Flora Algera is an emerging singer, songwriter and musician making her professional solo recording debut in 2022. Although the project is new, the artist behind the music comes to the stage with years of singing experience behind her. The multifaceted singer has a prestigious résumé.
A former competitive opera singer (as Caroline Lukens), she performed on prestigious stages around the world and worked with legends like composer John Williams. However, eventually that transient lifestyle and personal trauma took their toll. She began writing folky Alternative Rock songs to cope.
“Anthem For The Psych Ward Kids” is the debut single from Flora Algera, released worldwide via all major streaming services on May 26, 2022. Inspired by her own experiences, the song is a melancholy ode to the lost and forgotten. A mix of electric and acoustic guitars ride a downtempo Rock beat as strings, ambient synths and backing vocals expand the horizon. Flora Algera steps to the mic with her memories. It is a subdued yet powerful sound.
Check out the powerful “Anthem For The Psych Ward Kids” video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to talk to the artist about her music. Check out her answers to our 8 questions. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Flora Algera. Get on her socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting new voice.
8 Questions with Flora Algera
Where are you from?
Boston, Massachusetts.
How long have you been making music?
I started doing musical theatre around age 8, and always sang in choirs. I was a competitive opera singer for many years and trained under pros such as film composer John Williams. I never really wrote my own music though until I went to a trauma treatment facility and we didn’t have access to our phones, so I taught myself to play guitar. I’ve always been a poet, so I started setting my poetry to music and found my greatest passion in life.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I write my songs myself, and work with an incredibly skilled producer, William Lucey, who makes the tracks come alive. He knows a really talented drummer named Nate who works with my often. Andres Mayo masters my music and prepares it for release.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Kurt Cobain, Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monae, Twenty One Pilots, Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison.. I could go on but those are a few.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Memories. My lyrics would be pointless without a good dose of nostalgia and storytelling. I try to capture moments in a romantic way while also trying to exhibit raw emotions.
What inspired you to create this project?
“Anthem For The Psych Ward Kids” is incredibly meaningful to me. I wrote it after a stay in a psychiatric facility. I’ve been in and out of facilities since I was a child, but once I started making music, I realized I wanted to make music not just for myself, but for others.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
The number one thing I want to do is tour. I would love to develop an authentic fanbase who I can relate to and talk with after every show. Connection through music is the most powerful part. I am also currently working on an album that I am so proud of. I like evolving my sound constantly and always making the next chapter better than the last.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
My artist name, “Flora Algera” is inspired by the short story “Flowers for Algernon”. In it, scientists are developing a procedure that could increase intelligence. They operate on a mouse first, named Algernon, and it works. The protagonist (a human) undergoes the experimental surgery, and it works. However, As his intelligence increases, he recognizes that Algernon slowly begins to deteriorate and die. He realizes that the same thing will happen to him. His final wish is for someone to put flowers on Algernon’s
