'LOVE IN LOCKDOWN' EPISODE 7: 'SINGING FOR SANITY WITH FLO GALLOP'


'It's important to hold onto our passions throughout this challenging time.'

As we continue through our third lockdown, we're faced with our own hurdles. Whilst it's important to stay updated, safe and follow government guidelines, it's also acceptable to have time away from the constant hold of Coronavirus and tune into what makes you feel good within the premises of what you can take part in from home. Aspects of the situation we're in can become overwhelming, so it's vital to find your own coping mechanisms that aren't a detriment to your wellbeing. Your own release, way to relax, feel good, shift emotions and tune out of the unnecessary noise for a while. 

Although the circumstances at home will be different for everyone, we're all able to ensure we take some time for ourselves to unwind and take part in what we enjoy. It may be learning something new, it may not, there is no pressure attached, just freedom and enjoyment. Explore, experiment and engage with our own personal creative and cathartic outlet, whatever that may be. A way to release and manage our emotions.  

For singer and songwriter Flo Gallop, her outlet has been just that, music. It's what's kept her sane during these demanding times. Whilst it's been an essential coping mechanism for her personally, she has also performed the selfless act of providing live gigs for free for her avid fans and followers. There is power in music, whether you wish to create it or simply listen. It can help shift your mood, take you to another place, and be a source of grounding for when uncomfortable feelings ever arise.

IN CONVERSATION WITH FLO GALLOP:

    

Flo Gallop, a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Southeast London, has held onto the comfort of music during Lockdown, writing music as an outlet, engaging and collaborating with artists online and holding virtual gigs for free. 

'Lockdown has been really different', she admits. 'I love to entertain people and socialise, that’s been the hardest part about this, there is no one to entertain. Well, at least in the same way. It's been challenging to think of new ideas, but I've been writing. Even if I don’t outright mention Covid in my songs, I think some of the songs I have written have a nod towards it because it’s the way we’re living at the moment', she shares. 'I've learnt a lot when it comes to editing and recording, and it's been exciting to build up to my first release coming at the end of this month.'

'The impact of Covid 19 has meant having to shift everything to the virtual world, that’s been fine though, Its been fun to be honest, as much as I want to get back to the normal world and be gigging again, to turn what has happened into a positive I feel like I’ve learnt new skills and spent more time with my family. My dad is a huge muso to, so we’ve been loving playing about on the guitar, setting gigs up and writing new music. It’s time we never would’ve had before', she smiles.

'Social Media has been a huge part of carrying on what I love doing. I’ve met people online and had the opportunity to work with new people across the UK who have sent tracks through and we’ve collaborated', she shares. 'I’ve done some virtual gigs, these are the funniest, no audience, just my dad and step-mum trying really hard to pretend there’s a crowd by jumping up and down in the garden'.

'The gigs I have done have all been for charity or helping music venues stay open so they’ve been really great gigs to be involved in. We’ve got to help each other out, its crucial they’re all still here once we come out of this terrible pandemic', she claims.


'I’ve always had to work waiting tables and other stuff like that as well as doing my music, it doesn’t sound massively 'rock n roll' but its the realism of it and paying the bills. This is my career though, I've always sung and wanted to entertain people, this is where my effort and passion goes and without it I think I’d go nutty', she exclaims. 

'I love entertaining', she states. I want to sing, dance and have fun, if I can get others to have fun that’s enough for me to rest easy at night. I love to write music, I see it as a diary where if something happens to me, good or bad, I get it out through writing a song. I guess everyone has different ways of coping with their emotions and I think this is mine. To be honest though, I think the boys that have dated me quite enjoy the fact that they get a song out of it', she laughs. 

'It’s also the aspect of working with creatives that is wonderful, I love creative minds and the way we think. I believe it’s the equivalent of wizards and muggles, it really is a form of magic.'

'At the end of this month, 29th January, there will be my first release out on all major platforms', she shrieks. 'It has been a complete whirlwind and I cannot wait to share it with you. It was amazing hearing it for the first time, something I created sound so full and like A REAL SONG. Mind-blowing. I got shivers, it was a feeling of happiness, but also just being bloody proud. I wanted to shout THAT’S MY SONG!!!'

'I try to take everyday as it comes, don’t get me wrong some days I struggle, but I think if you push through this the time will go quicker and we will be closer to entering the real world again. I cannot wait to perform live again, it’ll be an unbelievable feeling and probably one of the best gigs I ever do', she beams. 'Make sure you grab some tickets.'

'Have a good time, be positive, stay indoors and avoid the news at 10! Stay safe.'

Follow Flo's social media to keep up to date:
Twitter @flo_gallop (https://twitter.com/flo_gallop)
              

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