Brian d’Souza, better known as Auntie Flo, delivers his brand-new fourth studio album, ‘In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free)’, set for release on 21st November. The album, a rich blend of electronic music, live instrumentation, and global influences features collaborations with the likes of Nicola Cruz, Joshua Idehen, Shingai Shoniwa, Yohan Kebede (Kokoroko) and even his Goan Auntie Florie, where the Auntie Flo moniker is derived from. Each track on the album transports you to a different location: Goa, Istanbul, Nairobi, Mexico City, Waiheke Island, Rio De Janeiro, Havana, Seoul are all destinations to nest in across its ten tracks. It will be available in both digital and vinyl formats on his own label, A State of Flo Records.

Auntie Flo’s latest body of work is the culmination of a five-year journey that has seen d’Souza expand both personally and musically. Known for his unique ability to fuse electronic sounds with rhythms and influences from across the globe, d’Souza takes his craft to new heights in this album, offering listeners an intimate look into the experiences, places, and stories that have shaped his artistic evolution. The groundbreaking DJ and producer presents an expansive, deeply personal exploration of global sounds, collaboration, and migration.

Following the success of the Afro-disco single Green City—a dynamic tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti and Luke Una’s ‘track of the year’—In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free) ventures further into uncharted musical territory. The album, however, is more than just a continuation of Auntie Flo’s signature sound. It is a reflection of d’Souza’s life and career, capturing his exploration of identity, migration, and cultural fusion. With tracks that draw inspiration from field recordings collected around the world, the album resonates with a profound sense of place and memory.

In My Dreams (I’m A Bird and I’m Free) is not only a reflection of d’Souza’s creative journey but also a commentary on migration—both human and musical. The album draws on the freedom of birds to migrate across borders as a metaphor for artistic and personal freedom, juxtaposed with the challenges that political barriers impose on human migration. As d’Souza explains, “Birds have the freedom to migrate wherever they choose, while humans face constant barriers”.

A State of Flo supports Earth Percent. 10% of the revenue generated from this release will be paid to environmental charities.

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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

“A spine tingling spiritual balearic bomb - this is very special, magical, beautiful - it’s just outrageously good” Luke Una

Green City is the first single from Auntie Flo's (aka Brian d'Souza) new album 'In My Dreams (I'm a Bird and I'm Free), the follow up to 2018's SAY award-winning Radio Highlife (Brownswood).

Green City was first aired during Auntie Flo's headline slot closing the main stage at the inaugural We Out Here festival in 2019 and since then has evolved into a 15-minute, Fela Kuti-inspired, Afro-disco jam with an infectious groove that keeps on giving and giving.

Based around a field recording captured during a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where d'Souza's mother is from, he subsequently assembled a heroes cast of musicians to perform on the track: East African Ambassa Mandela from the band Sarabi leads on vocals, a connection Brian made during the much loved sold out Highlife World Series of records back in 2015.

Yohan Kebede was part of the Auntie Flo live band during the last tour but is best known for his key role as part of the ever popular Kokoroko. London's Ziggy Funk plays the epic guitar parts, following a chance encounter on the video shoot for Havana Rhythm Dance feat Andrew Ashong from Radio Highlife. Laurie Pitt from the much-missed Golden Teacher band plays Tony Allen influenced live drums and Glasgow's Joe Howe (Ex Ben Butler & Mousepad) plays the sax.

The track is the fullest representation to date of d'Souza's musical vision and showcases his ability to bridge musical boundaries and influences, paying respects to the musical traditions that have inspired him whilst balancing his desire to present something new, original and non-derivative.

Green City is the ultimate summer festival track - with a timeless groove, euphoric snare rolls, gloriously uplifting Malian-inspired guitar, epic vocal lead breakdown and emotive, blissful ending, which despite its 15 min running time, you won't want to end.

A State of Flo supports Earth Percent. 10% of the revenue generated from this release will be paid to environmental charities.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

In contemporary usage, genius loci refers to a location's distinctive atmosphere, or a "spirit of the place"...

Genius Loci is a new audio work by sound artist Brian d'Souza (fka Auntie Flo). Referencing the notion of the protective 'spirit of place' from ancient Roman times, d'Souza used a vintage accordion to capture the acoustic properties of the Het Hem building in Zandaam, Netherlands. A former munitions and gun testing factory, Het Hem is a space full of character made up of a range of rooms that each hold a different acoustic property. d'Souza is interested in the connection between sound and space, using the accordion as a sound source with a variety of microphones placed around each room to capture the resonance and reverberation. The results are presented as part of an immersive audio visual website which incorporates generative audio technology developed by d'Souza's Swell Studio in collaboration with The University of Arts in London and is now available at https://thecouch.hethem.nl/genius-loci/ .

The original artist versions of Genius Loci are available on this release for the first time, available on 12 inch vinyl and download.

A State of Flo supports Earth Percent. 10% of the revenue generated from this release will be paid to environmental charities.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More