Photo Credit: Florian Moshammer (@florianmoshammer)
By Alissa Arunarsirakul // July 28, 2021
Florence Arman has never been quite like others her age; this Austria-based newcomer has a way with words and music that transcends anything else we’ve heard before. With a charisma that can’t be faked, Arman has managed to win over the hearts of millions around the world… and you’re next. Finally ready to make her mark in the indie pop scene, Arman has unveiled her impressive debut EP, Out of the Blue.
On Out of the Blue, Florence Arman reflected,
“My debut EP ‘Out of the Blue’ is a collection of songs I wrote to accompany and help me through various situations over the last few years. So much happens all the time and we don’t always have time to deal with these things. In these last years I moved countries, lost friends, made friends, and rearranged my life so many times. This was my way of taking some time to reflect every now and again and to soothe whichever wounds needed tending to. Basically like therapy, but a bit cheaper and you have to put it on TikTok.”
To celebrate the release of her new music, we recently chatted with Florence Arman about working with friends, ice cream shops, and of course, Out of the Blue.
HH: You already know how much we adore you and your music, so we’re not surprised that we’ve been obsessed with Out of the Blue. How do you feel now that your debut EP has been out for almost a month?!
FA: Ahhh thank you so much, I’m flattered to bits! I actually feel quite relieved in a way. It was just a huge project and I am so glad it’s out. Feels like checking off a massive year long to-do and I’m really excited to get onto new songs.
HH: Whether it’s the incredible melodies in “In a Heartbeat” or the swirling guitars in “Naked,” Out of the Blue is absolutely packed with sonic gems. Can you walk us through the creative process of this EP?
FA: Well, usually I write the songs alone (except for ‘All Night’, which I wrote with Rosi Golan and Rich Jacques), and then produce them together with, in this case, my brother Sebastian, filous, or my friend David. I really enjoyed working on every aspect of this project, but I must say the producers I worked with on this are absolute geniuses. I also have some crazy talented friends who helped me to do all the artworks and videos… they are true legends.
HH: In our opinion, “Black & White” is a totally underrated piano ballad. What does this track mean to you?
FA: Thank you. So glad you like it!! This is one of the few songs that came out quite quickly. I used to have a friend who was a producer and we worked together for a bit, and for some reason it was a bit of a complicated relationship, and so I wrote this song one day after we were at the studio together.
HH: We understand that every track on Out of the Blue was a joint effort with your friends. How important was it for you to have your closest friends be a part of the process?
FA: Ugh, I can’t tell you how much it means to be working with my closest friends and family! I’ve never experienced so much creative freedom and fulfilment and I am pretty sure it’s because of them and how safe they make this environment.
HH: Rumor has it you’ll be playing your first headline show in Vienna next year. How excited are you for that? Will you be performing Out of the Blue in its entirety?
FA: I knoooow it’s so exciting!! I still can’t quite believe it’s going to happen! Yep, I will definitely play the whole EP and maybe some new secret stuff.
HH: If you weren’t making music, what could you see yourself pursuing instead?
FA: I could see myself doing a lot of things. I used to work at a pre-school and really enjoyed it, would go back in a heartbeat! Could also see myself working at an ice-cream store, I love ice cream. I’ve also always wanted to try acting, so all in all I think I won’t be bored when I retire.
HH: If you could turn back time and write any hit song, which would it be?
FA: Probably “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel. What a legend.
HH: What are your hidden hits?
FA: adaolisa – “could be sweet” (or literally anything else by her)
OSKA – “Lousy T-Shirt” (also all her songs)
Opia – “Strings Attached”
The Hidden Hits 