A Journey Through Music and Memories
Florence Summerville recently had the pleasure of being interviewed on BBC Radio Kent, where she shared her musical journey, influences, and future plans with listeners. The interview was a blend of live performances, insightful conversations, and a touch of humour, offering fans a closer look at the singer-songwriter’s life and career.
Florence kicked off the interview with a stunning cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” showcasing the soulful voice that has become her signature. This performance set the tone for an engaging and heartfelt discussion about her early beginnings in music.
Florence revealed that she first picked up a guitar at the tender age of eight and began performing publicly by the time she was thirteen. Recalling those early performances in pubs and clubs, she shared how she was incredibly shy back then. However, she discovered that nerves and excitement are two sides of the same coin, and it’s all about perspective. With time and experience, performing became second nature to her, and music helped her come out of her shell.
Following this, Florence treated the audience to a live rendition of her original song “Fearless,” which she co-wrote with a Nashville songwriter earlier this year. She reflected on her time in Nashville, describing it as an unforgettable two weeks filled with performances, co-writing sessions, and meeting incredible people. Although she managed to visit The Opry, she missed out on The Bluebird Cafe but is optimistic about ticking it off her list on her next trip to the city.
When asked about her musical influences, Florence named Carrie Underwood and Ashley McBryde as her biggest inspirations. She admires both artists for their distinct styles and finds inspiration in their work.
The conversation then shifted to her EP, On My Way, which was released digitally last year. The EP features three songs, all of which were recorded in just three days—a testament to Florence’s dedication and talent. She mentioned that while she often writes about her friends’ experiences, the title track “On My Way” is the first song where she truly wrote about herself.
During the interview, Stephen, the host, complimented Florence on the maturity of her voice, noting how soulful and established it sounds, especially for a 20-year-old. Florence shared an amusing anecdote from when she was 16, where a man at one of her gigs couldn’t believe her age, guessing she was 30. The story, filled with laughter, highlighted just how distinctive and powerful her voice has been from a young age.
Stephen also praised Florence for her vocal versatility, commenting on her ability to hit both the big, powerful notes and the softer, more delicate ones.
The interview wrapped up with a fun quick-fire round where Florence revealed a few of her personal preferences: she prefers supermarket shopping to delivery, loves savoury snacks (especially when paired with something sweet), and her favourite pizza topping is pepperoni. When it comes to guilty pleasure songs, she firmly believes that no one should feel guilty about something that brings them joy. Florence also shared that “Dirty Dancing” is her favourite film, she’s a fan of cold coffee and morning tea, and she prefers “Family Guy” over “The Simpsons” because she wasn’t allowed to watch the latter as a child. Her favourite song to play from her own collection is “Love Me Then.”
As a special treat, Florence performed “Love Me Then,” a song she had never performed live before. It’s slowly becoming one of her favourites, despite being quite different from her other work.
Florence ended the interview with a mention of her upcoming first London gig in Camden, leaving fans excited about what’s next for this talented young artist. The BBC Radio Kent interview offered a delightful glimpse into Florence Summerville’s world—a world where music, memories, and passion come together in perfect harmony.
Listen to the full interview here- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0jlykkm