Interview & New Music: Flowstate
If you’re look for look for some new music in the new year, flowstate has it covered through all of 2019. Today flowstate released the frist track of the year, “That Shit Cray;” a smooth, downtempo track about breaking free of the past and finding your own path.
The Minneapolis based drop-hop duo consists of vocalist, Tommy Cloud and producer/vocalist, Andy Hobday. Relatively new to the Twin Cities music scene, flowstate has the talent, drive, and vision to quickly make an impact.
“If you can see it in your mind and you can feel it in your heart, it is possible. It might take a bit, but you can do it,” said Hobday.
The flowstate project unexpectedly began about two and a half years ago while Hobday was producing music in his dining room. In the spirit of mutual creativity and inspiration, he invited some people over to create with him through whatever medium they chose. One of those people was Cloud.
“The drawing I was working on wasn’t turning out how I wanted, so I started writing some lyrics instead,” said Cloud. “Andy read them and said, ‘Say this s**t in the microphone right now,’ and I did. He loved it and it went from there.”
“The reason I have so much faith in this project is because from the first moment, it’s been so organic. It just sort of happened,” Hobday added.
Hobday had been producing for a few years at that point, but from then on, he had a collaborator with which to hone his craft. The duo has been in pursuit of their dream ever since.
After two years of training deep in the mountains, flowstate dropped its first track on March 25 of last year. On September 27, they played their first show at the What’s Up Lounge in Mankato, MN.
“Our first show was a huge wake up call for us. We were hilariously unprepared for a live show,” said Cloud. “We’d thought about what a live show would look like, but getting up there and actually doing it is a completely different experience.”
“It’s coming along quickly though. We live for this, so when we get the chance to do it live for a group of people, all of this energy comes out of us. It feels very natural,” Hobday added.
Just two months and less than five shows later, their performance at Jam for Youth proved just how quickly they’re coming along. The crowd’s energy made it appear as if they’ve had a following for years. The mission they’re on and the dedication they possess will ensure they have an ever-growing following for years to come.
“The first part of our mission is to catalyze and nurture a modern renaissance. We want to inspire people to create and to physically manifest what they feel inside,” said Cloud. “We think it would help push society in a better direction.”
“The other half of it is to lead a revolution of love through music. One of the most influential forces in my life has been the live music experience. There’s nothing like a group of people coming together and sharing that energy,” Hobday added. “Because of that, I think the best way for me to give back is through making music.”
Photo provided by flowstate.
Cloud added one final thought, “When we’re dead and gone, we want that to be the legacy.”
Check out flowstate’s new song along with the rest of their tunes. And keep an eye out for live performances around the Midwest. They’ve got something special planned for Minneapolis on Feb 28.
Photos by Philip Grazulis
Photos from flowstate and Goop City‘s show at Honey on January 26.
