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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London music producer RJ. FLO to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
Born and raised with Ghanaian roots in Newham, London. Got into music by accident at school when my music teacher gave me a pair of drum sticks and said play!
This was when I was 14 and we had a lesson called Expressive Arts where we could learn more about a particular instrument, how to draw, or act.

RJ. FLO stands for Ransford Just Flo. Came up with this in my early twenties. Simply made it to keep remind myself to keep going, especially when I’m in the groove of making music. Do not procrastinate Ransford! Just get on with it. Simple as that.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up my influences were Artful Dodger, The Neptunes, Kanye West, J Dilla, Mikey J, Wookie. These wonderful musicians still are very influential to me and now I would add a few others like 20ysl, Knwxledge, Flying Lotus, Oddisee, Bonobo.

How would you describe your sound?
BopFunkSoul. This is what I coin my sound. An in-the-pocket hiphop sound marriage of smooth soul progressions, funky baselines, and off-beat drums.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
‘Happy Days’ from the forthcoming EP, Memories, was created in the mood of looking forward to enjoying time with our loved ones. Remembering pre-COVID and how things were taken for granted. Back to hugging, laughing, and joy with the people we hold dear to our heart. The Twi ad-libs embedded in the track are telling everyone to enjoy life and not to focus on the stresses we hold in. Adding to that theme, the Chorus vocals ‘Feel Good’ are the sentiment of that, we just all want to feel good after such an eventful 15+ months.

What’s your local music scene like?
Exciting and competitive. As Newham and London itself is a lava pot of emerging talent it’s great to be creating music and following up with a plan. The likes of Earbuds (Greenteapeng), Alfa Mist, and Intalekt have made it more possible to be a Producer/Artist like myself to create signature sounds and allows others to be part of that journey.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Upcoming Video release for Happy Days this Thursday 7th. Next single is called ‘Mama Africa’ – an afrocentric soul sound. Will be premiered out with a special choreographed video from Ghana on 20th August. The forthcoming EP, ‘Memories’ is out later this autumn. Next year I look to continue with a follow up EP and live music shows across the South East of the UK.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Loyle Carner & Black Milk.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
BopFunkSoul is a thing! Created this not just for me to say I have my own signature sound.

This will be here as a new genre of music and long after I’ve passed. It’s for fellow musicians and the next generation to also enjoy and create their own sounds within the umbrella of BopFunkSoul.

You can find out more about RJ. FLO via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter or YouTube and you can find how to listen to ‘Happy Days’ here.