New York City is a metropolis where music often serves as its heartbeat, with sounds from around the world merging in underground venues. Though singer, songwriter & producer, Flare, was born in Hong Kong, his music resonates perfectly with the city’s energy.
On August 30th, 2024, Flare, (born Harry John Nicholls) released his latest single, “VULNERABLE,” a song that blends nostalgia with contemporary vibes. A sonic mosaic of 90s retro beats and modern production flourishes, “VULNERABLE” tells the story of a fading romance, where two lovers grapple with the fragile thread keeping their relationship alive. The groovy drum kit pulls listeners in from the first beat, while Flare’s dreamy vocals invite them to stay, weaving a narrative that mirrors the tension between holding on and letting go.
Vulnerability and emotional rawness are synonymous with the people of NYC, who are no strangers to the complexities of love and loss in a fast-paced city. Flare has the ability to bridge eras blending 90s R&B and Soul with modern indie and pop elements. Yet, Flare’s musical footprint is all his own, creating what can only be described as “Dream Soul,” an ethereal combination of various genres that defies easy categorization.
Flare’s global roots add depth to his music. Born in Hong Kong, a city known for its own blend of East meets West, the singer’s upbringing has clearly influenced his expansive approach to music. Yet, his sound is universal, a reflection of an artist who is not confined by geography but rather driven by emotion and creativity. Much like the city that never sleeps, his music pulses with a restless energy, blending cultures and genres into a cohesive whole.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Flare always has a hand in every part of his creative process, ensuring that his music remains a true reflection of his vision. He builds every song from the ground up, from the first kick sample until the final mix, and he plays each instrument during that process. A commitment to authenticity is one of the reasons he’s built such a strong connection with young listeners. In a world where attention spans are short and superficiality reigns, Flare’s dedication to lyrical honesty and emotional depth stands out. His ability to explore complex themes—love, longing, nostalgia—through unorthodox musical choices makes his work vibrate on a deeper level.
Flare’s success in 2024 speaks to his growing recognition. Already amassing more than 80,000 streams on Spotify, this year has seen the release of four singles that each take listeners on a different journey.
His first single of the year, “NOVEMBER,” was a dreamy track that captured the feeling of being stuck in a perpetual state of longing, blending soft beats with ethereal vocals that felt like a musical daydream. Next came “RAIN ON U,” a sensual, intimate ballad driven by smooth guitars and seductive vocals—a perfect soundtrack for late-night walks through the city’s quiet, rain-soaked streets.
Then came “BUTTERFLIES,” arguably Flare’s biggest track of the year, and for good reason. It’s a vibrant, energetic song that captures the exhilaration of falling in love. With its pulsating rhythms and irresistible groove, “BUTTERFLIES” feels tailor-made for the dance floors of New York, where late-night revelers would eagerly lose themselves in its infectious beat.
And now, “VULNERABLE,” Flare’s latest offering, delves into a different emotional space—the melancholy of a relationship nearing its end.
The Hong Kong born artist has had a big year and is grateful for the support received from ‘Something Dope for the People,’ a growing open mic establishment in Los Angeles, thanks to which he headlined venues globally in a world tour he did earlier this year.
As Flare continues to release music and grow his fanbase, there’s no doubt that his sound will continue to evolve. With a distinctive style that blends the past and present, Flare is carving out a space for himself not only in the global music scene but also in the hearts of those who crave music with soul and substance.
For now, though, New Yorkers—and fans around the world—can continue to press play on “VULNERABLE” and let Flare’s dreamy, evocative sounds take them on a journey, one that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
