Q&A with 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 section 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?