Flames Collective - Facetime (EP)
Picture Credit: Vincent Dolman
One of the UK’s best kept secrets, Flames Collective, is gearing up for the release of their latest EP ‘Facetime’.
Whilst the name may not be familiar (yet), the talented troupe of 15-21 year olds have illuminated stages as the choral backdrop for Raye’s most triumphant performances to date, including Glastonbury, the BRITs, and The Royal Albert Hall headline show. Now with a taste of the spotlight, they’re ready to step out and shine in their own right.
‘Facetime’, came together over three days with each member contributing in their own right. The latest single ‘Unfold’ is the ultimate posse cut and a highlight of the project. It’s a bittersweet and reflective track with a classic R&B style that mixes emotional solos and stirring group harmonies with sultry production. Conversely, the romantic and yearning song ‘Just One Minute’ oscillates between the ensemble chorus and rapped verses over a looped, ska-infected melody. As the EP progresses Flames Collective lift the energy, culminating in the club-ready ‘Breathing’ ending with a bold crescendo of ‘screw-face’ garage production.
Speaking on the project, vocalist Ella Mae says “It’s a special EP because We started a three-day process with nothing and left with a whole body of work. Watching it come to life with your friends and having everyone contribute something is one of the best feelings.”
Not phased by having so many members involved, Flames Collective is clearly a tight-knit group who have forged a comfortable and collaborative environment to create, “We don't argue and if you make mistakes no one laughs.” Victoria states, “We’re all just individual artists trying to make it in this industry, and it doesn’t feel so lonely or scary.”
Flames Collective originally was designed as a talent programme by the charity UD Music. Their founder Pamela McCormick started the charity to steer and champion diversity in the industry, helping the likes of Wretch 32, Little Simz, Ghetts, Skepta and Paigey Cakey. After several iterations, Flames Collective, now led by musical director Andy Gilbert, the group has collaborated and performed with ‘My Hood’ singer and star of BBC’s musical drama series Champion, RAY BLK, rapper Kojey Radical, Grace Carter, and Mercury Prize nominee Jake Bugg.
It’s safe to say that the group is brimming with talent. And with more collaborations and headline shows on the way, it’s just a matter of time until the spotlight shines brightly on Flames Collective in 2024.