SONOS CLUB : FLORA THA EXPLORA

Flora Tha Explora is an up-and-coming house DJ from London, known for her sexy grooves and electrifying energy. Her distinctive sound is quickly earning her recognition as a rising star in the house music scene. Alongside DJing, she is also diving into music production, making her a name to watch.

INTERVIEW

What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: My dad played a huge role in shaping my love for music from an early age. As a producer and sound engineer, music was a constant in our household. I grew up attending festivals and concerts and spending time in studio environments, which became second nature to me. His incredibly diverse music taste exposed me to a wide range of sounds and genres, which I eagerly absorbed. This exposure has profoundly influenced my own music taste today. Having such a broad foundation of musical knowledge allows me to blend different styles and sounds seamlessly into my DJ sets and productions, giving them a unique and eclectic edge.

How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Being half Scottish and half Jamaican, I draw influence from a wide range of genres and artists, shaped by my diverse background and experiences. While my sound doesn’t directly mirror reggae, dancehall, or folk music, I capture the energy of those genres—the rhythm, the soul, and the emotion they convey. It's this dynamic energy that fuels my music, blending seamlessly with the electronic and house scenes I’ve immersed myself in London. These influences inspire me to experiment, creating music that’s fresh, unique, and deeply personal.

Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Coming from a creative household where my entire family was immersed in various forms of creativity, I was exposed to a wide range of music genres growing up. This diverse musical environment has greatly influenced my craft. House music, in particular, is a beautiful genre because it often incorporates samples from so many different styles of music. This approach has been a major influence on me when crafting my own mixes and productions. I love blending genres by using samples from unexpected sources—whether it’s a Rick James acapella or an old reggae track—creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This ability to merge sounds is something I draw directly from my eclectic musical upbringing.

When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: When crafting a DJ set, my goal is always to tell a story—each one unique, ensuring my audience never knows quite what to expect. This approach aligns with my artist name, Flora Tha Explora, as it reflects my passion for exploring diverse sounds and weaving them together to create something truly magical.

As for the vibe, I want my sets to make people feel confident and sexy, to get them dancing and leave their worries behind. If I can create an atmosphere where my audience is fully immersed and living in the moment, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.

When building a set, I believe it’s crucial to open with something captivating—whether that’s an acapella that tells a story (ideally about house music/Night life) or an unexpected twist that surprises the audience and demands their attention. It’s about setting the tone and letting them know I’ve arrived, ready to take them on an unforgettable journey.

What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Discovering and selecting new music can sometimes be a challenge, especially because I’m often tempted to incorporate whatever I’m currently obsessed with into my sets—even if it doesn’t match the vibe I’m aiming for. To stay focused, I’ve developed a process that helps me stay organised and intentional.

When listening to new music, I carefully categorise tracks into playlists based on their vibe—whether it’s vocal-heavy, groovy, minimal, or something else. This way, I always have a well-curated library to pull from when crafting a set.

As for discovering fresh sounds, I draw a lot of inspiration from attending live events and listening to other DJs, soaking in the energy and taking note of what they’re playing. TikTok is another great source for uncovering unique tracks. From there, I often go off on a tangent, diving deeper into related artists, remixes, and genres, which leads me to uncover even more exciting music to incorporate into my sets.

I also rely on the “suggested songs” feature on streaming platforms, which helps me uncover hidden gems based on what I already love. These methods ensure I’m always expanding my collection while staying true to the vibe I want to create.

I like to dedicate at least a full day to collecting new music for my USB. Some weeks, I discover loads of hidden gems, while other times, I might only come across a handful—but even then, those few tracks can be absolute game-changers. It’s all part of the process, and finding that one amazing track makes it completely worth it.

Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: My Flora the Explora mix holds a very special place in my heart. It marked the moment I chose my artist name, which I absolutely adore, and it was the first time I truly began to craft my signature sound—groovy, bass-driven, and full of energy.

What made this mix even more meaningful was that I allowed myself to fully embrace my creativity. As a perfectionist, I can get caught up in the pursuit of the “perfect” mix, but with this one, I let go of overthinking and focused on expressing myself through the music. It became a turning point for me, both artistically and personally. It was also the moment that I decided that this is what I wanted to do full time.

How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Visibility is absolutely essential for me as an artist aiming to pursue DJing as a full-time career. We live in a world where social media plays a huge role in shaping careers, with trends and online presence often determining success. While DJing and creating music will always be a passion of mine, regardless of career status, achieving my dream of becoming a full-time artist requires strong visibility and the ability to connect with audiences on and off the dancefloor.

Representation is equally important, especially as a woman in the electronic music scene. Female DJs are often overlooked or underestimated simply because of their gender, and that’s something I’m determined to challenge. By showing up, staying true to my sound, and carving out space for myself, I aim not only to further my own career but also to inspire and empower other women to break barriers in the industry.

While I aspire to be the Kim Kardashian of house, my ultimate goal is for my music to speak louder than my aesthetics. It’s about creating a legacy defined by sound and artistry, not just appearance.

Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Yes, there have been moments where my identity as a female DJ has helped me stand out and connect with my audience in unexpected ways. For example, I’ve performed at events where the lineup was predominantly male. Being one of the few women on stage not only helped me stand out among my fellow DJs but also allowed me to connect more deeply with the female audience in the crowd. Seeing someone they can relate to behind the decks creates a powerful connection and reminds me of the importance of representation in the industry.

What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Right now, my focus isn’t so much on following emerging trends but on staying true to myself and my unique sound. While it’s easy to be influenced by what other DJs are playing, I believe following your gut and trusting your own taste is crucial. My goal is to create something different, something that reflects who I am as an artist. Instead of chasing trends, I want to play music that resonates with me and share it authentically with my audience.

While my main focus is on staying true to myself and not being swayed by trends, I do find myself really excited by a current movement within house music. Artists like Enzo Siragusa are incorporating jungle basslines into their house tracks, and these songs have been captivating me lately. There’s something about that fusion of styles that really resonates, and it’s a sound I can’t get enough of. It’s inspiring to see the boundaries of genres continue to expand, and I’m excited to see where this creative blend goes. Its groovy and bassy which are some of my favourite elements in electronic music.

How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: In the next few years, I really want to focus on mastering my musical niche and making my mixes instantly recognisable as my sound. I’m aiming to create something uniquely identifiable that people can connect with. I also definitely want to explore more dubby sounds, experimenting with deeper, more atmospheric elements. My goal is to continuously evolve while staying true to what excites me musically, and I’m excited to see how my sound will develop as I explore new territories.

If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: If I could curate a dream lineup for an event, it would include:

Apollonia

Tilly Chi

Saoirse

Myself, of course (haha)

Marco Carola

ANOTR

I’d choose these artists because each one brings a unique sound to the table. They all have their own distinctive styles and incorporate elements from different corners of electronic music, which resonates with what I aim to do in my own sets. I admire their ability to push boundaries and create music that feels both fresh and timeless, and I’d love to see how these different sounds come together in a single event.

How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: Pursuing a career in music can definitely be challenging, especially during times when progress feels slow. When I hit these moments, I remind myself that I didn’t start this journey just to build a career—I do this because music is my life. Inspiration is all around us, and it doesn’t always come on demand. I’ve learned that you don’t need to feel inspired or creative every second of the day. It’s about being open to it when it strikes, even if that means stepping back and letting creativity find you when you least expect it. I trust that when the time is right, the ideas will flow.

What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?

FLORA THA EXPLORA: The message I hope people take away when they listen to my sets or mixes is simple: for that moment, I want them to forget their worries and truly feel themselves. Whether they’re on the dance floor or just vibing at home, I want my music to be an escape, a place where they can lose themselves and embrace the joy of the present.

SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.