A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Sound: The Origins of Flowers at Her Feet

A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Sound: The Origins of Flowers at Her Feet

The story of Flowers at Her Feet began in the most unexpected way. What started as a chance encounter while walking a dog soon blossomed into the formation of a band that would fuse dreamy shoegaze with indie rock to create a sound all their own. United by a shared vision for a lo-fi project, Flowers at Her Feet came to life, and their debut track, “Fade,” was written and recorded in a single night—marking the beginning of a musical journey that felt destined from the start.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about the origin of the band? How did you all come together?

 It’s kind of funny how it all started. I was walking a dog that wasn’t even mine—just one of those random moments that feels like it was meant to happen. I ran into this girl who was also walking a dog , and we hit it off right away. Turns out, her husband, Tim, was a drummer in a punk band. So we started hanging out more, and eventually, Tim told me that Rob, the lead singer of his band, was going through this intense writing phase and wanted to start a lo-fi shoegaze project. They knew I could sing, so Tim reached out and asked if I wanted to come by and “audition.”

I was very nervous and a little unsure at first. I wasn’t exactly a lo-fi shoegaze kind of singer, and I had no idea if I’d be leading the vocals or just adding some harmonies. But Rob sent me a variety of songs, and when I listened, it just clicked. I could hear melodies right away—especially for this one track, “Fade.” I had this idea for it that was a little different from the whole lo-fi vibe they were going for, but I decided to run with it.

I wasn’t sure how they’d react, but I sang for them, and it worked. We ended up writing and recording “Fade” that same night—first time we’d all been in a room together. After that, it became this routine. Every time we got together, we’d write a song and record it all in one night. That’s how most of the album came together. It felt so natural, like we’d been playing together forever. It was clear this was the band we’d all been waiting for, and Tim and Rob ended up quitting their other band. And here we are. I really believe the universe had a hand in it.

Q. How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?

I’d describe our sound as kind of like of a dreamy mix of shoegaze and indie rock. It’s got that atmospheric, reverb-heavy vibe you’d hear from bands like Mazzy Star or Beach House, but with a little more edge, like Sonic Youth. There’s also a touch of the melancholic vibe of The Cranberries in there.

Q. Do you have any upcoming shows or tours planned that fans should look out for?

We’ve got some really exciting shows lined up! First, we’ll be at the Cubby Bear on January 18th, which we’re so pumped for. Then, our record release show on Valentine’s Day at the GMan Tavern. That’s going to be a good one-we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone. After that, we’re hitting the road for a mini tour starting March 14th. We’ll be in Louisville, and then we’ve got two nights in New York City—one in Brooklyn and one in Queens. We’re wrapping things up in Brooklyn on March 16th, we’re just so excited to get out there and share this new music. 

Q. What are some of your favorite venues to perform at in Chicago, and why?

I really love playing at The Bottom Lounge. The sound there is incredible and the people there are just so kind—it really feels like a homey spot to perform. Reggie’s is another favorite of mine. The staff there is super dedicated to making sure the sound is perfect, and I love that you can hear the music from the street. It’s such a cool feeling to see people pause and listen as they walk by. There’s something really magical about that moment when you catch someone’s attention, and they just stop to hear what’s happening.

Q, If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a REALLY tough one, but if I had to pick, it’d be Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins. It feels right, especially with Chicago in mind. The album’s got this rawness to it—so many layers, both dark and beautiful. It’s the kind of record you can keep coming back to, and each time you hear it, you get something new. It’s timeless, emotional, and it feels like it’s been with me through different phases of life.

Q. As a female-fronted band, have you faced any challenges that differ from those of other bands, particularly in a male-dominated industry?

It can definitely feel like a bit of a boys’ club sometimes, but I’m lucky to have two of the most supportive bandmates by my side. I’ve always tried to focus on the music and let that speak for itself. There’s something incredibly empowering about being a woman in this space—especially when you see other women breaking through and creating amazing art. The energy that women bring to the stage is unmatched, and I never take that for granted.

Q. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would definitely be Aaron Dessner. I’ve always admired his ability to create such atmospheric, emotional landscapes in his music. He has this rare way of getting this  refined vulnerability out of the artist he’s worked with. His approach to songwriting is so unique. We would create something really special together —he’s got such an incredible ear for texture and layers, and I’d love to see what we could come up with. 

Q. If your life were made into a movie, which song would play during the opening scene?

Just like Honey by The Jesus and Mary Chain

You can check out Flowers at her Feet below

https://www.instagram.com/_flowersatherfeet

All photos by Josephine Casanova

https://www.josiecasanovaconcerts.com/