Who is Flora Carbo?
A Melbourne based saxophonist who loves creating and sharing music, celebrating the April release of her sophomore album, Voice. Usually can be found performing around Melbourne with projects including the Flora Carbo Trio, The Rest Is Silence, AAALTO and the Floor Is Well Thanks.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I wouldn’t want to change anything much; I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love! Although I would like to travel more with my music and spend more time in new places.
Who inspires you and why?
There are so many people who inspire me, but at the moment (especially during isolation) I am constantly being inspired by my hardworking music friends (and family). Theo Carbo, Niran Dasika and Helen Svoboda to name a very few.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think I am still trying to work out what it is I can bring to the table. I hope that striving to make good art is making a little difference, however small. I am currently exploring ways to involve my passion surrounding climate change into my practice.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Going away to a music festival including Woodford Folk Festival, Womadelaide, National Folk Festival, Cygnet Folk Festival and Wangaratta Jazz Festival. I grew up being inspired by festivals like these and I think it is safe to say there is nothing else quite like it.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My friends often want to go and buy jeans from Dejour, so we often end up on Sydney Road op-shopping and eating Lebanese pizzas. Going to see live music is of course a must, particularly local gems including the Jazzlab, Uptown Jazz Café, Bar 303 and Factory Sessions. We are spoilt with Melbourne’s scene of creative live music.
What are you currently reading?
Current Directions in Ecomusicology on loan for an embarrassingly long time from the University of Melbourne, and Pink Noises by Tara Rodgers featuring a collection of interviews with woman within the field of electronic music.
What are you currently listening to?
I have been enjoying the time to explore lots of new music which has been incredibly exciting and inspiring, but I always come back to Arthur Russell’s World of Echo, Sam Amidon’s I See the Sign and Oumou Sangare’s Moussolou.
Happiness is?
Being. And sharing in music and art.
What does the future hold for you?
I went into isolation with some ideas and have come out with a whole lot more that need brewing. I am very excited to keep creating, learning and working on this music thing.
Flora will be performing in These Digital Times – presented by the Melbourne International Jazz Festival on Saturday 30 May 2020. For more information, visit: www.melbournejazz.com for details.
Image: Flora Carbo – photo by Roger Mitchell