Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London based singer Alex Francis to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from a little town called Hitchin in Hertfordshire, England and music started to become a real passion and fascination for me around about the age of 12 or 13. I didn’t start playing until I was about 16 though.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Some of the earliest ones are a bit of a mixed bag! Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and loads of Motown featured a lot early on due to my parents’ taste. Those foundations have lead me to everything from Ryan Adams to Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell to The Black Crowes. Anything with soul and a great hook usually catches my ear.
How would you describe your sound?
I’d probably call it contemporary soul music with an organic foundation.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My new single is called ‘Run’. A long time writing partner of mine shared a fascinating story about a friend here in the UK who had become romantically involved with a lady living in Australia. They had begun a long distance relationship, eventually taking it all the way to marriage whilst still living separately – they were holding being able to settle together with two more years before retiring from work, so it was all quite uncertain and delicate whilst being bound by their yearning for each other. It was this bold, brave, uncertain life to live and it really spoke to me about the lengths we will go to in the name of love.
What’s your local music scene like?
I live in Hackney and I’m fortunate that the scene has always thrived here. I came from an amazing local scene in Hitchin growing up and I was mega fortunate to play almost every venue around. I’m really hoping now that venues are gradually starting to being able to open with reduced capacity that the whole landscape of live opportunities here will start to present themselves again. There is only so much you can do on a stream before you start longing for a live audience again!
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’ve been in a very deep writing project for about a year and we’re starting to narrow the best stuff to begin planning a strategy going into 2021. These are really exciting times and I’m confident we’ve penned some of the strongest material I’ve ever conceived. Only time will tell! I’ll also be releasing more singles before the end of the year.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I’ve been really fortunate to create and perform music with some incredibly talented people so far in my career, but there will always be more on the list… I would love to sit down and try to write something with Foy Vance. I have a huge admiration and respect for his music and I’d love to find out if we could catch a vibe.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I remember touring with Melanie C in 2017, walking on stage to perform our single ‘Hold On’ and forgetting my in ears, rendering me unable to hear almost anything on stage except for the drums. A very confident risky effort was made to stay ‘in the moment’ for the longest 3 minutes of my life!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That I’ll always choose the cheese and crackers over the dessert!
You can find out more about Alex on his website or via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
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