Interview for Wild Paths and Beyond - Dandelion Florence of Hotwired, Dark Diversion and Vocalist in The Sun Collective at Wild Paths
Photo by BeckyKat Kaptures
Hello, lovely to see you, how are you doing?
Been very busy, lots of creative projects ongoing.
You've recently played Wild Paths with Behind the Sun Collective. Was this your first time playing with them? How was it?
Not the first time, 3rd gig with them, played Maui Waui Festival with them most recently. Originally Cosmo from band, asked if like to record a track with them in spring 25. This was for vocals for their cover of 'Children of the Revolution', the song I sang with them at Wild Paths. This is one of the tracks recorded ready for their vinyl release coming out in December. This was recorded in SickRoom Studios in Narborough, Norfolk.
Behind the Sun Collective are the House band for Foolhardy Circus and have been for playing for about 4 years together, they also play lots of different festivals. They're an eclectic mix of loads of diff styles including psychedelic rock. So far I've played 2 songs live with them, they are mainly instrumental. They are potentially open to adding more with me, and I really enjoy working with them, it's a great environment and energy.
Have you played Wild Paths before? Do you have a favourite place or type of venue to play?
Not played before, but always been intrigued by it. Glad to have explored it and would love to explore more.
I couldn't say I have a favourite play to play, I love experience for its unique aspect, couldn't really generalise in that way. Really love it when everyone works together well, from the band to the sound tech, makes it a lot easier to get into feeling of gig. Love big, small, basement, open, anything really.
You are multi musically talented. What got you into music originally?
As a kid, I used to spend hours singing and thumping around on the piano and could mountains, landscapes, storms and everything which created a strong visual aspect with the sounds I was creating. I then explored with more instruments but this was my first time finding sound and experimenting without knowing notes.
That's really beautiful, thank you for sharing.
You're also in Hotwired and Dark Diversions.
What is unique with each band?
Hotwired I've been playing with them for about 8 years (they originally came together in1999), we're an original street punk band. There's been a few different line ups over years. Emma, is the lead singer and has been so for about 15 years I think, we have a dynamic energetic punk sound, different influences, occasionally fiddle player Dave adds different level of energy when he can join.
Dark Diversions is a duo and has been in existence for about 7 years, we have some originals and some select covers, our versions of KoRn, Rammestein, Slipknot. Eclectic, theatrical, easily paired with Halloween! Don't gig so often, but when do like do them in a burst.
Hotwired
Also how do you keep up with being in 3 bands?
Caffeine, in particular this month of October is all the expressos.
Ha, ha, that's fair enough.
You've been a vocal advocate for those with less of a voice. Are there any organisations or charities you are working with at the moment?
With Hotwired, we wrote a song last year, 'Blood-Soaked Monster Social Disease', used this to raise awareness against fox hunting and in support of Norwich Hunt Saboteurs and the band works closely with the local Hunt Saboteurs.
Outside of this, in Spring, I worked with Dolly Sen, a local artist, activist and writer who received arts council lottery funding to build on the telling of the story and activitism of Lorina Bulwer. Lorina was incarcerated in a workhouse in the Victorian era. She was very outspoken about her and other inmates' treatment, particularly through her needlework. Dolly has written about her, had a sewing project and commissioned me to run a complaint choirs. I worked with 13 people, and we created a 3 part harmony song of their complaints into a performance for launch of Dolly's exhibition.
Singing is so beneficial for different occasions, we dealt with more tongue in cheek complaints, while the rest of project dealt with more serious complaints. The choir was more for people to develop singing and have a place to come and be together.
On back of this I would love to do more projects like this with other charities, perhaps working with refugees or asylum seekers using songs and singing creating positive communities.
Wow that's all so inspirational. What fulfilling and exciting work.
What is coming up for you in the next year?
In next few days I have quite a lot coming up. Tomorrow (Friday 24th October), I will be involved in a show, the animated Halloween experience at Norwich Puppet Theatre and then again on Halloween at Forncett Industrial Steam Museum. This is a 2 hour collection of beautifully creepy Halloween animation created by George Leeder, with soundtrack by local musicians. I'm so pleased to be involved in this, the artwork, animation, and creative focus is just beautiful, and a bunch really lovely creative people.
Saturday morning Hotwired are heading up to Nottingham. We are playing Punk for the Homeless in Sumax Centre, this is to raise money for Hope Orphanage in Sierra Leona.
Monday I'm playing as part of a duo playing at Hellesdon Community Centre, Halloween event for weekly social club for people of every ability. There is a music event there every Monday 7-8:30pm.
Really want to develop on my projects, got solo material I want to get recorded.
Hotwired have a new album planned next year.
And generally getting as much time for gigs and creating as much possible.
Any bands looking their next collaboration let me know. Looking for as much engagement as possible next year. Like to play as many shows and festivals as possible, promotors and artists get in touch.
Thank you so much, been wonderful speaking to you.
Anyone looking to work with Dandelion or any of the 3 bands she is currently working with all social media details are below:
Dandelion Florence:
Hotwired:
Dark Diversions:
Behind the Sun Collective:
Dolly Sen Project:
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