Meet Nicole, Singer-Songwriter of Frances8

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole, Singer-Songwriter of Frances8 . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole, Singer-Songwriter of Frances8 below.

Hi Nicole, Singer-Songwriter of Frances8, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
As the singer-songwriter for my Indie-Americana band, Frances8, I feel extremely fortunate that I rarely encounter writer’s block. Historically, I haven’t sat down with an intention to write a new song. The songs tend to write themselves and formulate in my head first. Then, the guitar becomes a vehicle for mapping out the lyrical and melodic composition. However, during those rare times when I’m afflicted by a creative block, I find inspiration from listening to a favorite artist’s album. Sometimes I’ll figure out the chords to a favorite song and then intentionally change specific chords, time signatures and melodies to make it my own. I’m not copywriting. I’m using this tool as a means to release the writer’s block.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Frances8 is unique in that the subject matter of our music draws the listener in to real and evocative story content. The music I write is frequently derived from personal experiences, sometimes past trauma, intimacy with loved ones, stories from others’ lives, and occasionally current political matters.

Currently, we are preparing over the next two months to head into the studio to record our next album. I’m deliberating on the album title with the band and once we decide on a title, I think I’m going to do a painting for the cover. We’re very excited about recording! Although all of my music is original, we’re going to include a cover or two on the album—-possibly James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World” and Sinead O’Connor’s “Last Day of Our Acquaintance”.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three valuable qualities/skills/areas of knowledge—-

The first would be utilizing both an artistic and business skill set. Artistic skills are clearly required in order to write music and craft songs. A business skill set is necessary to run the business elements of the band: booking, marketing, social media, etc…

Second, believing in the music you write and committing to it is vital. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and sink into the “compare and despair” void when there’s so many talented musicians and bands out there. If you believe in what you’re creating and you’re writing from an authentic place, the listener can feel it. But most importantly, you need to feel it.

Third, if possible, try to curate your own gigs. Compose a bill of your own accord and present it to the booker of the venue. In this way, you’re selecting the bands you want to play with and co-creating an audience/fan base. Bookers often appreciate this as you’re basically doing the footwork for them.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
***We have been searching for a percussionist to join our band for a year now*** Specifically, we are looking for a percussionist who does not play a full kit, and is willing to create percussive elements through minimal means: using a scaled down partial kit, a cajon, incorporating hand percussion, incorporating bongos or congas. Our wonderful full kit drummer of 25 years had to stop and we’ve since realized that we prefer, moving forward, to avoid the full kit drum sound. We want a more intimate yet rhythmic feel—hence the percussionist. If you are reading this and interested, please contact me at [email protected].

Contact Info:

Image Credits
https://www.kellyjohnsonphotos.com/

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