SONOS CLUB : FLORA THA EXPLORA | RHIAVAS
Two of London’s rising house talents come together for a high-energy SONOS CLUB B2B. Flora Tha Explora brings her signature sensual grooves and magnetic flow, while Rhiavas delivers infectious, crowd-driven selections with a sharp instinct for the dancefloor.
Together, they create a seamless blend of rhythm, energy, and atmosphere capturing the pulse of London’s new wave in house music.
INTERVIEW
One word to describe where you are right now?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: Unapologetically me
(Two words and a bit cheesy, sorry lol ) Right now, I’m really loving the space I’m in. As a DJ, it can take years to truly find your sound, especially when you love so many different styles of electronic music. I feel like I spent my first two and a half years trying to fit into a specific lane, limiting myself to one sound, when I’ve always loved it all - I was just a bit scared to fully show that.
Since embracing every sound I genuinely love and expressing that openly, I feel like everything has started to fall into place. The world is working in my favour, and honestly… I love it here.
What’s shifted for you since we last connected?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: It’s funny - I actually rewatched my first Sounds of Craft mix the other day, and one of the biggest shifts is definitely my confidence behind the decks.
Alongside that, I feel like I now have a much clearer game plan for where I want to go within the music industry and with my DJ career, which is a really good feeling.
What part of yourself still shows up in every mix?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: My ability to take you on a journey something I feel I have always done. Besides this my bass face obviously lol if I like a track your gonna know it through my face :)
How does your community influence your sound today?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: Community plays a huge role in shaping my sound today. Especially within rave culture, there are so many different underground scenes and different sounds to explore. I’ve always loved discovering new music ( hence the name lol) and I love connecting with new people who introduce me to sounds I may not have found on my own. From there, it gives me the ability to go off on my own little tangents, diving deeper and expanding my musical knowledge, which naturally feeds back into my sound.
Who or what has been feeding your creativity lately?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: Lately, a lot of my creativity has been fuelled by community. I’ve been meeting some incredibly talented individuals who’ve introduced me to new sounds and spaces, which has really expanded my perspective. I always find my creativity on the dance floor. Those moments of connection and energy stay with me and spark new ideas. Artists like Dr Banana really inspire me; I admire DJs who don’t confine themselves to one sound. It’s a reminder that your sound is entirely your own. I believe DJing is also an opportunity to express your artistry and find the right people who connect to it.
What does this new mix say about where you are now?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: This mix really reflects where I’m at right now in terms of confidence. It shows that I’m trusting my ability to play the tracks I genuinely want to play, without feeling the need to stick to one specific sound or stay within certain expectations.
It feels like a step forward for me, being more comfortable in my choices, more open in my selection, and less focused on what’s “right” or “wrong.” It’s about backing myself, trusting my taste, and allowing my sound to evolve more freely.
At the core of it, it’s also about exploration which is a big part of why I go by Flora Tha Explora. I want to keep discovering new sounds, pushing my boundaries, and not boxing myself into one lane.
What kind of space were you trying to create with it? /How do you want people to feel when they press play?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: With this, I really wanted to create a space that feels natural, fun, and genuinely expressive. I love going back-to-back with Rhiavas because our sounds always seem to complement each other so effortlessly. There’s a real chemistry there that you can hear in the mix.
I wanted listeners to feel like this isn’t just a polished set it’s two girls playing the music they love and enjoying the moment together. Every transition and turn in the mix reflects that energy, that back-and-forth, and that shared passion. It’s less about perfection and more about connection, both between us and with anyone listening.
What does returning to SONOS CLUB represent for you?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: Returning to SONOS Club represents a moment of reflection for me it’s a chance to really see my progression and recognise how far I’ve come. As an artist, it’s so easy to get caught up in social media and constantly compare yourself to what everyone else is doing, which can make you lose sight of your own journey. Coming back to this space has been a real eye-opener; it’s reminded me how much my confidence has grown and how much my sound has developed.
Why do spaces like this still matter?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: Spaces like this still matter so much to me because they give artists the freedom to truly be themselves. I’ve always struggled with getting on stage and playing exactly what I want without worrying about being judged or playing the “wrong” track at the “wrong” time. That pressure can really take away from the experience.
That’s why I love recorded sets like Sonos Club they create a space where I can play whatever I feel, without overthinking it. It’s about connecting with a sound and, in turn, finding a community of people who genuinely love and appreciate that same vibe. It makes the whole experience feel a lot more authentic and creatively fulfilling.
What are you building towards, for yourself and others?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: I’m building towards a life where music can exist at the centre of everything I do — creating, travelling, and connecting with people through sound. For me, success looks like a life filled with meaningful experiences, great music, and a strong sense of community. On a more tangible level, by the end of this year I want to have released some of my own productions that I’ve been developing, and begin establishing myself not only as a DJ, but as a producer as well.
One message you’d like to leave with the listeners?
FLORA THA EXPLORA: If there’s one thing I’d want listeners to take away, it’s to trust your own journey and not get too caught up in comparing yourself to others. It’s so easy, especially as an artist, to focus on what everyone else is doing and forget how far you’ve actually come, but growth happens in your own time, in your own way.
This mix is a reflection of that for me. It’s about confidence, progression, and allowing yourself the freedom to just enjoy the music without overthinking it. Creating this with Rhiavas reminded me how important it is to have fun with what you do, playing the sounds you genuinely love, feeding off each other’s energy, and not worrying about judgment.
So I’d say: stay in your own lane, trust your taste, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The right people will connect with your sound.
What first drew you to DJing, and how has your sound evolved over time?
RHIAVAS: I have always wanted to DJ since I was a child. In the house I heard everything from funky house to 80’s house and garage. I saw my dad always playing his vinyl’s and just saw myself Dj’ing from that point. Since I started my journey, I feel like my sound is quite varied within house and garage.
I play a lot of minimal, tech and deep house and garage. But I also enjoy playing with sounds from Italian house to Chicago house from the early 90’s to see reactions from the crowd who usually love it!
Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?
RHIAVAS: I would say my own friend Tomike, before becoming friends watching a young black Irish woman take over with her production and Dj’ing is so good and inspiring to see. I am only just starting my production journey too so definitely inspired. Also seeing the ladies in full force - Georgia, Doudou MD both women of colour have helped me to see I can make it and make it my way too.
Also Peach, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse, Reeshy there’s so many I can name that I can’t help but smile and feel like its a 1-0 moment when I come across their socials or something they have done.
What’s your approach to curating a mix? do you follow a structure, or is it more instinctive?
RHIAVAS: I try to ensure no matter what that i’m taking a journey in my mixes. I like to follow a structure that follows the BPM increasing along the way of the mix. I also feel like I am instinctive especially when playing out.
I want to match the crowd’s energy and the event while bringing my own flair. I also love to test out songs people haven’t heard for ages or if they maybe haven’t heard before but has the right sound for the mix or song playing before.
How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?
RHIAVAS: I am a raver and have been for 10 years despite only being 26 this year haha. I have been to many events and for whichever booking I get I try to cater to the crowd but also play what I love.
Because of the events I’ve been doing recently actually matching the events I have always been to, I am able to do both luckily. I try to have a variety of songs ready to play that have been planned but also in the moment just going off of the energy of the crowd has helped me balance both.
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
RHIAVAS: I would say I am always excited about minimal house, rollers songs that keep your head down properly taking in the sounds or making you screw your face up before the beat has even dropped. I also have always had a love for soulful house and want to keep exploring these sounds to play out and test how people react.
The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?
RHIAVAS: I am so blessed with great friends and family who support me all the time. Always show out to help support not just when the events are happening but ensuring to ask if im ok and not burnt out despite being new here, the feeling can happen balancing life and this haha. I am also a firm believer in therapy, reading books, manifestations and definitely the gym helps me feel good. When I can be consistent that is haha.
It is so important as there is so much that goes on in this world that I am learning about and it can play with your mind but a strong support system and knowing yourself and what the goal is is what I believe will help me stay in a good mindset.
What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges?
RHIAVAS: I like to have quarterly goals and then weekly goals. I have combined ADHD, so hitting mini goals in the week help me stay motivated and inspired. This can be in the gym but for my Dj’ing its making the mix I’ve been trying to get done or digging successfully everyday to getting a dream booking or dream venue to play at like recently playing at Studio 338 for Steppers. Once I hit a goal, I like to make sure I keep going with more and more goals to hit.
Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world, what drives you and your purpose?
RHIAVAS: What drives me is the fact we only have one life. We genuinely could be gone tomorrow and I believe I’m here on this earth and everyone is to do something with their life and make something of yourself. I always try to treat people how I would want to be treated, I always make sure to say thank you to everyone even if that’s their job like a cleaner in the gym or just holding a door for someone.
I live my life as it’s nice to be nice. You never know what people are going through and how you can make someone’s day. It truly doesn't hurt to be nice haha. As everyone does, you grow from things, and we all make mistakes. I try to learn from them to not make them again and grow as a person and I truly believe I'm shaping myself for the life I want as it feels like I'm already starting to live the dreams and goals I have.
Right now in my life, I am solely focused on doing well and the people around me doing well.
Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?
RHIAVAS: As I only launched in January, I am yet to see major challenges. I believe as a woman so far, I have seen the whole thing about being booked because I am a woman or pretty privilege or the whole sexy thing. Which is a load of crap haha. I am determined to just enjoy it and show my passion especially as a raver myself.
If people want to think I get bookings based on that and not the hard work that goes into Dj’ing and working full time, going to the studio and digging everyday for new music while practicing more and more to get better with the little time, then more power to them I say! But the people who actually hear and see the mixing, track selection and efforts that go into my craft that appreciate it and want to hear more and book me for their events shouldn’t go unnoticed and it helps shape my craft.
I feel as though it is important to not change how you are, I dress and look how I look because it is genuinely who I am. I am a big believer in being yourself so I don’t want to change unless it is for the better and improving myself. That is the way I intend to carry on too.
Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?
RHIAVAS: I believe with brands like yourself, seeing online across the globe the amount of people who love electronic music from Sri Lanka, to France to America to the UK and more it’s really good to see and I definitely think it is becoming more inclusive. I feel and hope to see it develop more and more, even my own friends have shown more interest now im Dj’ing when they come to support. They may not have usually had an interest but seeing me play out and making mixes that they support has helped massively. I believe social media has helped a lot too and will continue to as you see so much from around the world.
How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?
RHIAVAS: I believe within this scene already there isn’t much representation of ethnic females - my background being African and asian, definitely I haven’t seen anyone like myself before so it is daunting. I feel like so far its been good and should there be a time I feel like this, I will keep a tunnel vision on my goals and passion for Dj’ing with a message I keep close to me. It took me a few years to get started and now I’m here I’m doing things the way I want, naturally the right events will gravitate to that and that’s what matters. I didn’t start this to back down basically haha.
If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?
RHIAVAS: My dream lineup would be - Appolonia which consists of some of the greatest out there - Dan Ghenacia, Shonky and Dyed Soundorom my fave. Then Garratt David, Mella Dee, Saoirse, Myself because why not!, Samuel Deep and Tristan Da Cunha - what a day that would be.
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
RHIAVAS: I have always enjoyed modelling and I have worked with a few brands and its something I would like to get more involved in.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
