Flo Anito

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 - Elvert Barnes - freedom blogspot

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. - frozentropics.blogspot.com

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. - frozentropics.blogspot.com

“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.” - On Tap Magazine

“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.” - On Tap Magazine

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

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

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

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.
- 2bloxdc.com

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. - outside the gates (blog of the georgetown hoya)

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. - outside the gates (blog of the georgetown hoya)

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?
- DistrictofSound.com

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.

- metromusicscene.com

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.

- metromusicscene.com

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 - Acoustic District

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. - Instrumental Analysis

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. - districtofsound.com

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 the 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. Their 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 started 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, Ingrid Michaelson, Postal Service, Thievery Corporation, Ben Folds Five, Amy Winehouse, Georgie James.
Favorites are Ella 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 encountered are 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 live 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 bouquets. 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 tongue 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 saved me and I’d like to pay it forward. Of course it would be cool to be on the cover or Rolling Stone too…. - Mi Gente Hispana

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 Post

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
- On Tap Magazine

Joel's Picks
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.

http://www.slupe.com/view_article.php?article_id=10719
- On Tap Magazine

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. - hometownannapolis.com

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. - hometownannapolis.com

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.
- RandomlyFamous.com

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. - LA Examiner

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. - LA Examiner

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). - DCsocialite.com

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." - LA Examiner

Fell in Love w/ Flo Anito
Written By Michael 03/30/2007
click for full size

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.

Venue is great, food surprisingly good with several enjoyable conversations and many laughes.

Thanks to everyone who came out. See, I told you so. :)
More Photos

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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


Flo thanks!
awwww thanks so much for coming out :) and thanks especially to michael for posting the event. it was really nice meeting you :) you all were so super, i thought i'd come by and see what this meetindc was all about. pretty cool site. i'm totally jumping on board... muchas gracias! flo


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. You should have posted one of your pics too up here ;)


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.


mIKEY wow
live singing? man looks fun


Adrienne Looks like a good time
was had by all! Congrats Michael on hosting & posting your first event!

- www.meetin.org

-mike bowers music journal

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 have
that 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

- www.mdbmusic.com