Francesca Louise
Interview conducted on May 21, 2020
By Dan Locke
Francesca Louise is a London based singer-songwriter originally from the North West of England. Combining stunning folk/pop songwriting, sparkling with Joni Mitchell influence and Carol King inspired vocals which tell a thousand secrets, Louise’s sound reaps authenticity and pure honesty. Bleeding with meditative melodies opening a door to escapism, her music acts as a melancholic medicine to people’s lives
How did you discover music?
I grew up around it as my mother is a musician and my father were the song-writer in his band back in his 20s.
Do you remember how you got your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I am self-taught guitar and I was really keen to start learning, so my parents bought me a small guitar to learn the basics on and I still have that guitar now! I don’t often play it but I will never sell it – it represents my progression into this period of my career!
You have shared the stage with the likes of The Harmaleighs Echobelly and Juanita Stein. Did they teach you anything about the music business that you would like to share with our readers?
I had a great chat with The Harmaleighs in the green room, pre-doors, and they talked about how, as a musician who wants to make music their career, it has to be their lifestyle first – I mean, that is all they have ever done and worked towards. It’s this kind of drive and devotion to the craft that brings success and accomplishment in this industry.
Let’s talk about your EP “Melancholic Antidote” As I understand it is a collection of personal experiences, life lessons, emotions and growth. What time period of your life does it cover? And why did you use Melancholic Antidote as the title of your EP?
Melancholic Antidote covers the last 2 1/2 years of my life. From finishing university, to making choices in my career and my lifestyle, to heartbreak and self-growth. It’s all in there! I mainly write from catharsis, as a way of getting through a period of my life and coming to terms with certain events, a therapy really. So ‘Melancholic Antidote’ seemed very fitting in explaining the EP as a whole. Though melancholy, my songs are an antidote for myself, and hopefully for my listeners.
Tell me about your single “Ride the Waters”? And also “Out of Sight (Out of Mind)”?
Ride the Waters is an empowering anthem for anyone (women in particular during the writing process) who feel like they have always been held back by their own lack of self-belief. This tune takes the idea that we can be independent and strive without the push of another man or woman in your life. ‘I can do this alone’ is the general message!
Out of Sight (Out of Mind) is very much to the point when it comes to lyrical content and the general message. Someone may be out of sight, but they aren’t out of mind – that someone in my case being a love interest. I am not great at expressing my feelings where I know I will be left totally vulnerable and ‘naked’ (in the metaphorical sense) so this song was my wall to hide behind, whilst telling my truth.
What is your favourite track on the album?
My favourite track on the album is ‘If I’m Wrong’. I didn’t ever expect to say that, but hearing the final master made that decision for me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Digital vs. vinyl?
They are both useful and equally wonderful – because they serve two very different purposes. Vinyl sends you back in time and gives you the chance to experience music at its very core, warts and all. Digital is fast, accessible, and versatile with 24/7 streaming from anywhere you like!
Any plans to tour?
Once the pandemic is over and it is once again safe to be playing shows and to have crowds of music lovers coming together, then yes – touring will begin. The aim is to promote and share the music that is coming out throughout this spring/summer and give the chance for me to meet those that are supporting my career and enjoying the music!
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think that it can only go one way – music is going to boom when this is all over. Despite the threat of an economic disaster and the threat of many music venues being closed, no human being can go without music in their lives, it’s a part of life! Venues will find new leases of life, audiences will slowly grow again, and musicians will rebuild their momentum and every live show and every vinyl purchase will feel that little more precious.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been working towards the promotion of the new music, playing live concerts over social media (Instagram, Facebook) and I have been giving lots of love and attention to my hobbies (languages, crochet, yoga, gardening, and of course music).
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully, we will be touring with an album to promote! A European tour would be the dream and it is something that I will continue to work towards!
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I would just like to say, stay safe, take care and love one another (especially during this challenging time).
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