Steven Ellison (born October 7, 1983), known professionally as Flying Lotus or sometimes FlyLo, is an American record producer, electronic musician, DJ, filmmaker, and rapper. Known for his experimental hip hop and electronic music style, he is the founder of the record label Brainfeeder. Flying Lotus’ music seamlessly incorporates elements of hip hop, electronic, jazz, and various experimental genres.
Early life
Ellison was born in Los Angeles, California. He is the great-nephew of jazz pianist Alice Coltrane and her husband, saxophonist John Coltrane. His grandmother, Marilyn McLeod, was a songwriter for Motown Records. Growing up in the Winnetka neighborhood of Los Angeles, Ellison was first exposed to music production through the video game console PlayStation, specifically through creating original soundtracks using its Music 2000 software.
Career
2005–2006: Early career
Flying Lotus began his career creating bumper music for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block. His first release was the 2006 EP “1983” on Plug Research Records. That same year, he released his full-length debut album also titled “1983.”
2007–2009: Los Angeles and early acclaim
In 2007, he signed with Warp Records and released “Reset EP.” His breakthrough came with his 2008 album “Los Angeles,” which received widespread critical acclaim and established him as a leading figure in the Los Angeles beat scene.
2010–2013: Cosmogramma and Until the Quiet Comes
His third album “Cosmogramma” (2010) featured collaborations with Thom Yorke and marked a significant evolution in his sound, incorporating more live instrumentation and jazz elements. The album was widely praised and appeared on numerous year-end lists. “Until the Quiet Comes” followed in 2012, featuring collaborations with Erykah Badu and Thundercat.
2014–2017: You’re Dead! and film work
“You’re Dead!” (2014) featured collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Herbie Hancock, among others. The album further explored jazz fusion while incorporating elements of hip hop and electronic music. During this period, Ellison also began working on film projects, including his directorial debut “Kuso” (2017).
2018–present: Flamagra and recent work
In 2019, Flying Lotus released “Flamagra,” featuring collaborations with Anderson .Paak, George Clinton, David Lynch, and others. The album continued his exploration of genre-blending while incorporating more narrative elements.
Artistry
Musical style
Flying Lotus’ music is characterized by its complex rhythmic patterns, jazz harmonies, and experimental electronic textures. His work often incorporates live instrumentation with electronic production, creating a unique fusion of various genres including hip hop, jazz, electronic, and experimental music.
Production techniques
Known for his innovative production methods, Flying Lotus often uses a combination of hardware synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations. He is particularly noted for his use of irregular time signatures and complex layering techniques.
Influences
His musical influences include J Dilla, Madlib, Dr. Dre, and various jazz musicians, particularly his great-aunt and great-uncle, Alice and John Coltrane. He has also cited films and video games as significant influences on his work.
Brainfeeder
In 2008, Flying Lotus founded the record label Brainfeeder, which has become one of the most influential independent labels in electronic and experimental music. The label has released music by artists including:
- Thundercat
- Kamasi Washington
- TOKiMONSTA
- The Gaslamp Killer
- Lapalux
Discography
Studio albums
- “1983” (2006)
- “Los Angeles” (2008)
- “Cosmogramma” (2010)
- “Until the Quiet Comes” (2012)
- “You’re Dead!” (2014)
- “Flamagra” (2019)
Extended plays
- “Reset EP” (2007)
- “Pattern+Grid World” (2010)
- Various other EPs and remix collections
As Captain Murphy
- “Duality” (mixtape, 2012)
Filmography
Director
- “Kuso” (2017)
Composer
- “Perfect” (2018)
- Various short films and commercials
Awards and recognition
Flying Lotus has received numerous accolades for his work, including:
- Multiple nominations for the AIM Independent Music Awards
- Critical acclaim from publications including Pitchfork, The Wire, and Rolling Stone
- Various festival headline slots and special performances
Production and collaboration credits
Flying Lotus has produced for and collaborated with numerous artists, including:
- Kendrick Lamar
- Thom Yorke
- Erykah Badu
- Mac Miller
- Anderson .Paak
- Thundercat
- George Clinton
Personal life
Ellison maintains a relatively private personal life but has been open about his interest in spirituality, meditation, and psychedelic experiences, which often influence his creative work.
Legacy and influence
Flying Lotus is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in electronic music and the Los Angeles beat scene. His work has influenced a generation of producers and helped bridge the gap between electronic music, hip hop, and jazz. His label Brainfeeder has played a crucial role in launching and supporting numerous innovative artists.