Style Isn’t Just for the Ladies… Interview with Floco Torres

So, I don’t know if yall have noticed this BUT over the years hip hop artists have become rather obsessed with labels. Not judging, not at all I am an admitted label whore myself! However I do find it rather interesting. Especially when I see a young rising artist such a Floco Torres who doesn’t seem to necessarily cater to that status quo.

If you are not acquainted with his music, you need to be. I will admit I am biased since Macon is his adopted hometown, and I really fell in love with his music with the song “Cherry Street”. But even his newest song, “Catch Me” is very very cool. Floco is just like the rest of us, incredibly down to earth and willing to chat up his fans before and after shows. And his style is interesting to me as well- thus the real point of this interview. He is generally in jeans and some kind of t shirt. He doesn’t fall in to the label obsessed style or even that of the hipster movement- which is kind of like the other extreme of a lot of hip hop stars.

Floco Torres, photo credit Maryann Bates Photography

So, I decided to talk to the one and only Floco about this…

MIWM: Tell us some background info- how you got started in the music industry, your favorite type of music, your performance style, etc:

FT:  I’m 24, I guess I officially got started in 2007. Moved from Jersey to Macon in 2008 trying to land an internship in Atlanta. Didn’t work out so when I got to Macon, I sort of just applied my hustle and got to learn so many new things about music & about my goals as a person/artist. My favorite music changes rapidly. I hear music in Keith Haring art so it all depends where I am mentally at the time. Pop music is just too temporary for me at times. Yes I want to drink tonight, but tomorrow I realize I never solved the problem that lead me to drinking in the first place. lol My performance style represents that need to express emotion.

MIWM: What is your typical wardrobe? Does your day to day look differ from an “on stage” look? What about for your music videos?

FT:  I dress for comfort more than anything. I’m really enjoying polyester T’s a little bit more lately. I think every man should own two good pair of khakis that you can go out in, but also change a tire if you see a distressed young lady on the side of the road. Good jeans too. Levi’s & Wranglers are the “built Ford tough” brands of the jean world. My stage look is the same as far as comfort. Whatever I can rage in the easiest but still change shirts & have a few drinks and mingle afterwards. Same thing with my suit. 56% wool slacks are not to be slept on.

MIWM: Tell us about the styling for “Cherry Street”- how did you come up with that?

FT:  I collaborated with Bright Blue Sky Productions & I think they do a great job at “getting Floco Torres”. The locations & colors of lights that were used (I think) represent my energy as an artist. Vibrant colors that make me blend in but stand out at the same time. There is a scene in Cherry Street where I’m in front of a huge red clay brick wall. Instead of trying the “look at me” approach, I wore my black Mag Tard hoodie (Fav hoodie), blue denim & Tims. Perfect contrast.

MIWM: What is your opinion about the music industries influence on style? Do you think some artists take an infatuation with high end labels too far?

FT:   I think the infatuation with brands is cool, it’s just the fact that everyone is infatuated with the same brands/style. I had to stop wearing Ray-Bans to avoid looking like the other 14 artists in the room. Following trends is hard to do I think because when you look back at past photos, you will always be dated. lol If anything is being taken too far, I think it’s the “1960’s I’m not trying to look cool” look.

MIWM: With both the new “Catch Me” video and “Cherry Street” you are wearing a white shirt and tie… are you playing the same character? If so, tell us about him? Why that outfit and then contrasted with the jeans and t in other shots?

From the Floco Torres Facebook Fan Page: “Congrats to Gateway Macon, Bright Blue Sky Productions & everyone involved in as well as your support of the “Cherry Street” song & video! Last night at the ADDY awards, the collective won 4 different awards for the song including BEST SHOW for Music/Lyrics!”

FT:  I think we all have few of the same “characters” in our imaginations. In “Cherry Street”, it was sort of touching on the desire to live lavishly, fly private jets & be a superstar. Reality is what we don’t want to face sometimes so we decided to embrace it at the end of the video by acknowledging that there is still a long way to go to achieve that status.

“Catch Me” is sort of the same character, but the other side of it. The more accolades, the more recognition, the more scrutiny, the more paranoia. The focus should be on chasing your own goals and idea of success to stay sane at the end of the day. It’s ok to get your hands dirty and go to work. That’s where the T & jeans come from.

Ok ladies, I’ve gotta say…. as much as I love a guy in a suit you’ve gotta love a guy who says “every man should own two good pair of khakis that you can go out in, but also change a tire if you see a distressed young lady on the side of the road.” Who wouldn’t want a guy ready to jump in as a ready white knight? But can also be stylish in his own way as well? That is very cool.

Personal Shameless Plug, Floco with DealChicken: