June 16, 2020
Tune-In Tuesdays #74: Francesca Louise on “Ride the Waters”
By: burgundy bug
A portrait photograph of London-based folk-pop artist Francesca Louise
Source: Francesca Louise
London-based folk singer-songwriter Francesca Louise has enchanted audiences with her grace, honesty, and authenticity. Her message is heartfelt and her vocals are inspiring.
Following the release of her latest single “Ride the Waters,” a soulful tune that celebrates self-empowerment, we spoke to Louise via email to learn more about her passion for music.
What sparked your interest in music?
I grew up around music so it was something that I was bound to pick up. Each of my siblings picked it up for a short time as well, though I was the one who decided to choose it as a career path.
My mother is a pianist and my father was a songwriter back in his hay-day (and somewhat of an amateur poet).
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
The feeling I got when I played and sang was the initial inspiration to maintain the hobby – until I started listening to artists who had made a life out of their creativity. I wanted to be able to do the same thing as Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne (during her ‘Let Go’ album era).
I have to say that for a short time I wanted to be Hannah Montana – but I mean, every little girl has her dreams! Haha.
What are your core values, both personally and musically?
Kindness, patience, and leave something for future generations (whether that be following an eco-friendly lifestyle or writing music that you feel could guide others in future life).
Could you give us a behind the scenes glimpse into what your songwriting and producing process is like?
I tend to write from a chord progression and the melody. Then lyrics start to either trickle or pour out!
The chord progression tends to set the scene (tempo/feel, etc…) then the melody and lyrics follow suit to develop upon what’s there.
It’s very rare that I work from a melody first.
Tell us a little about your latest single, “Ride the Waters”
“Ride the Waters” is an anthemic tune about how you can be independent and follow your own path, without needing the support of another to propel you forward.
For so long I felt that I needed acceptance and permission from someone else to feel able and capable to move forward and progress through my career, my lifestyle, and so much more.
How would you describe your journey in establishing your own independence and success?
It’s a journey that I’ve always been on and I doubt that it will end!
The music industry is forever changing, as am I.
I think if you accept that and are open to the idea that finding independence and success will mean one thing to you at a certain time in your career, and something completely different further down the line, then you can find comfort and excitement in this never-ending journey!
Who are some of the most inspirational female figures in your life and why?
My mother is my most aspired female figure in my life. She has never stopped trying and pushing herself in all of her years. In all of the challenges she has faced in her life, her goals never suffered. She’s very head-strong.
Joni Mitchell is another one of my inspirations. She didn’t write music to sell, she wrote music to create. She was a painter before she was a songwriter and her creativity in both arts was something so unique that she couldn’t go unnoticed – all the while staying totally true to herself.
That’s something – though the industry today is a different picture compared to what it was back in the 70s.
The press release also mentions your debut EP, “Melancholic Anecdote” is just right around the corner. Could you tell us a little about your upcoming debut or is it still low-key right now?
It’s pretty low key yes, but I guess I can tell you a little bit about it.
The EP is going to cover different events in my life, some of which I have spoken about in a live context, others I haven’t.
I write for catharsis mostly, so this EP will essentially be a catalog of words that I’ve used to help me move on, accept, understand, and let go.
Hopefully, it will do the same for everybody else.
What aspect of “Melancholic Anecdote” are you most excited about?
The idea that I’m finally making my ‘story’ (let’s say) totally and utterly available all in one space, almost like a book series. That’s what I am most excited about.
I’ve been working so hard with some very wonderful people on this release. Once it comes out, I think that I’ll really be able to let go of everything I’ve written about.
It will almost be a passing point for me, a time to move forward!
What have you learned from working on your latest single and upcoming EP?
That you shouldn’t go into anything like it’s a job. Go into it with heart and passion first and the rest will come.
Overall, what impact do you hope to have on your listeners?
I hope my words and my music can give them some form of guidance, release, or even inspiration in their own lives.
I wrote the songs as a form of self-help and wanted to share that with others to pass on whatever help I possibly could. In a time like this, I think music is needed more than ever.
What do you find most rewarding about being a musician?
I get to do what I’m passionate about all the time. My hobby is my career – and though I know this can come with its very own challenges, I wouldn’t choose to do anything else if I was given the opportunity.
What are your overarching goals as a singer-songwriter?
From the perspective of a singer-songwriter, I want to continue to move and help people with what I create. That is so so important to me.
If I can reach and help one other person then that is enough. If I can reach and help many others then that is an amazing result. Getting messages from listeners and fans that explain how my music has impacted their lives in some way is one of the most beautiful things to happen to me as a singer-songwriter.
What’s next for you, Francesca? Do you have any additional song releases coming up before your EP is released?
We haven’t another song release before the EP, but there will be a few teasers and previews of the tracks that will be released in the coming weeks so do keep your eyes and ears open!
Once we’re able to perform at live venues, we’ll be out on the road promoting the EP. Until then, I’ll be hosting live streams on my social media platforms and reaching out to as many people as possible!
Do you have any additional comments or final thoughts to share?
Only to stay safe, keep positive, and I hope that my music will help someone during this testing time.
Give Francesca Louise’s “Ride the Waters” a listen now on Spotify!
Be sure to follow Francesca on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with her latest song releases.
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burgundy bug
https://burgundyzine.com/about/#burgundybugA cynical optimist and mad scientist undercover, burgundy bug is the editor, graphic designer, webmaster, social media manager, and primary photographer for The Burgundy Zine. Entangled in a web of curiosity, burgundy bug’s work embodies a wide variety of topics including: neuroscience, psychology, ecology, biology, cannabis, reviews, fashion, entertainment, and politics. You can learn more about working with burgundy bug by visiting her portfolio website: burgundybug.com
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