James talks about the lyrical twists, instrumental creativity and Pop influence found in his latest single, "Lipstick and Furs."

Coyote Music: Thank you, Benjó, for taking some time to answer a few questions for us! Our paths first crossed just over 2 years ago when you released the "Physical Culture" single. Since then you've released a full-length LP, 3 EPs and slew of singles. What has the past couple years been like for you, musically & artistically speaking?

Flowers For Juno / Benjó James: I don't see things in terms of progression; whatever I'm releasing just reflects the music I feel like releasing at the time.

CM: Flowers for Juno has been described as a Goth Rock group. I also hear bits and pieces of Post-Punk, New Wave, and Baroque Pop. Is that realm of music where most of your writing influence comes from, or is it from there and beyond?

FFJ / BJ: In truth I just use the term 'gothic rock' because that's what most of my primary influences would be identified as. Songwriting-wise I'd say I effectively write pop songs (I'm a huge pophead, favourite song right now is "Midnight Sun" by Zara Larsson) but with experimental production influenced by more fringe artists. I also don't care to be limited by typical 'rock' instrumentation, which is why you'll hear things sitars, harpsichords, and electronics all over my tracks.

CM: With an occasional exception, you perform most everything on your records--vocals, guitars, bass, synth, keys, programming, mellotron, electric sitar, samples--and that's just on your latest single "Lipstick and Furs." What the fuck??? :) Seriously, though, are you self taught on all of that or have you studied formally on some instruments?

FFJ / BJ: Effectively self taught. I was a guitar and bass player in bands but got my first synth when I was 15 and my first production software when I was 16 and that really influenced my perspective on making and arranging music.

CM: Speaking of the new single--which cues me to plug Coyote Music's review of it (coming soon!)--your backstory on this is pretty heavy. Can you talk about what led to writing this song, both musically and lyrically?

FFJ / BJ: Yeah, I went binge drinking after the release of the Bacchanalia Coppélia EP at the end of January...ended up in bed for a week with really bad depression as I recovered from alcohol poisoning. I somehow stumbled out of the dirty mattress on the floor I call my bedroom and picked up my Fender Mustang...five minutes later I had the music and lyrics for "Lipstick and Furs".

I want a girl in Oriental dress
Bejewelled and bedecked like a Turkic princess
I want a girl with red on her neck
Daisy Dukes on her arse, drinks Jack on the deck

CM: I was raised on 70s and 80s rock. These lyrics seem more plucked from some of the early Glam era more than what you typically see from artists who sound more like FFJ. Is this song somewhat of a genre crossover when you take the music and lyrics together?

FFJ / BJ: That's one way of looking at it. Other lyrics of mine have been compared to those of hip-hop for the same reason...I have no interest in writing lyrics about angst or how "alienated" I feel. I love grunge and alternative rock but why can't we all sing about fun things like whiskey and women? I suffer with really bad mental health at times...why would I want to revisit that and shove it in people's faces? No, I like drinking and women so that's what I'd rather write about, thanks.

CM: I love that, actually. I think I would have been a bigger fan of other genres as a teen if there'd been more lyrics about partying and girls. :) And now speaking of girls... You create a consistent theme across all your releases of the cover art being photographs of various women with a heavy pink filter, with some element of obscuring/blurriness. How did you arrive at this concept? Was it inspired by any particular style or other artist's work?

FFJ / BJ: I like looking at attractive women, and the slight obfuscation is to reflect my interest in distressed media; grainy film, tape hiss, analogue in general. I loved the hot pink of the cover for My Bloody Valentine's Loveless so I chose that for the colour scheme of the band. Also pink is inherently girly, so it's provocative in rejecting the performative machismo of heavier bands.

CM: Now, I'm testing my own knowledge here... "Bacchanalia" refers to the indulgent, uninhibited festivals honoring Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, revelry, pleasure, and ecstatic celebration (basically all the fun stuff). But Coppélia is a 19th Century ballet. Can you talk about how the two became your EP's title and a lyric in "Lipstick and Furs"?

FFJ / BJ: A lot of the time I choose titles intuitively, and the meaning itself tends to arrive later. Bacchanalia...what can I say, I do love a drink, a little too much at times. As for Coppélia...I've loved the ballet since I was a child, and the titular character is an unattainable woman who turns out not even be real. Go figure. Perfect fit for "Lipstick and Furs".

CM: Being that you've primarily written, produced and recorded all-in-one, have you collaborated much over the years, or do you plan to or want to in the future?

FFJ / BJ: I bring on friends and session musicians on the odd recordings, and I'm always open to collaborate, but the 'band' is effectively Flowers for Benjó right now.

CM: Haha! Flowers for Benjó is also a legit band name for sure. Can you talk a little bit about your reception across the internet? You've got nearly 2K Subscribers on YouTube, and nearly 4K monthly listeners on Spotify. Have you noticed any 'trends' regarding listeners' responses to different songs?

FFJ / BJ: I have no idea, honestly, other than people are really enjoying the Type O Negative influence of the latest few singles.

CM: Any cool online fan stories (or obsessions)?

FFJ / BJ: I get a lot of weird messages from women and that's all I'll say.

CM: What's next for Flowers for Juno?

FFJ / BJ: No idea. Other bands want to take over the world. I just like recording music so probably some more of that.

CM: And anything else you'd like to add?

FFJ / BJ: It's Lent right now so Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

CM: Absolutely. God Bless us, everyone. We all need it. :) Thanks so much for taking the time to share all of this with Coyote Music and our readers!