In your biography it is mentioned that nerves were a problem during live performances when you first immigrated to the UK in 2001. What techniques did you subsequently use to raise your levels of confidence?

 

Francis: Yeah in the beginning I was very nervous. I started off as a guitarist in bands, so I never thought of myself as a singer. I think in a weird way the role found me and I started experimenting with song writing. I guess to overcome anything you have to face it. So every week for months I played at open mic nights to overcome my nerves. You always have some nerves when performing live but I think that’s good in a way. But yeah, it took me a while and soon I could perform without shaking so much. You kind of get used to it after a while.

 

Before you moved to the UK you lived in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the late 90’s you played guitar in a number of garage bands. What were your experiences as an independent musician in Cape Town and how do they compare and contrast with your experiences in the UK?

 

Francis: This is going back a while as I’ve been here in London for about fifteen years. As for my experiences in Cape Town…I was very new to music back then. I bought my first guitar when I was nineteen. Most of my friends were playing musical instruments when they were a lot younger. Within six months of learning to play the guitar, I ended up meeting a bunch of musicians and we formed a band. It was a completely new experience! Eventually after a couple of years I started experimenting with song writing but I wasn’t singing yet, just writing the music. At that stage I’d already decided I wanted to come to London. I found London, incredible, and I still do! The city is a melting pot of musicians, artists and culture.

 

In 2006 you were part of a band called in which you did the vocals and guitar. You toured London with your two bandmates until 2007 when Neptune’s Kingdom disbanded. On this subject you said “I think the band struggled to define a sound. We were basically three distinct bands rolled into one – a rock band, a radio-friendly pop group and then something darker and more experimental. We couldn’t define a single identity.”   In your own opinion why was it essential to define a single identity?

 

Francis: I know that’s an interesting one because there are artists/musicians out there where each album has been quite different. David Bowie, for example, is a huge influence of mine. He’s gone through many different phases, personas and he’s experimented, however he was also an established musician by the time he was doing that. I think for we really struggled, it was going off in different directions. As a band, we weren’t together for that long. I think for me, I could not find a clear path, so naturally had to call it a day.

 

So did you feel that the changes in the sounds the band was producing was happening to quickly?

 

Francis: I think so. My last band has two EP’s (the second one isn’t released yet). Somehow we managed to find a defining sound. The two EPs complement each other well. I guess for fans that would come and watch us, they got to know the songs and our sound, which was familiar to them. It can be a tough thing when you change so dramatically.

 

Because the audience doesn’t know whether you’re trying to attract them or different audience…

 

Francis: Yes and I guess there are pros and cons. Changing to a new sound can attract new fans. Old fans can either take it or leave it. It’s a tough decision. What do you do? Do you stick with a certain sound or do you change? I think that’s down to the artist/musician to decide what to do. Some fans don’t like change, regardless of what it is.

 

What have fans and audiences been able to teach you about your music?

 

Francis: The reaction of the crowd, you can learn a lot from that. It’s great coming off stage and someone coming up to you and saying, “That second song was beautiful and inspiring!” It’s an amazing feeling to hear that from someone.

 

What have been some of the most gratifying moments of your career to date?

 

Francis: I have many but here’s a couple. The first one…

I played a gig in Camden at the Dublin Castle. That’s quite a well-known venue and we were playing in front of five people. I said to my band, ‘I know there are only five people but we are going to play as if the place is packed!’ And it was incredible. We played as if we were playing in front of hundreds. A person came up and said ‘wow I can’t believe your energy on stage and there was only a few of us in the crowd.’ For me that was a great moment.

Another moment that I’m extremely proud of was shooting the music video for ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Clown’. We only had four hours or so in the venue because bands needed to utilize the stage later that evening. We had to do everything in one take. Towards the end of the video I smudge my make-up on my face and I had to get it right. There was not enough time to re-do the scene. I don’t know how we did it with only two people; one person directing and another camera assistant. The video was done in a short space of time with very few people. I’m very proud of that.

 

Do you tour places outside of London?

 

Francis: At the moment it’s just London but I certainly want to start touring other places, other cities and try to get on the festival scene. I’ve got some connections in Spain so at some point I’ll do a little tour in Spain.

 

What advice would you give to budding artists wanting to pursue an independent professional music career?

 

Francis: One thing I would say is, “If it’s what you love doing, keep going and don’t stop! Keep creating and inspiring!” I’ve been doing it for a long time and still have a long way to go. And the other thing is always be true to yourself. After all, you can’t escape your heart.

 

2014 has been a busy year for you. You’ve been working on releasing a back catalogue of solo material. Please tell us how you’ve felt as you’ve been re-releasing some of your past music and releasing some new music?

 

Francis: It has been interesting because some of those albums, I haven’t actually listened to in a long time. The first album is from 2005. It was strange, going back… like time travelling. It’s been great. Some of the songs, I’ve re-worked just slightly. I’m really excited and proud that something that was done such a long time ago is now out there. Else it would have simply disappeared.

 

You’ve also been working with a new band this year called Francis °F & The Strange Arrangements. How did the band form and how different is this band compared to your former bands?

 

Francis: Finding bandmates, for me as always been coincidence. I very rarely put an advert out saying ‘looking for a guitarist.’ In Moxy Ru for example, three of us worked together in the same office and we had no idea each of us were musicians. One night we were in a pub after work and started talking about music and bands. We then discovered each of us played an instrument and soon after we formed the band. The Strange Arrangements is kind of similar scenario. I met the new band members through mutual friends. In terms of what we are going to sound like, it’s still early days. I’m not sure where it will go but that’s what I love about it, you never know where it’s going to lead and it’s exciting.

 

In 2015 you’ll be releasing two albums - 'Light/Magic' by Francis °F & Neptune's Kingdom and 'Home On Earth' by Francis °F. How much time do you usually dedicate to compiling a single album? And please tell us what we can expect to hear on these two albums when they are released…

 

Francis: In some cases, putting an album together has worked really quickly and with others, it has taken a little longer. It’s hard to predict these things. My debut album ‘Mercury’ was completed in about 3 months. Many late nights and very little sleep! Going into the studio and recording is challenging sometimes and some songs come together easily while others don’t. I’m normally pretty flat out when I start recording and will devote a lot of time to it. Working through the night is a norm and I become pretty nocturnal and probably won’t see daylight!

With regards to the two albums and what to expect, I’d say ‘Light/Magic’ is a rock album with one or two darker, experimental songs. ‘Home on Earth’, I’d rather not say, so you’ll have to wait and see.   

 

To discover more about Francis Fahrenheit visit his website.