Podcast Summary: "takin' a walk" with Chloe Flower: Melodies in Motion

Podcast Information:

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host: Buzz Knight, iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: "takin 'a walk" with Chloe Flower: Melodies in Motion
• Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the "takin' a walk" Music History On Foot podcast, host Buzz Knight engages in an in-depth conversation with Chloe Flower, a world-renowned pianist, composer, and producer. Chloe is celebrated for her unique ability to blend classical music with contemporary pop, earning her accolades from prestigious platforms like the Grammy Awards and viral social media presence. The episode delves into her latest album, "I Love Me More," her creative journey, collaborations, and her advocacy work.

Early Beginnings and the Healing Power of Music

Chloe Flower shares her earliest memories of engaging with music, highlighting a poignant event that shaped her perception of music as a healing force.

• Chloe Flower [07:27]: "I started at 2, and my mother said that she actually corrected. I did a... my first childhood, my first performance ever at three years... at a nursing home... playing Chopin for like five days straight."

Chloe recounts a traumatic incident during her childhood when her best friend and her friend were tragically killed by a train. This event led her to seek solace in playing Chopin, demonstrating the profound healing qualities of music.

• Chloe Flower [02:50]: "And this music is healing. I remember feeling like this music is... So that was kind of my early... I kind of understand and appreciate the power of music therapy and live performance for people."

Breaking Traditional Boundaries: Embracing Creativity

Buzz Knight poses a question from a fellow musician, Blackbach, regarding Chloe's decision to diverge from the traditional classical musician path to explore a more creative and experimental route.

• Blackbach's Question [10:15]: "Classical music is known for its structure and tradition. So what inspired you, as a trained pianist, to take a different creative path instead of following the traditional concert pianist route?"

Chloe responds by explaining her love for both classical and pop music and how she never confined herself to a single genre. Her constant exploration and unwillingness to be boxed in by traditional structures propelled her into creating a unique musical identity.

• Chloe Flower [10:50]: "I loved music from the Beatles, I loved music from pop artists, and I just always thought that I was going to be a classical musician and I couldn't do both. And so as I got older, I was like, why can't I do both?"

Her rebellion against the rigid classical structure not only fostered her personal growth but also allowed her to innovate within the music industry.

Defining "Popsicle": Chloe's Innovative Path

Chloe introduces her new artistic direction termed "Popsicle," a seamless blend of classical and pop elements that defines her signature sound.

• Chloe Flower [13:56]: "If I try to explain to you what popsicle is, it would be so long and hard. So I just found that word popsicle to be very like, easy Popsicle."

"Popsicle" embodies Chloe's philosophy of merging diverse musical influences to create something fresh and accessible, breaking down barriers between genres.

Notable Collaborations: Bridging Genres

Chloe discusses her impactful collaborations, particularly her memorable performance with Cardi B at the Grammys, which marked a significant milestone in her career.

• Chloe Flower [15:21]: "They saw my humble cover, and we want you to come play with Cardi. And it's... I wouldn't have had that, and I probably wouldn't be talking to you today."

This performance was a direct result of her active presence on social media, where her experimental approach caught the attention of prominent artists, leading to groundbreaking collaborations.

Creating the Album "I Love Me More"

The heart of the conversation revolves around Chloe's new album, "I Love Me More," detailing the meticulous process of song selection, arrangement, and collaboration.

• Chloe Flower [17:14]: "Picking the music is probably the hardest part. I have to pick songs that I love because it's going to be a lot of time orchestrating and arranging."

Chloe emphasizes the importance of choosing songs that are not only personally meaningful but also adaptable to her piano-based arrangements. The album aims to promote self-love and empowerment, reflecting her personal journey and experiences.

• Chloe Flower [19:53]: "I realized I was thinking about, oh, I was like thinking about loving yourself. Because you really can't love somebody until you love yourself."

The album features a diverse range of genres, from modern pop to classical pieces, showcasing Chloe's versatility and commitment to storytelling through music.

A Dream Realized: Recording at Abbey Road Studios

Chloe shares the significance of recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, an aspiration fueled by her admiration for The Beatles and her deep-rooted passion for classical music.

• Chloe Flower [26:30]: "Yesterday was on my bucket list to write and arrange because my mother and I listened to that song all the time when I was little... recording with the Royal Philharmonic in a place where Ringo Starr... was just like, it was just such an incredible experience."

This milestone symbolizes the culmination of her hard work, luck, and unwavering dedication, reinforcing her belief in seizing opportunities and dreaming big.

Advocacy for Music Education and Human Trafficking Prevention

Chloe elaborates on her advocacy efforts, linking music education to the prevention of human trafficking. She believes that providing access to music education fosters self-worth and community, which are essential in combating the root causes of trafficking.

• Chloe Flower [30:56]: "Music education is a tool of prevention against human trafficking. The benefits of having a music program in a school, in a community, are one of the most powerful tools we have to create a better society."

Her passionate commitment to this cause is driven by her personal experiences and recognition of the transformative power of music in individuals' lives.

The Healing Power of Music

Concluding the conversation, Chloe reflects on music's innate ability to heal and provide solace during difficult times, tying back to her earlier experiences and broader advocacy.

• Chloe Flower [34:58]: "Music has this amazing ability to heal whether you're playing or just listening. I immediately went to the piano and just played Chopin for like five days straight."

Chloe underscores the universal nature of music as a therapeutic tool, advocating for its inclusion in various aspects of life to enhance emotional and mental well-being.

Closing Thoughts

Buzz Knight wraps up the episode by expressing his admiration for Chloe's work and the profound insights she shared. He congratulates her on her new album and looks forward to her continued success.

• Buzz Knight [36:38]: "Congratulations on the new album. I love me more and it's sensational. Your work is amazing."

Chloe reciprocates the appreciation, thanking Buzz for the platform to share her story and mission.

Key Quotes:

• Chloe Flower [10:50]: "I just always thought that I was going to be a classical musician and I couldn't do both. And so as I got older, I was like, why can't I do both?"
• Chloe Flower [15:21]: "I wouldn't have had that, and I probably wouldn't be talking to you today."
• Chloe Flower [19:53]: "I realized I was thinking about loving yourself. Because you really can't love somebody until you love yourself."
• Chloe Flower [30:56]: "Music education is a tool of prevention against human trafficking."
• Chloe Flower [34:58]: "Music has this amazing ability to heal whether you're playing or just listening."

Conclusion This episode of "takin' a walk" offers a compelling exploration of Chloe Flower's multifaceted career and her unwavering dedication to using music as a medium for healing and social change. Chloe's journey from a young pianist to a trailblazing artist exemplifies the power of creativity, resilience, and purposeful advocacy in shaping a meaningful and impactful life.