Flo Anito: Press

Express Night Out Top Stops:
#1
"The Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Fest...[is] an impressive collection of not-well-known-but-well-loved-by-those-who-know-them mid-Atlantic musicians (including Flo Anito, pictured)

FLO IN THE WASHINGTON POST!
Last year's MetroPerforms! pilot program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public, and several artists who got a spot enjoyed it enough to audition again this season.
"It went really well," Flo Anito said of her set at the bustling Gallery Place-Chinatown Station last year. "People kept trying to tip, but of course, they aren't allowed to." ...
Anito, who said she is a "young twentysomething," is influenced by artists such as Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor. When she sang an original composition Saturday afternoon, the judges stopped her and asked, "Can you play something upbeat and that we are familiar with?" A pause and a visible racking of the brain followed. A few seconds later, Anito launched into a cover of Blues Traveler's "Run-Around," to the obvious delight of her auditors.

Washington, D.C. musician Flo Anito took the stage with her guitar, keyboard, drummer Jeff Goodwin and bassist Brian Waitzman in Silver Spring,Md. on July 22. While most of the crowd appeared wilted on what was possibly the hottest day of the summer, Flo’s buoyant melodies were bright and crisp. The show was the latest of the Friday Live! Series at the shopping center in Downtown Silver Spring. For most of the summer, the outdoor shopping center hosts free concerts on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m.

For two hours, Flo sang original and cover songs. Self-described as ‘pop with a twist of jazz,’ her music sounds upbeat even as she sings about the disappointments of life and romance. The switches between instruments and between original or cover songs appeared easy and fluid for Flo. The crowd sat on the mosaic tile steps of the shopping center, stood in front of the stage, and played in the fountain.

Flo Anito, a multi-instrumentalist, regularly plays at D.C. venues like Chief Ike’s Mambo Room, Bella Café, and area festivals. Her influences and knowledge of music range from musical theatre to classical, pop, and jazz. A few days before the show, Intern Edition caught up with Flo over email to find out more about her music and her experience as a D.C.-based musician for Sounds of the City.

JG: As a multi-instrumentalist, which instrument do you rely on more while composing?

FA: It was really hard for me to compose on the piano at first. I think this was because I was classically trained and didn’t think of the piano in terms of chords and progressions – it was overwhelming, like deep-sea swimming. I taught myself guitar via a video of Jewel and tab from the internet so I learned the instrument in a chordal fashion, which made it much easier to compose on. Almost all of my early songs are guitar-based. In the last few years, though, that’s really changed. I lean toward the piano when I’m writing – I like the versatility of the instrument and I’m technically a much better piano player. Besides, I think the piano has a very romantic sound.

JG: What is your favorite D.C. area venue to either play or to see shows?

FA: I like lots of different spots. I love playing outside – I always thought heaven would have a big field with a grand piano – so the National Cherry Blossom Festival is really beautiful – especially when they set the stage in front of the Jefferson Memorial.

JG: What is the most fun thing about being a local musician in the D.C. area?

FA: You get to meet a lot of really interesting people. After I played a set a few months ago, I met a man who trained the Special Forces down in Fort Bragg. We had a great conversation and he gave me a Green Beret coin and a lot of really great advice.

JG: What is the earliest memory you have of music?

FA: My oldest sister is a lot older than me so I remember performing for her friends when I was super tiny. Tears for Fears was definitely part of my repertoire.

JG: A few years ago, you took part in the MetroPerforms! artist event and performed outside of a Metro station. Did that experience influence the way you approach an audience?

FA: Singing outside of the Metro was awesome. I wish they’d bring that program back. It was an especially great experience in D.C., where everyone is always rushing from one place to the next. It was such a great challenge to figure out what would make them stop. I also love that, in that context, people feel comfortable coming up to you between songs to ask questions, exchange information, and every now and then bring you something refreshing to drink. A bottle of water goes a long way on a hot day, and hot chocolate does the trick on a cold one.

JG: You seem to have a close relationship with a lot of fans through your mailing list, Facebook, and social media. How do you foster that relationship?

FA: Right now I’m doing that all on my own and it actually takes quite a bit of time to keep all of the sites up-to-date and nurture those relationships. It’s totally worth it, though – because of the internet, it is actually possible to be a successful recording artist sans a major record deal. That is amazing!

JG: Are you able to have music as your ‘day job’? If not, how do you occupy yourself?

FA: I’m doing music full-time now. I teach private piano and guitar lessons during the day and at night I sing. I’m really lucky. I get to do what I love.

JG: When you think about people listening to your music, how do you picture them listening to it?

FA: I picture them doing different things for different songs. I’ve had a lot of people contact me about some of the sadder love songs, actually thanking me and saying that they’re going through something similar and that they identify. I guess I picture them in their rooms figuring things out. The more upbeat songs, I imagine people bopping around to or listening to while they’re driving or running.

OurStage is known for its many talented artists in dozens of different genres. Every month, we award prizes to those that have made it to the very top of the charts. Join us in congratulating the artists that ranked Number 1 in their channel!

Video Winner: Flo Anito – “Uh Oh!“

Shot in a local diner, Flo Anito’s video for “Uh Oh!” goes perfectly with the fun, upbeat song. Through a series of amusing mishaps and scenes playing her acoustic guitar, the video is both entertaining and adorable.

Wesleyan University alum Flo Anito’s many Los Angeles fans are voting in excitement as she is one of five finalists in a major contest. The contest is entitled "Cosmo Radio Breaks the Band with Cocktails with Patrick." Cosmo is a Sirius (satellite) Radio station and "Cocktails with Patrick" is the title of one of the daily programs.

Flo explains, "I found out about the contest via one of my Facebook friends and submitted my song 'Uh Oh.' I'm not sure how many entries there were to begin with…" but there’s been probably more than 100. Flo excitedly exclaims, "I found out a few days ago that 'Uh Oh' was selected for the final 5!"

Flo just finished a music video directed by Francisco Campos-Lopez for the song. To vote is as simple as 1-2-3: 1) go to sirius.com/cosmoradio 2) click on the Flo radio button, and 3) click vote! Flo expresses appreciation for her loyal and rapidly growing numbers of supporters and gratitude that "the timing couldn’t be better."

I met Flo Anito when I was taking part of the music video by Tom Goss for It's All Over. The shoot was taking place in Washington, DC, in a park. Flo played the part of the jogger in the park, and later a guest at the backyard party. I can't be sure, but I swear she is checking out Tom's butt in that video...During the shoot, I enjoyed talking to her, and shared some laughs. She was quite nice, smart, and quite funny. At some point, there was a CD playing in the garage of the party shoot, and I thought it had an interesting sound. It turns out, it was Flo's CD, No Dustbunnies. Honestly, I had forgotten about it, until I recently saw a new video was posted, for the song Uh Oh! Flo's vocals are a combination of styles and sounds, like Kate Bush with a total American spin. There is an exuberance in her music, a real joy. On first listen to her album, I had an immediate infatuation with Change My Life, Uh Oh!, Mean, and the title track. I managed to find No Dustbunnies, and will be happy to share it with you.

see link

Month's ago, Flo Anito graced the headline banner of DC Deli's site as Artist of the Month. She had just debuted a music video off her latest album "No Dust Bunnies", and as of June 1, that video has recieved the grand prize in Ourstage's Video Finals. Our intern Jessie caught up with her to find out her musical origins, performing at DC memorials, and how she found Rod Stewart. Full interview here... (click link for interview)

The below video is a performance by Flo Anito at the the Downtown Holiday Market in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.. I'm not sure what the name of the song is but, I couldn't help but notice that Flo wasn't wearing gloves as she was banging away on her keyboard on that nippy December day. I don't know about anyone else, but I was FREEZING. She eventually put her gloves on .... But it made me wonder ... ARE MUSICIANS COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS, like dinosaurs? Are they able to withstand the extreme temperatures better than ordinary Joes like me?

Flo's music is quite good, and her song "Uh-Oh" is appearing in my film Journey to the Center of Artomatic, which I recently completed. (click link for video)

Rising Star Flo Anito:
Classically trained in voice, piano, and cello, Flo Anito began her singer/songwriter career at 16 when she got her hands on her first guitar.... see more at url

“I found four talented singers/bands that I really wanted to work with via MySpace. My searches uncovered Alexis George, Flo Anito, Practically Einstein and Modern Thieves (formerly Politicks). I saw something unusual and special in each one of these artists.” Alexis George and Flo Anito, who are not just fellow musicians, but also friends, remember their first interaction with Campos-Lopez. “He sent me a message on MySpace about a music video. I was thinking ‘this guy can’t be serious,’” recalls George. “But then I spoke with Flo, who had also been contacted by Francisco, and she encouraged me to drop my skepticism.” Anito, who recently completed a Campos-Lopez video for her song “Uh-Oh” said, “I checked out his electronic press kit and his reels and was blown away. He clearly knows how to capture light and color in a way that flatters the subject. How could I say ‘no’?”

With a Warhol-like charisma, Campos-Lopez is fostering his own “factory” in the DC/MD/VA community. This union of filmmakers, photographers, musicians and dancers grows with each music video. An example of this camaraderie is seen in Anito’s video for “Uh Oh.” Modern Thieves’ front man, Ryan Murphy plays a vain diner customer, while Brad Pugh, singer from Practically Einstein, channels a brute dude ordering a T-Bone steak. “I stay true to my passions and desire to create solid videos. DC has so much untapped talent. It’s like a gold mine,” says Campos-Lopez. “More importantly, the DC talent is very receptive to the video medium.”

The ninth week of 2011 sees forty different artists’ CDs, MP3’s, WAV and FLAC files reaching our desks here at the WomensRadio studios. Contained within this mountain of music are some of 2011’s greatest finds to-date.
There’s so much quality music on our desks this week that we couldn’t let our readers leave without mentioning artists like Sussan Deyhim, Flo Anito, Emma Hill and Her Gentlemen Callers and Melissa Li & the Barely Theirs … they’ve all been WomensRadio-tested and pre-approved for transmission.

Welcome to the THIRTEENTH edition of FEMMEBOX on WomensRadio! This still somewhat brand-new weekly feature showcases music videos, live performances, remixes, cover songs, movie trailers and tour diaries from the week’s HOTTEST Independent Female Musicians (and some big names as well).

Flo Anito: Uh-Oh! – Lip gloss and bow ties. Coffee pots and waitressing. Flo’s a busy woman, no doubt but it’s certainly no excuse for spilling coffee on paying customers, which is exactly what takes place in the video for “Uh-Oh!”. While Anito may not play the most dexterous role as a waitress, her vocal abilities and choice in men make up for any lack of commitment found early on in the video and viewers are left craving more of that honey graham voice of hers laid ever so comfortably over rustic Americana grooves.

Simply put, Flo Anito rocks the way a singer-songwriter should rock. Plus, fans are fanatically sending this LA Examiner their rare bootlegs of incredible Ani DiFranco and Radiohead covers by awesome Anito. Meanwhile, her more well-known original performances are earning huge accolades from Silver Lake, LA to Middletown, CT and everywhere in between. Francisco Campos-Lopez, http://www.facebook.com/iamcamposlopez whose videos take the genre to another level, raves about Flo’s greatness and her music is earning votes of confidence everywhere. Here, Flo acknowledges the urgency of voting for her upon her nomination with just 48 hrs to go, her continued blossoming, and upcoming festivals.

W.E. Which projects are going on currently/recently in the fantastic musical life of Flo Anito?
F.A. I was just nominated for Deli Magazine's Artist of the Month so I'm on a bit of a promotional blitz trying to get people to vote for me online. The Deli is one of the top 15 music blogs in the country so I'm super excited about being nominated. Voters can vote in the poll at http://washington.thedelimagazine.com

In addition to the contest, I'm keeping busy writing new material - I just debuted a new song last week - and promoting my album and new music video.
W.E. Which happening in your artistic life can we most look forward to hearing/seeing in the future, whether it be your wonderful performing, songwriting, videos etc...
F.A. In the very near future, I'll be performing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival which I think is one of the nicest gigs in the city. It's a beautiful time in DC and I'll be playing on the big outdoor Sylvan Theatre stage. I actually made my NYC television debut last night in a program promoting the festival. That was pretty cool...

Flo Anito won the contest (not a Seinfeld reference)- approx twice as many votes all the others combined!! She expresses appreciation to all her fans and that includes those who voted upon reading part I of the interview. http://www.examiner.com/music-in-los-angeles/fantastic-flo-anito-interview She discusses her video here:

W.E. How would you describe the experience of working with film director Francisco Campos-Lopez http://www.examiner.com/music-in-los-angeles/frankie-s-factory-music-videos-premiere on the awesome video (I love the humor in it too) for your song and where do you see the future of music video heading?

F.A. I loved shooting the video for "Uh Oh". A bunch of my friends were amazing and took the day off work. We shot the entire video on a Monday because that's the only day the diner was closed. Despite that fact, the owner of the diner, Matt Ashburn, came in and cooked food for the scenes and made a cameo appearance in the video.
Once we decided on the song, we were pretty much in agreement about the story line. I think Francisco liked the idea of using a diner because of the Americana aspect. When I first heard about the Capital City Diner, via two people on my mailing list, I knew it was the perfect spot. It was inside DC and had this perfect vintage feel to it that I think really matches my music and style.

Once we had the venue, things started falling into place quickly. Seema Khana, who did the makeup for my album, agreed to do it for the video; I found Kristen Penn, the hairstylist, via her mom who was on my mailing list; and Francisco knew Stella Bonds who designed the blue dress I wore. After a day of searching for the perfect waitressing outfit in costume and uniform stores, I randomly spotted a thrift store that had exactly one of the perfect dress in the perfect size.
It was fate...
The shooting itself was really interesting. I'd done a ton of theatre but very little film acting before so shooting the shots out of order was a little disorienting. I was happy to see the first draft because it was only then that I could really piece together all the scenes we'd shot. I'm really happy with the final product. I love the video's look and feel.

Los Angeles is a complex series of sub-cultures. So is the internet. The audacity of the music business' social network is one that seems to make intuitive sense to many musicians, who jam on the ever increasing reach, enabling self-aware artists like Flo Anito http://www.examiner.com/music-in-los-angeles/flo-wins-talks-francisco-film to build consciously on the inspiration of pioneer Ani DiFranco's bold independence while utilizing the resources now available.

W.E. What would you consider the overall gestalt message of your work to be?

F.A. I think my work is straightforward, simple, and honest. I write and sing from the heart. I'm a really private person and very soft-spoken but when I sing all of that goes away. For as long as I can remember, I've been told I was over-emotional and hyper-sensitive. While these traits might be regarded as weaknesses, I wouldn't trade them for the world. I think they are what make my music unique and soulful.

W.E "Up Oh," only time for one more question: Can you talk about musical influences and about the impact of Ani DiFranco on your songwriting process?

F.A. Fun question... :) I would say early influences were Jewel, Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple, the Counting Crows, and REM. I'm really big on lyrics and I think all of those artists are poets, some of whom helped me get through some really tough times. These days, I listen to a lot of Latin music, moving to DC definitely gave me a big appreciation for rap and hip hop, and I also have a great fondness for dance/techno that is seeping into my newer compositions. I still love me the singer/songwriters though - Regina Spektor, Nellie Mckay, Amy Winehouse... I love it all.

In regards to Ani, I have a great respect for her. She has stayed so true to herself and has done it all on her own. These days I think it's easier to stay unsigned or create your own label thanks to the computer age and social networking world we all live in - just look at Ingrid Michaelson, her music is all over TV and she's doing it without a major label which is pretty amazing. When Ani came out though, I think it was a bold move to do what she did and I have the utmost respect for her and her music.

Flo continues to speak from the heart http://www.examiner.com/music-in-los-angeles/flo-anito-speaks-from-the-heart here on Los Angeles, Wesleyan, jazz legend Anthony Braxton and more while relaying some good vibrations.

W.E. If one song of yours were to describe your feelings about Los Angeles, which song would it be?

F.A. Probably one of my two songs which are about struggling in the industry, trying to keep up, and create, and compete. When I think of LA, I think of the music business and how many people are working so hard to do exactly what I am trying to do. I wish us all the best of luck and extra energy.

W.E. How would you describeyour impression of the Wesleyan University music culture and how it impacted/impacts you as a musician?

F.A. Oh I loved the Wesleyan music culture. I had never been exposed to so much world music, so much experimental, so much avant-garde music. It was at Wesleyan that I first learned about African music which I love to no end. I was able to play the balafon in a Mande ensemble and performed a Pygmy piece that consisted of blowing on different bottles. I had this great class called Performing Emily where we deconstructed Emily Dickinson poems and made performance pieces about them. I got to take Jazz Improv with Anthony Braxton and we performed his opera that took place in an office building but he never gave us a starting pitch so we had to rely on this one kid who had perfect pitch and then sight read til the end of class. And my favorite teacher at Wesleyan was Alvin Lucier who ran my Music Major seminar. We had to compose about 12 mini pieces on different instruments - I remember one of the experimental musicians wrote a song for the koto player to play where she was supposed to use different tools to play her koto. One of them looked a whole lot like a vibrator and I thought the poor girl might faint. By the end of that class, we had all written a sting quartet and seen it performed by a professional group - pretty amazing. Thank you, Wesleyan.

lo Anito’s got a step-up when compared to her fellow singer-songwriters in the District. She has an official music video for her song “Uh Oh,” which is already getting press in the LA Examiner and DC’s On Tap Magazine. The video, shot in-town at the Capital City Diner, is just one of many bragging rights this girl’s got on her musical resume.

After a live audition, Anito was selected for the 2010 Artist Roster at the world renowned Strathmore Music Hall. “Uh Oh” was also one of five finalists in Cosmo Radio’s Breaking the Band Contest, which won Anito an on-air interview and a song spin on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Her new album, “No Dustbunnies,” features Chris Keup (O.A.R., Erin McKeown), Stewart Meyers (Lifehouse), and Brian Jones (Dave Matthews Band, Mandy Moore). It is also a best seller on both CD Baby and Digstation and is getting radio play in New York, Connecticut, and the DC metro area.

Anito is an established name in a vocal community of District performance artists. She encourages her musical counterparts and took the time to share her stories and experiences with the We Love DC audience.

See interview at URL!

Q. How did the project come into existence?
CD
I decided to record my full length album, No Dustbunnies down in Charlottesville with producers Chris Keup , Stewart Myers (Jason Mraz, OAR, Lifehouse, Rachel Yamagata), and drummer Brian Jones (DMB, Mandy Moore) after a friend who went to highschool with Jason Mraz found out that he'd recorded with them. I self-funded and self-released the album after 2 one week blocks of recording time. It was a long time in the making as I had to raise money for the second block of recording time.
MUSIC VIDEO
I was contacted by director Francisco Campos-Lopez via Myspace about making a music video for one of my songs. I was doubtful at first because there are so many scams out there but we found a time to meet up and threw some ideas back and forth and ended up coming up with what I thought was a pretty cool concept. I was almost a theatre major so I was super excited about acting in the video and wanted it to tell a story. I chose my song Uh Oh which had been a finalist in Cosmo Radio's Breaking the Band contest and decided to set the story in a 50's style All-American diner in DC. I set out to find a diner that would let us shoot and somebody from my mailing list immediately suggested the Capital City Diner in NE DC. Upon visiting and meeting the owner, I knew it was the perfect place. I recruited friends to help out with the shoot and we managed to finish the whole shoot in a day which was pretty amazing. We released the video at the Rock and Roll Hotel in mid December and put it up on Youtube right away. It's been doing great - over 3000 views in two months.


Q.Who are the members of the band if any and please tell us about it? I usually play solo but occasionally my friend Jeff Goodwin joins me on drums and Brian Waitzman plays the bass/guitar. I sing and play keys and the acoustic guitar.


Q How would you describe your sound/genre? I call it Jazzy Pop - what you might get if you threw Nellie McKay, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Jewel, Janis Joplin, and Regina Spektor into a stew pot.


Q. What formal training or previous experience do any of the members have? I have classical training in Voice, Piano, and Cello. I studied folk/fingerpicking Guitar and Classical and Jazz Vocals in college.


Q. Are you working w/ a producer on your upcoming album? I will for sure.


Q. Who would you say has been the biggest influence on the bands sound or that you have used as inspiration for your music? Most of my music is based on my experiences and those of my close friends. As far as musical inspirations, I listened to a lot of lyric heavy artists - Fiona Apple, Counting Crows, Ani Difranco, Jewel. I also love Jazz and Blues so I have tons of Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Louis Armstrong. Right now my favorites are Regina Spektor, Nellie McKay, Amy Winehouse, Julieta Venegas, and Shakira. I love to dance so Latin, African, and Techno are in my mix as well.


Q.What advice would you give to others starting out? Work as hard as you can and then work harder. I think no matter what stage of your career you're in, that's good advice.


Q. Where can people go to learn more about you and hear your music? You can find everything on my website: http://www.floanito.com. I also have a Youtube channel, if you want to see live performances, new songs, and music videos. My Youtube channel is: http://www.youtube.com/floanito. I have CDs for sale on CD Baby and I'm on i-tunes, napster, rhapsody, lala, shockhoud, and all that jazz.


Q. If you could play anywhere in the world or with anyone you wanted where and who would it be with? Hmmm... I think I would play with Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Africa or maybe with Moby somewhere with great acoustics or Redrocks with Big Head Todd or with Ella at the Apollo...


Q. What has been your greatest experience so far either individually or as a whole? I have a lot of great memories. I've always loved singing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Singing on the stage in front of the Jefferson Memorial to hundreds of people, surrounded by Cherry Blossoms. One year a football (soccer) team from Argentina got on stage with me at the end of the show to dance and take pictures. 2 years in a row the same teachers brought their nursery school students to my performance and the kids were so adorable - they gave me hugs and asked to touch my guitar. I got to sing for the Secretary of the Interior at their press conference and not long ago I sang the National Anthem at a Washington Freedom (DC's professional women's soccer team) game. My live interview on Cosmo Radio was pretty exciting and receiving No Dustbunnies in the mail was an amazing feeling as well - to see all that work in tangible form was such a relief - and the shooting of the music video was such a whirlwind but so great, not only for the musical aspect but for the positive energy and the amazing show of support.


Q. Do you have any upcoming events or news you would like to tell our readers about? I have lots of upcoming shows and I really hope your readers will check out the new music video and my CD!


Q. Where do you see yourselves or hope to be in about 5 years? I hope to be able to tour internationally, have a few more CDs under my belt, and be happy and healthy. A spread in Rolling Stone wouldn't be so bad either...

Pop/jazz singer Flo Anito was filming a music video at Capital City Diner today!

It's more than just cupcake baking that goes on during the normal staff's day off at the Capital City Diner. Today jazzy pop musician Flo Anito is filming a music video there. Sneak a peak at the action here. Via Twitter.

Flo Anito—I don’t really know who she is, but apparently she might open for Hanson—is shooting a video at Capital City Diner.

Art, Wine, and a block Party; how could this not be fun? The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT, centered at 7th and F streets, NW, takes over four blocks with expansive programming. The event opens with a juried fineArt Market featuring 50 artists and live entertainment from Wednesday, September 8 through Friday, September 10 from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily (on F Street between 7th & 9th). Music performances throughout market hours include renowned local artists Flo Anito (jazz-pop), Dave Chappell (guitar), Janine Wilson & Max Evans (acoustic roots), Seth Kibel (instrumental jazz), and The Sweater Set (folk).

The distinctive combo of easily enjoyable accessibility with a true depth of feeling, thought, and truth reminds one of the Cromwell, Connecticut native himself who grew up minutes from Wesleyan where Tierney Sutton, Flo Anito- (the subject of upcoming article), and MGMT members attended, where avant-garde jazz legend Anthony Braxton teaches.

2-3pm- Classically trained in voice, piano, and cello, Flo Anito is a DC based singer/songwriter who has gone pop! Flo was recently named as a Finalist in the Sirius Cosmo Radio Breaking the Band Contest! You can check out her music and vote for her at http://www.sirius.com/cosmoradio until 11:59pm August 30.

ON TAP REVIEWS "NO DUSTBUNNIES"!
Flo Anito has made D.C. her home, and we are the better for it. Her release “No Dustbunnies” is filled with heartache, lost love, ambition and hope, The effort put into creating this record is evident. Strong female songwriter with a piano makes for comparisons to Tori or Fiona, but that isn’t fair. Her bluesy, soulful takes stand out. Check out “Man of the Year,” “Work!” and “Drunken Letter.” — Robert Fulton

Once, while borrowing a friend’s IPod I heard an artist that struck me. Her name was Flo Anito. I will never forget listening to her music. Soothing is an experience that is hard to come by but Flo Anito, as her name states in a way, has a sound that flows through an ear in a soothing manner and yet has a catchy tune that you can’t do anything but hum.

Flo stands out with her music and style. From what I’ve heard, she is a performer who engages everyone and is truly lively. I know that I am no wordsmith but I really do mean those words above. There is something about her music that is comfortable and fresh. If you are new to her music check her out quickly. I found her randomly and was excited from the first song I heard.

So then, I spoke with one of the individuals who did sound for her, Phil Bena Jr and heard some of her first-class live-recorded music. He created a small track that I listened to and couldn’t believe her live feeling and enthusiasm. I bought her CD quickly after hearing her live at the Christmas events in DC.

Anito has played at venues all over Washington DC and still should be booked even more. If you’re a business who wants a crowd pleaser hire Flo Anito and she will bring an audience into her music at a dinner / home / restaurant / coffee house / or stage.

Acrobatics and acoustic melodies will waft onto City Dock this Sunday as daring aerialist Moira Lee kicks off the day's performances, followed by the acoustic sounds of Swampcandy, Gary and Leah, and Flo Anito. It's all part of the Summer at City Dock taking place at Susan Campbell Park Sundays and holiday weekends throughout the summer.

D.C. favorite Flo Anito wraps up the day with her unique jazzy pop sounds. Anito is fast becoming a rising star in the D.C. music scene and was a favorite of the judges at the Summer At City Dock open auditions last spring.

Highlights of Celebrate Fairfax:

"At times reflective, other times humorous, all the time entertaining, area singer-songwriter Flo Anito is a welcomed reprieve between rock acts."

Flo Anito is a classically trained singer who has gone pop, plain and simple. She’s the got the face of a pinup and the voice of an angel, she is MTV bound.

Check out our picks for must-see Art Unplugged performances after the jump.

With 38 impressive performances to choose from, it can be daunting to pick your best bet. Gates did the work for you; here are some recommendations for the remaining performances this summer. (Remember, admission is free!)

Flo Anito
Saturday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
A twenty-something songstress whose sweet vocals have just enough edge to make it interesting, reminiscent of a Fiona Apple pop/jazz track.

LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW:
District of Sound.com introduced itself to the world on November 19th at DC9 with the help of a few friends, including Flo Anito, Temporary Basement, The Gypsy Sons, and The Fishermen. In keeping with DoS’s mission, all the bands were selected because they highlight some of the best local music the DC area has to offer. It was a great crowd with a little bit of something for everyone. The night rocked—literally. Expectations were definitely high for DoS’s inaugural event, and no one wanted to disappoint.


Flo Anito
You know you have a great musician if they can put a stop a conversations midway and turn a few heads (in a good way) all before the end of their first song. Flo Anito, a long time DC performer, made the audience take notice with her masterful command of the guitar, keyboard, and voice that could make even the most crappy day better. She opened up with one of her newer songs, “Gallery D”—a thoughtful tune supported by a pop infused beat that will remind you of some of her other songs like “Uh-Oh” and “No Dustbunnies.” The audience was treated to her melodic introspection and musings on love, life, and the meaning of it all. Ms. Anito manages to turn the mundane into something extraordinary through her music.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS (DC/BALTIMORE/PHILLY MUSIC BLOG) BLOGS ABOUT FLO!!!
DC’s very own classically trained vocalist, pianist, and cellist, Flo Anito is out and about in the area this summer promoting her new record, No Dust Bunnies. Sweet, sultry and surprisingly concise considering her classical background, Anito's style fuses Ani DiFranco and Jewel (pre-her silly pop phase) and still comes out a little more like Nelly McKay than I could have ever hoped.

And then we close out with Flo Anito’s “No Good.” It’s warm and jazzy, full of piano and bluesy organ fills, with lyrical phrasing that lazily wraps around the lines, creating a nice smoky atmosphere. You can catch her across the river at the The Red & The Black in DC Friday, July 25th.

Trust me, when I say ... "Flo Anito's NO DUSTBUNNIES will make a perfect Holiday gift".

ACOUSTIC DISTRICT REVIEWS "NO DUSTBUNNIES"
Let's get this out right off the bat; I am a Flo Anito fan. I have been anxiously awaiting this album for almost two years now. With that in mind, throughout that time I have had very high expectations for it. What I hoped this CD would capture is at the same time what I feared it never would, the wit and innocence of Flo's voice, through her music.

I have not been disappointed.

No Dustbunnies comes barreling out of the gate with the radio ready "Man of the Year". Caught off guard with the simplicity of the first verse, Brian Jones opens up his drums, taking the music to a new level all together. It is hard to make it through this song without exclaiming Flo Anito has arrived!

Flo has managed to create a variant of pop on this album that I am affectionately naming "Sugar Pop". Chris Keup and Stewart Myers have done an exceptional job at taking Anito's sweet sounding "Pop" and giving her a sharpened "Rock" edge, leaving the songs dynamic and versatile.

Stand out tracks include the aforementioned "Man of the Year", a top 40 hit in any listener's ears. "Change My Life", borrowing notes from The Fray, creating a piano based ballad about growth, integration and moving in a new direction. "No Good", a song about un-reciprocated love with a chorus that I still find myself singing and finally, "No Dustbunnies" a song that showcases Flo's creative lyric writing, painting a world where Beaver Cleaver still roams the streets – a place where Flo longs to be, tongue firmly planted in cheek.

You can pick up the CD at – www. cdbaby. com/floanito – you will not be disappointed.

Tom Goss
The Acoustic District

FLO NAMED TOP LOCAL DC BAND BY MI GENTE HISPANA!
Flo Anito is an artist that has been interested in music all of her life. When she was younger she use to beg her mother to let her be in the Mickey Mouse Club, but she never did get the chance. However, her love for music never died, and she continued to make music. Flo Anito is starting to become a very well known singer in the Washington DC area, not only for her great music, but her good looks and charms as well. She pours her heart and soul into her music, and this is something that can be heard when listing to her songs.
Interview:
Q: How old where you, when you got started in the music industry?
A: I started working in musical theater when I was nine. I loved being on stage. I’ve played piano since I was five, the cello since I was ten, and the guitar since I was sixteen. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t sing. I use to beg my mom to let me audition for the Star Search, Kids Incorporated, or even the Mickey Mouse Club, but we live in upstate NY and it never really happened. I majored in Music at Wesleyan U (CT) though, and that was when I realized that songwriting was what I wanted to do.
Q: What got you started making music?
A: High school made me crazy and music kept me sane. I listened to a lot of Jewel and Ani. There songs were a light at the end of a dark tunnel to me. I figured if they could untangle things with music, I might as well give it a shot. So I started writing while I listened. I filled up a zillion journals. I wrote a song for a speech at my high school graduation and when I got into college, I stated performing my songs at Cafes, dorms, the bookstore…
Q: Who are some of the other artists and musicians that you like to listen to?
A: Right now I listen to Feist, Julieta Venegas, Regina Spektor, Nellie McKay, Ingride Michaelson, Postal Service, Thievery Corporation, Ben Folds Five, Amy Winehouse, Georgie James.
Favorites are Elle Fitzgerald, Counting Crows, Celia Cruz, REM, Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple, Shakira, Radiohead, Paul Simon, Kanye West, Pete Yorn, Jamie Cullum, The Weakerthans, and Jewel.
Q: What are some hobbies of yours that you do in your spare time?
A: I play on four soccer teams so that eats up a lot of time. I just got back from a tournament in Vegas. I Love dancing as well. Especially Salsa y Merengue. I go to a lot of concerts, and I travel whenever I can.
Q: How do you come up with new music? What is your inspiration?
A:Most of my songs are about my life. People, places, books, and situations that I have encounter and the inspiration as well, I guess. I am also not very brave about having big conversations so whenever one of those is due, I tend to write a song……or five.
Q: Which song that you have written I your favorite, and why? What is the meaning behind it?
A: That changes with the hour but the title track of my album “No Dustbunnies” is definitely one of my favorites to perform life cause I love watching the audience’s reaction to it. I wrote it one day when I was “people watching” in Cleveland Park and I saw all these couples holding hands and men carrying bougquest. I found myself wishing I had that in my life and then I got frustrated at myself for wanting that and started to make fun of myself a bit. I guess the song is really a bit of a throwback to the 50’s with a toungue in cheek modern twist. People always ask which side of the song I’m on. Feminist or Anit-Feminist, and it usually opens up some cool conversations.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get started in the music industry?
A: Get a Myspace Page!
Q: Were your family and friends supportive of your music and your choices to get into the music industry?
A: My mom used to cart me around to my music lessons and play rehearsals, but she’d always tell me I should be a surgeon cause I had agile fingers from playing the piano. My dad wasn’t thrilled with the music idea in the beginning. He wanted me to be a lawyer, eek! These days though, everyone is really supportive. My sisters and brother help me out a ton, and my friends are super!
Q: Where do you see your band in the next few years?
A: Touring, touring, and touring some more (with two albums, not one).
Q: What is the overall goal or dream that you want to achieve with your music?
A: I want to help someone else the way that the music I listened to has helped me. Music save me and I’d like to pay it forward. Of course it would be cool to be on the cover or Rolling Stone too….

DISTRICT OF SOUND INTERVIEWS/FEATURES FLO
Classically trained in voice, piano, and cello, Flo began her career as a singer/songwriter at age 16 when she got her hands on her first guitar. Her lively performance style, along with her powerful voice and candid lyrics make her a force to be reckoned with!


Photo provided by Flo Anito

WHY DID YOU GET STARTED IN MUSIC? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING?
I’ve been singing forever... I started playing piano when I was five ‘cuz my mom made me. I picked up the cello in elementary school ‘cuz the orchestra teacher said my hands were too small for the bass. And I took up guitar ‘cuz I wanted an excuse to get my crush over to my house in high school. I started performing for audiences when I was nine—that’s when I started working in musical theatre and I did that through college. I went to Wesleyan thinking I’d be an actress, but I started performing my original stuff in college and it felt so good to spill my soul that I ended up here ;)

WHAT IS THE BEST SHOW YOU’VE EVER PLAYED AND WHY?
I love the National Cherry Blossom Festival—it’s my favorite gig. There’s a big stage set up in front of the Jefferson Memorial, you’re surrounded by the cherry blossoms, and as long as the weather’s warm, there are soooo many people from soooo many places. Last year I finished my set with a Euro-trance beat song and there were probably 60 elementary school kids dancing plus three Russian high-schoolers who had taken the arms of the elementary teachers. Another year, an Argentinean soccer team joined me on stage for a picture. Strangers have sent me photos and videos after the shows and I always meet really interesting people there. It’s pretty amazing.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC CAREER IN 10 YEARS?
I hope to have a few more CDs under my belt by then and I’d like to be touring nationally and internationally. A mention in ‘Rolling Stone’ wouldn’t be too bad either... And maybe someone else could do my booking? That’d be nice ;)

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SONGS?
Hmmm... life, loves, family, friends, strangers, books, conversations, other music, the weather, the occasional vodka tonic...

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE TO BOOK A SHOW?
To book a show, I’m not sure. I played a really strange gig at Gold’s Gym in Arlington. I was set up right next to a bunch of treadmills and Stairmasters and I sang while people sweat... That was crazy slash stinky.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AISLE IN THE GROCERY STORE?
The fruit section—mmmm’ raspberries are delicious!

DO YOU PREFER AISLE, MIDDLE, OR WINDOW?
Aisle—freedom, movement, quasi-views out of both sides of the plane, people watching. What more could you want? Does anybody say middle?

Joel's Picks – by Joel Sparks
SUNDAY JULY 1 FLO ANITO AT THE WONDERLAND BALLROOM
A gentleman and a scholar, Michael Jantz continues to host local musicians at his Sunday night Wonderland gigs. Anito makes original singer-songwriter material something like Fiona Apple. Jantz will also play his own soulful, introspective ballads.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006:Flo Anito returns to Downtown Holiday Market @ 12n today
When passing through the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market on Sunday afternoon, 17 December 2006, en route to the 2006 National Hanakkuh Menorah Lighting, I had the pleasure of listening to bluesy pop artist Flo Anito performing at 2006 Downtown Holiday Market (pdf) entertainment stage…
To learn more about Flo Anito visit her website or myspace. And, by all means, stop in at the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market between 12 noon and 2 pm today, 20 December, which is when Flo Anito returns for a repeat performance

On June 8, five musicians, including Goss, will play at Potter's House to support Charlie's Place: Taylor Carson, Bobby T, Flo Anito and Hilary Morgan. Goss does bookings for showcases in the city, and these are a handful of his favorite musicians…"The musicians are donating their time to Charlie's Place. They're being very gracious. I can't speak highly enough about the performers, their music, their persona. They're good people to know about in the city."

You will fall in love with Flo Anito! I saw her at an DC Acoustic Underground event recently and she completely enveloped the room. A tremendous local talent, reminiscent of Regina Spektor/Ani Difranco/Fiona Apple with acoustic and classical influences. A wonderful voice, seemingly timid musician until the first note is struck. ..
Note: I am in no way affiliated with Flo or 219 and do not stand to benefit from this event (other than great music at a fav restaurant with cool peeps)

I knew it! I knew it would happen! Flo Anito is such a wonderful talent and endearing performer, I knew she would win over a few more. Had it not been for the hungover bartender and an ill-mannered table too close to everybody, it would have been a perfect night…
- POST EVENT FEEDBACK >> Comments
-Lauren awesome:Flo was amazing and the venue was a welcomed surprise! I say next time we just take over the audience so we don't have to worry about obnoxious drunks :). Would definitely do it again!

-Michele_R: Great Time! It was definitely a great time, and great venue. Thanks for hosting Mike

-Prateek Absolutely! A very relaxing evening out and everyone was great. Flo was amazing. I think I liked 'I am mean' song most, it sure was hilarious. Thanks Michael for planning this.

-CharAnn yes, indeed i fell in love with her. i would have gone to see her at the RnR if I didn't already have plans:( i will definitely follow her on myspace.com...thanks for introducing us to a great new artist and the acoustic underground.

Up next was Flo Anito, super- short, cute and talented. But, there was one odd thing about her song choice that Michael and I noticed. She sang 12 songs about failed relationships??? Even I don't havethat many and I am not even of the super-cute variety... To add to the quirkiness, she mentioned that the night before she had dismissed
Freddie Adu without giving out her number. Which led to me to two immediate conclusions: One, I wasn't even going to try small talk. Two, just who were the 12 that impressed her more than the young millionaire soccer hero that they get songs about them??? Guess, I'll never know ;-p

NICCI M REVIEWS "NO DUSTBUNNIES"
What I’m listening to- Flo Anito
Category: Music

A friend of mine just gave me a new CD by a relatively unknown singer/singwriter named Flo Anito. Usually, I listen to these things once and then add them to my stack of CDs to listen to later. However, I am now hooked on this one and I can't get enough of it. She sounds like Tory Amos or Fiona Apple without all of the melancholy! The songs are really catchy, with articulate and clever lyrics. Myspace gets a shout out in her song "Uh Oh!" I find myself singing along to the the bluesy hooks of "no good". "MEAN" is a fun song, and so is "no dustbunnies", which will have you yearning for (or laughing at) a life from the 1950's. But the breakaway song with the most mass-market appeal is "What you don't know can hurt you". I think that will be her first hit. It is a GREAT song.

The album is called "no dustbunnies" and you can buy it from her web site, www.floanito.com. Sadly, it is not available on itunes yet but I have already asked them to start selling it. I promise you will love this CD- in fact, if you buy it and don't find at least one song you like, I will reimburse you for the cost of the CD! You can't beat that! Check her out!

after attending a 2008 flo show at Solly’s: Colleen told me a story the other night about a creative writing class she took in college. Apparently, an intrepid and uniquely honest boy brought up the question to the class of why, exactly, didn't any of their poems sound anything like the professional writers whose work they studied? What was that thing that separated joyce, neruda or austen from their peers? We still don't know, but we think you have it! Rock on, chica!