Flyte have successfully navigated the fourth album curse. In fact, they didn’t even realise that was a thing. It’s good for artists to ignore the trends and Flyte have never done anything but plough their own furrow. Through four excellent albums and now on to studio sessions for no. 5. Is it time for their masterpiece? As ever, Nick Hill and Will Taylor remain resolutely unconcerned about such notions. Quite right too. So what does make them tick? This episode recorded LIVE at Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell, London.

Season 14 preview: a special live episode with flyte

This is a special episode of the Art of Longevity with the band Flyte, recorded live at the splendid Bourne & Hollingsworth buildings in London’s Clerkenwell, as the band began work on their fifth album and prepared for a set of live dates in New Zealand & Australia, before a short December tour back in the UK. 

Nick & Will discuss all the usual Longevity themes including the five routes to longevity as explored in the book Riding the Rollercoaster: how artists survive the music business to become the legends we love;

Hit songs, classic albums, record labels, cult status, and building a brand

Besides this, the boys were there usual mix of unique chemistry, sharp humour and warmth. It's the second time I've shared a stage with Nick & Will, and each time I've found them arresting. If there is a way to find "success" in this current music ecosystem without all the trappings and bullshit, then Flyte have found it. If not quite contented (a restless energy betrays that), then you might say the duo have found a way to make what they do as rewarding and satisfying as it should be, with cult success a much better option than fleeting fame. 

Still, it would be nice to see them in the spotlight more (as they were recently for the Paul Simon Graceland tribute performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Did the audience know who these two young men were? One can only hope they had the good sense to check out Flyte's catalogue afterwards). 

Inevitably - and deliberately - I folded Simon & Garfunkel into the discussion. The comparison is obvious and unavoidable. While music isn't a competition or a constant referencing of bands now & then, it deserves to be said - just because we are no longer in a monoculture doesn't mean we don't have legends. This discussion was a celebration of Flyte's own quiet legend, a treat for the 100 or so of their own fans who made it to the event. They were rewarded: our discussion was followed by an intimate live performance which demonstrated this bands powers perfectly so if you can see them live then do not miss out - they are the real deal. 

Season 14 of TAoL is coming soon, we have a new partner for the new season and we have interviews with genuine music legends and some of the most interesting artists around - look out for episode 1 of season 14 coming very shortly. 

Flyte embark on a short tour down under and then return to the UK for shows in December 2026. Do not miss them.

See the full gallery of pics from this episode here.