Flume (real name Harley Edward Streten, born 1991, Sydney, Australia) is one of the most important electronic producers of the 2010s, known for pioneering the “future bass” sound, blending experimental textures, pop sensibilities, and high-impact drops. His music bridges the gap between underground electronic experimentation and mainstream pop, inspiring a generation of producers worldwide.
Streten began making music in his teens using a demo of the production software FL Studio, which inspired his stage name. He was discovered through a music competition run by the Australian label Future Classic, which released his early singles.
His debut album Flume (2012) was a landmark for modern electronic music. Singles like “Sleepless,” “Holdin On,” and “On Top” combined lush synth work, hip-hop beats, and soulful vocal chops, creating a sound that was both warm and futuristic. The album topped Australian charts, won multiple ARIA Awards, and gained international attention, marking Flume as a new voice in electronic production. His style helped define what would later be called “future bass”, characterized by modulated synth chords, vocal chops, and dramatic drops.
Flume’s sound quickly spread worldwide. Remixes for Disclosure, Lorde, and Sam Smith showcased his ability to reshape mainstream pop into adventurous electronic forms. His 2016 album Skin elevated him to global stardom, blending pop structures with glitchy, explosive production.
Hits like “Never Be Like You” (featuring Kai) and “Say It” (featuring Tove Lo) dominated charts. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album (2017).
Collaborations with artists like Vince Staples, Beck, and AlunaGeorge demonstrated his range between pop, hip-hop, and experimental music. Flume also became known for his spectacular live shows, integrating custom visuals, stage design, and live manipulation of his music, moving beyond the typical DJ set format.
Flume grew tired of formulaic EDM and returned to his more avant-garde roots. The Hi This Is Flume (2019) mixtape marked a sharp stylistic pivot, featuring abrasive textures, complex rhythms, and collaborations with experimental artists like Sophie, JPEGMAFIA, and Eprom. The mixtape earned a Grammy nomination and was praised for its boldness and innovation, influencing the glitchier, hyperpop-adjacent aesthetics that followed in the late 2010s. He also released standalone singles like “Rushing Back” (with Vera Blue) and “The Difference” (with Toro y Moi), balancing experimentation with catchy songwriting.
Flume continued to refine his blend of club experimentation and pop-forward melodies. His 2022 album Palaces featured collaborations with Caroline Polachek, Damon Albarn, and others, weaving natural sounds, ambient textures, and vocal experimentation into his signature production.The album received critical acclaim for its maturity and sonic adventurousness.
He has also performed major festival sets (Coachella, Lollapalooza, Splendour in the Grass) with updated visuals and modular elements, evolving his live show further.