Steven Ellison, the innovative artist widely recognised under his stage name Flying Lotus, is set to engage directly with his audience through an exclusive question-and-answer session. This interactive opportunity coincides with the imminent release of his new EP, titled Big Mama, scheduled for launch on March 6. For two decades, Ellison has been crafting a distinctive catalogue of experimental electronic funk, simultaneously developing a parallel career in film-making that has evolved far beyond a mere casual pursuit.
A Musical Heritage and Groundbreaking Career
Born into a profoundly musical lineage, with the legendary jazz pianist and composer Alice Coltrane as his great aunt, Ellison first entered the music scene with his debut album, 1983, in 2006. However, it was his 2008 release, Los Angeles, that truly cemented his reputation. This album, described as a distorted, pulsating fusion of hip-hop rhythms and intricate, quirky melodies, was immediately celebrated as a seminal work in electronic music. Over the years, his projects have attracted an impressive array of vocal collaborators, including Kendrick Lamar, Thom Yorke, and George Clinton, propelling his sound into increasingly psychedelic territories, often enhanced by immersive 3D live performances.
Diversification into Rap and Film
Ellison's creative endeavours extend beyond his primary alias. He ventured into rap under the pseudonym Captain Murphy and established the influential record label Brainfeeder, which has released music by notable artists such as Thundercat and the late Ras G. In 2017, he transitioned into film-making with Kuso, a surreal body horror film filled with eccentric characters and grotesque imagery. More recently, he contributed a segment to the horror anthology V/H/S/99, setting the stage for his upcoming mainstream film project, Ash, a science fiction thriller starring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, slated for release in 2025.
Recent Projects and Upcoming EP
While his last full-length album, Flamagra, was released in 2019, Ellison has remained active through various soundtracks and EP releases. The forthcoming Big Mama EP continues this pattern of regular output. Fans are invited to submit their questions about his multifaceted and ever-evolving career in the comments section before 5pm GMT on Tuesday, February 17. His responses will be published in the February 20 edition of the Film & Music section, as well as online, offering unique insights into his artistic journey.
