10 Questions: Florrie Arnold

Since leaving Colston’s Girls’ School, Florrie has drummed on records for the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Kylie Minogue and Girls Aloud.

As well as being the house drummer for the Xenomania production team, Florrie has been slowly building up her own solo career, with a style of music that she describes as “a big mixture: kind of a sixties, organic feel merged with modern pop beats and electronics”.

Her new single Real Love – Radio One’s Track of the Day on Easter Day – is being released by Sony Music on April 1 (and has already been viewed more than 1.8 million times on YouTube) with her debut album out in the autumn.

1. What was your earliest ambition?
To be a drummer. I started playing drums when I was seven and I always used to say “one day I’ll play drums at Wembley Stadium”! I always knew I would do something in music, I grew up in a very musical household.

2. How physically fit are you?
I’d say I’m pretty fit, but could be better! I love running and try and go three or four times a week. Sometimes it’s hard dragging myself out of bed on a freezing cold morning, but once I’m out there it feels amazing. It’s also really important when I’m touring to keep fit. I’m quite energetic on stage and unless I keep a certain level of fitness it’s really hard to get all the notes out!

3. If you were the mayor of Bristol for the day what would you do?
Bring back the Exploratory! I used to love going there when I was little. It was next door to Temple Meads and it had this little hot air balloon experiment that I loved. I’d also put on a gig at the Colston Hall of all my favourite Bristolian bands and musicians.

4. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Ooh that’s a difficult one. There are so many places that I love going to. The Verdon Gorge in the south of France is beautiful. I’ve been a few times but always wanted to camp, so might try that this year. I love skiing too, so would have to say Verbier in Switzerland for the views and the slopes.

5. What is your biggest extravagance?
Probably taxis in London. Every year my new year’s resolution is to take the tube more, but sometimes I don’t feel like being underground! I’m also always in a rush, so a cab seems like an easier option (even though it most likely always takes longer!).

6. In what place in Bristol are you happiest?
My friend Jo’s house in Henleaze. I don’t get to see her very often so it’s always a little treat when I’m there. Plus she has the comfiest bed ever and makes me yummy soup. Also I love the Downs in the summer. Only if the ice cream man is there though!

7. What ambitions do you still have?
A lot! I try not to plan too far ahead, but I’d love to tour this record and travel the world, meet lots of new interesting people, keep writing and practising and learning. Keep drumming and get through all of my rudiments (eventually). And world domination of course.

8. What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
That I’ve been able to do something I love for the last six years, and hopefully I’ve made a few people happy along the way too.

9. Can you sum up Bristol in a sentence?
Home.

10. What’s your favourite secret spot in Bristol?
I’m not sure how secret it is but Brandon Hill. Go and feed the squirrels!

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