A Decade of Innovation: Flume’s ‘Skin’ and Its Lasting Impact
Ten years have passed since Flume, whose real name is Harley Streten, released his groundbreaking album Skin. This milestone album, launched on May 27, 2016, was immediately recognized as a future classic in the world of electronic music. It marked a significant evolution from his 2012 debut, expanding his sound into uncharted territory.
Streten described Skin as “super intimate” yet “alien and weird.” He aimed for a balance between soulful, heartfelt music and an otherworldly feel. This unique blend resonated with listeners and critics alike, establishing Skin as a defining work of its time.
As a 25-year-old artist at the time, Flume acknowledged the pressure to innovate. He noted that he had to move away from the sounds that defined his earlier work, not just to avoid repetition but to push his creative boundaries. The emergence of “Flume copycats” only reinforced this need for evolution.
In response, Flume took bold steps, starting with a collaborative EP with Chet Faker. But it was Skin that truly redefined his artistic identity. The album explored genres such as future bass, hip hop, and glitch pop, creating a more expansive and diverse soundscape than ever before.
While Flume was influential within the EDM scene, he didn’t see himself as an EDM artist. His inspirations ranged from Jai Paul and Daft Punk to J Dilla and Flying Lotus, as well as the late SOPHIE. Streten expressed deep admiration for SOPHIE, who later appeared on his 2019 mixtape Hi This Is Flume. He praised her productions for their clean, clinical yet wildly creative approach.
One of the most iconic tracks from Skin is “Never Be Like You,” a collaboration with Canadian artist Alessia de Gasperis (formerly known as kai). The song features Flume’s signature glossy production, shimmering synths, and ethereal vocals. When asked if he anticipated the track reaching number one on the Hottest 100, Streten was stunned, replying, “Oh, my God, no. Definitely not.”
Despite his humility, “Never Be Like You” has become a staple in Australian music culture. It was featured in the Hottest 100 of the Decade and the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs, achieving top 40 status in both Australia and the United States.
The album Skin also showcased Flume’s ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists. Tracks like “Smoke & Retribution” featured verses from Vince Staples and guest vocals from KUČKA, while “Say It” was discussed during Flume’s 2019 Inspired appearance. Another standout, “Tove Lo,” featured the Swedish singer known for “Habits (Stay High).” Streten described the collaboration as a quick studio session that turned out amazing, followed by input from The Presets’ Julian Hamilton.
Flume’s creative process, which he humorously referred to as “dicking around,” resulted in a project that resonated deeply with audiences. The Recording Academy recognized this effort by awarding Skin the Grammy for Best Electronic Album in 2017. Domestically, the album received critical acclaim, earning Flume a J Award Nomination and eight ARIA Awards.
What makes Skin even more impressive is that it was an independent release, self-produced using Ableton Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Ten years later, Skin remains a testament to Flume’s innovation, creativity, and enduring influence on the global music scene.
