Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas On the Making Of “That Was That”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of “That Was That?”
Flo: I wrote “That Was That” in the early stages of a teen relationship that was a bit of a storm in a teacup - it went nowhere. I felt inspired to write a song about him and the simplistic nature of the relationship at the time. He didn’t deserve a song in the end cos the prick copped off with one of my best mates the next week. The only thing I had left after that was an ex, an ex best friend, some lyrics and a revenge plan.
How does this song fit into your overall artistic vision and what can listeners expect from you in the future?
Flo: We like starting a song small and lulling you into a false sense of security with a sweet melody and simple accompaniment but don’t be fooled - there’s usually a drop coming so you may want to brace for impact. We like surprising the listener and don’t really want to be put in a box, So we add some TNT and destroy any preconceptions by Verse 2.
Moses: It’s an original 808 drum machine we use on this track and the beats sound epic on a big sound system - so It’s kinda frustrating when people listen to it on their phone speakers. It’s one of the things we love about live - being able to share it in its full glory.
What did you enjoy most about making the music video?
Flo: There were many, but one was the realisation that hey, we are doing this, we’re actually investing such faith into “That Was That” - we’re making a video about it. It felt like a watershed moment.
Moses: In more ways than one. The beach scene was meant to be shot the day before we actually shot it, but when we went down to the location there was horizontal rain and gale force winds. It wasn’t like we had a Winnebago to hang out in, so we tried to get on with it, but gave up when I got blown into the English Channel for the third time.
Flo: I like the moments where things don’t go to plan and you’re forced to improvise - No one has any funny stories about things that go right.
Moses: That’s easy for you to say - I forgot my dry robe that day and nearly froze to death.
How did your band members initially come together?
Flo: My family used to go for walks on Bodmin Moor when I was growing up. I’d stand on the top of Brown Willy and I’d scream Dilemmas Assemble!
Moses: For the record, it’s the highest point in Cornwall.
Flo: Google it! Anyway, after about 2 years of screaming myself hoarse and no one, except the odd sheep, taking any notice, I decided on a different approach. So I started a little singing group with 2 of my friends from school and Grace CG went to the same school and joined on guitar. When my 2 friends left ( yep - once again my mates let me down ) Grace invited her friend Cerys to join and she kinda saved it from falling apart at the time. We needed a drummer so I grabbed Moses who lives just down the road.
Moses: Yeah I even learnt to play the drums on an electric kit Flo’s brother leant me some years before.
Flo: Then just when we thought we would never find an alto singer, Paige walked into a rehearsal one day and said ‘Is this the place where the Dilemmas assemble?’ being a Bodmin maid she’d apparently heard my screams and had spent the last 10 years trying to track us down.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Flo: You better believe it. Our generation is confronting some pretty scary stuff. The unrestricted access we have to everything that’s going on in the world can be exhausting and divisive. We can’t ignore it but we don’t have to let it overwhelm us. Music is how we recharge and reconnect - with ourselves and each other, it’s an umbrella that protects us from the storm going on outside. Our music celebrates the connection. It’s us opening our umbrella and inviting you to come under it and stand with us for a while…
