OFLO: Self-Discovery Through Love and Heartbreak

Image Source: Duy Ho Photography

Olivia Florentino, artistically known as OFLO, is a bicoastal 22-year old with diverse talent and captivating energy. Living in New York City but born and raised in San Francisco, OFLO moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music where she received a degree in Music Business. She cites Kehlani, Ariana Grande, Aaliyah, Drake, and Diplo as her musical inspirations.

While studying in Boston, OFLO released her first EP titled Only the Best in 2015, which was written and sung by Florentino and produced by D-WiLL, a fellow student at Berklee College of Music. With the recent release of OFLO’s second EP, Thank You the 22-year old has rightfully earned the title of a triple threat. Thank You features OFLO’s vocals and lyrics, and each of the five tracks on the project were co-produced by Florentino herself.

The EP is a polished gem that encapsulates the far-reaching artistic talent of Olivia Florentino by showcasing her vocal skills, poignant songwriting talent, and minimalist yet powerful production expertise.

OFLO’s Thank You is crafted and produced with intention: its lyrical content is intimately personal yet remarkably relatable. The production is straight-forward and understated which marries perfectly with the project’s complex narrative: a story of OFLO’s journey of self-discovery through love and heartbreak.

Each track takes the listener along a narrative of intimacy and romance that many adolescents are all too familiar with: in “Starlight,” OFLO is able to capture the feeling of heartbreak that ensues from unrequited emotions. Take a listen to “Jealous,” in which OFLO sings about the disappointment that results from a toxic relationship fraught with emotional disconnection. The last track of the EP, “Dreamin’,” lightens up in both content and structure; it speaks to the beautiful, giddy feeling of developing a crush on someone.

The 14-minute, 5-track EP is a reflection on the intricacy of intimate relationships, and OFLO does it with an authenticity and realness that is invigorating. The EP comes together to paint a story of a girl growing up, finding herself both through love and without love. 

Image source: oflomusic.com

OFLO has paired with RAW, an independent arts organization. RAW provides independent artists of all kinds with crucial tools, resources, and exposure to increase the visibility and creativity of its artists. RAW hosts showcases across America, the UK, Canada, and Australia. These showcases function as an indie art festival of sorts in which RAW hand-picks local artists (visual, fashion, film, music, performance, art, hair and makeup, photography) to come together for an evening of creative collaboration and celebration.

Stay up to date with what OFLO has to offer by connecting with her here: Website /Spotify / SoundCloud / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter !