Detroit-based musician, producer and songwriter Philip Bourgi is the creative force behind Flower Child Slumber Party, a collaborative project that brings together musicians from across the United States. Originally emerging from Miami, the collective has developed a distinctive sound combining psychedelic indie rock, shoegaze and experimental pop, drawing inspiration from artists including Tame Impala, Melody's Echo Chamber and Crumb.
Their latest EP 'F.C.S.P.' offers four tracks of immersive soundscapes, shimmering guitars and dreamlike vocal arrangements. Built around spontaneous recording sessions and shared creative experiences, the release embraces an unconventional approach to songwriting, allowing experimentation and musical chemistry to guide its direction.
So with the new EP out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The 1st instrument I truly fell in love with was the keyboard. Even though I 1st played the recorder in grade school well enough to be in the ensemble, I quit shortly afterwards because I thought it was boring. When I was around 11, I got one of those yamaha keyboards for kids and I was hooked by all the different sounds you could get out of one instrument. The versatility is what drew me in.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I didn’t necessarily grow up in an environment with artists or obsessive music lovers, so I really only got exposure to what was on the radio around age 8-12, which was largely hip-hop and rap. Subconsciously, I was already into all the synth sounds those beats contained, I just had no idea what I was listening to. The type of music I truly fell in love with under my own autonomy started in high school, and consisted largely of classic rock, 60/70s psych, and prog rock. I was also really into subgenres of EDM like DnB, trance, & euro house, which is a stark contrast from the psych rock stuff. I felt like the common theme between the two genres was that they both made me feel like I could take a peak into the astral when I closed my eyes.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Playing with Fire by Spacemen 3
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hmmm Space Song by Beach House? Just the absolute perfect sendoff into an inner cosmos.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
This is a great question because it honestly just depends. Ironically, intentionally trying to get myself in a zone or mood to make new music often doesn’t make me more creative. I usually write new music in spurts of creativity, oftentimes it’s during a difficult or challenging time. However, there are still things I like to do around songwriting or studio time. Spending time listening to the progress on a nature walk is always inspiring. I also like to listen to songs I'm working on very late into the night, because I feel like I can feel more of the song, and what’s possible from it if that makes sense.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Based on my recent playlists, it looks like we’ve been listening to a lot of strongboi, Inner Wave, and BALTHVS. I was fortunate enough to see all of them live within the last year or 2! All uniquely so good.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably tame impala. I mean...have you seen their super cool stage, lasers & lights?
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I would have to say knowing that you can participate in something that brings people together for a common purpose, and even moreso, giving them an experience through music. Also, hearing feedback on a song either live or recording from a true fan, and just getting genuine love for your creativity.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The managerial side of things, especially at this day in age. The burnout can be a thing when trying to juggle writing, production, marketing, content creation, etc. all while providing for your livelihood. But it’s all worth it!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To never rush your process, and to understand that being a musician is more of a lifelong devotion to the craft, rather than using music as a vehicle to improve your own life. I always come back to the notion of “what can i do for the music?” rather than “ what can music do for me?”
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Flower Child Slumber Party's new EP 'F.C.S.P.' is out now. Check it out in the player below.