand and Australia in early 2019.

Their second EP “Footsteps” was released shortly after their tour which has seen regular support across BBC Radio 1, George FM and their track “Kids in The Club” entered in at 9th on the NZ Hot 20 Singles Charts. This marked a milestone for Flowidus as it was their first commercial radio charting.

After successful simultaneous shows in Europe and across New Zealand, it was time to finish off the remaining releases for the year, with their single ‘Said & Done’ featuring fellow Raglan local Reiki Ruawai holding the spot of #1 most requested track on George FM for 5 consecutive weeks.

Flowidus kicked off 2020 with a remix of Shapeshifter’s track ‘Break Me Down’ backed up by a collaboration with Trei on ‘Don’t’ Breathe In’ featuring Linguistics. They have also reunited with Dread MC for ‘Wrong Boy Chat’ on Elevates Quadrant EP.

Despite having to cancel their 2020 UK/EU tour due to COVID, Raphael and Garo have successfully sold out shows across the Tasman and Perth as well as a string of other shows throughout New Zealand.

“When people see us or hear our music, we want them to feel a part of it."- Flowidus

Having already dominated the Australian and New Zealand market over the past few months, this new release follows the recent success of ‘By your side’ with Friction and Raphaella- currently one of the biggest drum and bass tracks in the world.

‘Shelter’ has an atmospheric intro with melodic keys and the duo’s signature punching drums and main lead synth pays homage to traditional drum and bass.

Music Festivals Australia were given the opportunity to delve deeper into the journey of ‘Flowidus,’

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Festivals Australia and a massive congratulations on the success of Flowidus so far! Raphael you are based in Raglan, New Zealand and Garo from Perth, Australia. How did you first meet and how did Flowidus come to fruition?

We first met in Perth at a local Drum & Bass night. We were running by our solo names. I remember Garo complaining because I was billed above him and he had absolutely no idea who the hell I was (haha). We got yarning at the gig about tunes and followed it up the next day by sending some over and having a crack at finishing each others song. I think we signed the two tracks a couple of weeks later!

Can you explain the creative process behind your music? What limitations if any does distance place on the production of music?

We bounce tunes between each other now. We do miss jumping in the studio together. One because you can bounce ideas around a bit quicker, and two because sometimes it’s handy having someone work while the other makes the coffee. But on the flip side our output of music has probably increased since being apart. Maybe because it’s a bit easier to decide on a direction of a tune now.

The most recent single ‘By your side’ (with label Friction and Raphaella) is currently one of the biggest drum & bass tracks in the world. What has been your reaction to the success of this track?

It has absolutely blown us away seeing so many people react to the track. That paired with actually writing a song with Friction who’s one of the OG’s who got us into Dnb has been in the first place. It was definitely one of those “pinch yourself” moments when we finally got it out there and its even better we get to call him a good mate!

October 30th brings the release of the beautifully melodic bass track ‘Shelter,’ on UK label Elevate Records. Can you tell us the inspiration behind this latest single?

Although the track name’s ‘Shelter’, the song is actually about growing out of your Shelter. It’s a song about being free and comfortable with who you are. Its about being able to live without prejudice, oppression and fear and in a year where most of us have been lockdown in some way, mentally and/or physically, hopefully the song can give people a way to be free of their shelter, whichever form it may be in, for a brief moment.

It is rumoured of even more music from Flowidus before the end of 2020. What has your journey been like this year and what can we expect from these forth coming releases?

This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We were in UK doing shows in February and cancelling a full tour a month later set for April. We consider ourselves so lucky to be able to be back playing out at the moment when so many of our friends are still in some form of lock down. As New Zealand is far more active right now in terms of shows, Garo is spending his down time from gigs to conjure up new ideas. Apart from that, we do have some more in the pipeline coming soon so watch the flow space for sure!’

Flowidus is currently booked for shows and festivals across New Zealand in 2020 and 2021. Providing the safe return of live music, which festival in Australia would you like to bill? Why?

It’s crazy the support and billings we are getting currently in NZ and especially for the NYE run, it’s going to be so much fun! We are still quietly hopeful that a potential bubble opens up between Perth and NZ, this way Garo can join in on the fun. For the Australian side of things, it would definitely have to be Origin. It originated around the time we started getting into drum and bass and it’s a hometown legend for us. To be honest, we are not too sure about whats on over east but would love to get on any festival anywhere really! They are always a wavey time!

Can you tell us more about your solo projects? Can we expect any releases from these or any other side projects in the near future?

Oh no, our solo projects died a long time ago (haha). They were more just a stepping stone to where we are now if we were to be honest. We didn't plan it this way but it has worked out fantastically. We both really like working in a duo because once you’re sick of an idea, you can always handball it off and the other person can take it off on another cool direction. Its more dynamic we feel.

Article and Interview by Pieta Clarke

Images courtesy of Flowidus

Forthcoming Shows:

25/10/20: Spring Classic | Labour Weekend, Matakana, New Zealand

31/10/20: Mardi Gras Festival, Queenstown, New Zealand

6/11/20: ANODNB feat. Flowidus @ Studio the Venue, Auckland, New Zealand

7/11/20: Mardi Gras Festival, Ohakune, New Zealand

5/12/20: Inhibit presents Flowidus @ HBF Stadium, Perth, Australia

11/12/20: 100% DNB ft. Flowidus @ Malbas, Nelson, New Zealand

18/12/20: Flowidus @ The Factory, Hamilton, New Zealand

20/12/20: TBC 29/12/20: Northern Bass Festival, New Zealand

30/12/20: Rhythm & Vines, Gisborne, New Zealand

31/12/20: NYE20 The Other Side Festival, Joe’s Farm, New Zealand

31/12/20: TBC

2/2/21: Bay Dreams North Pre-Party, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

4/2/21: Bay Dreams South Pre-Party, Nelson, New Zealand

23/1/21: Soundsplash Festival, Raglan, New Zealand