FEATURE:
Take Two…
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Collins for ELLE
A Return to Florence Pugh and Her Debut Album
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RATHER than redo or edit…
PHOTO CREDIT: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
the post I did recently regarding Florence Pugh, I am going to provide a second take. When I was writing last year, there was talk and speculation that Pugh would release a debut studio album. She has recorded videos to YouTube years ago and, when you read interviews, it is clear that music is a passion of Pugh’s. She did reveal in an interview back in 2020 that her favourite song is Southern Sun by Boy & Bear. I have always imagined Pugh in a music biopic. As I said recently, playing Debbie Harry in a Blondie film – a subject I do go on about! – would be some superb casting. I have more to say on Pugh’s potential musical direction and actors stepping into music. First, PAPER recently wrote about Pugh’s desire to release an album later this year:
“Florence Pugh is dropping new music for her next movie project.
Pugh recently appeared on an episode of Vogue's The Run-Through podcast to discuss her favorite roles and upcoming projects. Amidst filming for Dune: Part Two, the 27-year-old actress shared that she's also been working on original music that will be featured in the upcoming comedy-drama A Good Person, written and directed by her ex, 47-year-old Garden State actor Zach Braff.
"I’ve actually got music being released this year," Pugh revealed in response to a question about upcoming projects. "I wrote music for [A Good Person] and that’s been a whole exciting experience that I’ve been desperate to do for years."
Pugh plays the film's young protagonist, Allison, who has her whole world turned upside down suddenly and unexpectedly, and eventually finds friendship with her father-in-law, played by Morgan Freeman. The Dune actress explains the film's script motivated her to get back into music.
“[Music] is one of those things that can mean so much to you, and the less you do it the less confidence you have and you end up losing your heart in it,” Pugh said. "For years I was so scared of how to do it. And eventually, this opportunity arose and I read Zach's script and I said 'I've been inspired to write a song.' And we put them in the movie."
Braff and Pugh started dating in 2019, but broke up quietly in 2022. The former couple has spoken highly of each other in interviews, with Braff telling Entertainment Weekly of the experience, "There's not a single thing Florence did that isn't correct, in my brain as the one who wrote it."
Pugh is no stranger to music: she once recorded Youtube covers under the moniker Flossie Rose, and also appeared on a 2021 song with her musician brother Tony Sebastian. And it's not the first time Pugh is releasing music for a film, having recently collaborated with co-star Harry Styles on a tune in the recent Don't Worry Darling.
A Good Person stars Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Molly Shannon, Alex Wolff, Chinaza Uche, and more. The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on March 24”.
I am particularly compelled by Florence Pugh and music. For a lot of actors, music is actually their biggest passion. There is no shortage of cross-pollination when it comes to actors making their own albums. In turn, many artists go into films. As one of the world’s best actors, I feel Pugh’s album is going to be truly commanding, striking and versatile. She is someone who has this incredible range. A natural ability to step into any role and own it, I do feel her musical approach will be similar. I have said before how it can be tough for a well-known actor to release an album. There is an expectation and, perhaps, judgment aimed their way that you would not get for a new artist. Maybe people expect something terrific or a disaster. As actors like Paddy Considine have shown (he fronts the band Riding the Low), if you have that passion and commitment, you can be as successful in a music career as your acting one. I do like the fact that there are these great actors that bring their skills and natural ability to music. I think there are a lot of ‘hidden artists’ in film. Those that have a great singing voice or musicianship that we have not seen.
Many actors sing in films, but is rarely progresses beyond that. I think that Pugh’s debut album is going to be mostly original numbers, as opposed a collection of her favourite songs done her way. I did speculate as to what genres and styles will be covered. The reason I am writing once more about Florence Pugh is that I think a truly magnificent album will come about. I am not sure whether it will be followed by a lot of other releases, but I see no reason why there shouldn’t be a series of other albums. There is always something different and special hearing an album from someone we primarily associate with acting. Although Florence Pugh’s recording and love of music pre-dates her acting career, most associate it with her film work. You will definitely hear the passion come through on her debut. It is as-yet-untitled, but we will hear more news regarding the title and the songs that will appear. Not only will it be exciting for Florence Pugh fans. It will be intriguing for all music fans to hear what comes from the acclaimed and remarkable actor. Whilst there is a lot of anticipation regarding known musicians and anticipation around their albums, I feel that Florence Pugh’s debut will be among the best…
OF the year.