Interview: Paris Wells & Finley François / Lounge Of The Flamingo

This project feels like a new chapter built on two decades of creative chemistry — how did Lounge of the Flamingo first come to life?

Paris: Thank you! Finley and I had been talking about this sound for ages, but we kept getting distracted by our various dance music projects. When the opportunity to record at Frying Pan came along, it was like the record wrote itself.

The record carries this slow-burning calm — part Latin lounge, part late-night jazz bar. What led you to explore that sound at this point in your journey?

Finley: Our chats about a jazz-inspired album kept circling, but I didn’t want to do a swing record! Eventually, we landed on the lounge era — elegant, stylish, smooth, and moody, but still rhythmic. It opened the door to exploring more complex harmonies and textures… and off we went.

You’ve both moved through so many styles over the years. What did this album let you express that you hadn’t captured before?

Paris: For me, it was about intimacy. I’d rarely had the chance to explore close-mic vocals — everyone always wanted big notes and big sounds, but I knew there was a tenderness I wanted to capture. Slowing things down and letting the space breathe took real discipline. I’ve also always loved the sound of the soprano sax, so being able to weave that in was such a joy.

Recording live at MONA’s Frying Pan Studios must’ve been a rare experience. How did that environment shape the sessions?

Paris: Aside from being pregnant and needing to pee every hour, walking in there every day made me feel like a working artist again — and that’s a rare feeling these days! We’d take the ferry each morning, debrief on the water on the way home, and the whole process felt calm and purposeful. The vista from the studio really seeped into the music. I love Tazzie.

Paris, you’ve described this as an album rooted in humour, calm, and family. How did being a married mum influence what came out creatively this time?

Paris: I’d love to say my house is always calm (lol), but it’s really the moments of calm I wanted to capture. Those flashes between the chaos. I’ve always written with a bit of social commentary too — I was writing songs about “Karens” before the term even existed!

Finley, reconnecting with your Afro-Latin jazz beginnings seems to have reignited something deeper. What was that rediscovery like for you?

Finley: My whole journey with piano began with Latin jazz compilations — samba, bossa nova, and jazz improvisation completely captivated me. Those CDs were on heavy rotation. At the same time, I was hearing those same jazz elements in electronic records I was DJing. It was an amazing era of discovery and curiosity as a young musician.

With voices like Kylie Auldist and the strings of Dean Stevenson woven in, the record feels rich and cinematic. How did those collaborations unfold?

Paris: Kylie and I have supported each other for years — we’re all about girl power! Dean is such a core part of MONA’s music scene, and we got to know each other while I was down there. When I asked him for some instrumentals, he sent a huge batch, and one of them became Strange Days. That song just poured out.

There’s an effortless confidence throughout these tracks — unhurried and self-assured. Was that an intentional approach or just chemistry doing its thing?

Paris: Fin musically directed the players and got about 70% of the recording done in a single day — it was magic. My husband made amazing sandwiches, I kept everyone caffeinated, and Fin was large and in charge! The confidence came from preparation and from knowing exactly who we are. I focused on the right character for each tune — the delivery sets the scene and tells the story.

Finley: This album was all intentional. Paris and I had long chats about what we wanted to create. The brief came down to moods and times of day — pre-dinner apéritif cocktails, beachside evenings, post-dinner single-cask sips.

After years performing on major stages alongside global names, what’s it like now stepping into something so intimate and textured together?

Paris: The best. Dinner music is back.

And for everyone coming to George Lane on November 27 — what kind of atmosphere should they expect when Lounge of the Flamingo comes alive on stage?

Paris: St Kilda always delivers a perfect musical summer night. We’ve got guest vocalists, backup singers, incredible local jazz players — and yes, everyone gets a flamingo in their drink. You’ll leave slightly buzzed, your ears won’t be ringing, your taste buds will crave one more cocktail… and you’ll still be home by 11.

ALBUM LAUNCH 

Thursday November 27 George Lane Melbourne VIC

 TICKETS