Nearly a decade after her first album, Francelle is already bursting through doors in 2019.
The Dieppe, New Brunswick native has landed an opening slot on two of Alan Jackson’s 2019 tour dates, and is also looking to spread her artistic wings and evolve her sound.
Get Francelle’s take on when she knew she wanted to make music for a living, competing on Canada’s Got Talent, the stories behind some of her songs, her plans for 2019, and more!
Pro Country: Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Francelle: My biggest musical influences growing up were definitely Shania Twain and LeAnn Rimes. I had a karaoke machine when I was a teenage girl, and would sing their songs all day, every day. It was the best Christmas present I could have ever asked for.
PC: Was there a specific moment you knew you wanted to make music for a living?
Francelle: Yes, when I was in 11th grade in high school, I knew I was going to do music for a living. I knew I had to choose a school where I could study it, so I decided to move to Toronto, ON and go to a performing arts/musical theatre school to study the art of singing, dancing and acting. After I got my diploma at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, I started working in the musical theatre industry. I did a cross Canada tour working on a kids show. I also performed as Sharpay in a “High School Musical II” production in Niagara Falls, which was by far my favourite role to play. She wasn’t so innocent as a character! (laughs)
PC: Were you feeling any type of pressure, internally or externally, as you were preparing to release music for the first time with the “J’en Ai Assez Des Becs Soufflés” single?
Francelle: My French album “La P’tite Acadienne” was actually my second full-length recording released in 2014. I had previously released a full length English album titled “‘Till the Wheels Fall Off” in 2010. I’ve released several singles from both albums to Canadian Country radio. In my experience, when I released singles, it was definitely a lot of work. I had to consistently prepare promotional materials for each release. In some ways, It felt like a lot of pressure, but I certainly didn’t choose this career because it was easy. I chose it because I breathe music. Music is my life. I enjoy it so much, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
PC: How did the opportunity to audition for Canada’s Got Talent come to you? What did you take away from the entire experience of being on the show?
Francelle: When I saw the auditions were coming close to my hometown, I jumped on the opportunity. We got to share our passion with millions of viewers. Canada’s Got Talent was certainly an amazing experience. I really loved the fact that we got to meet Martin Short. His charismatic personality that we’ve all grown to love through his movies, is the Martin I got to meet while competing in Canada’s Got Talent. He’s such a goofy, sweetheart!
“That was a perfect performance!” – Martin Short
“I adore what you guys do, you’re so real and so autenthic.” – Stephan Moccio
PC: Can you talk about the writing process and inspiration behind your most recent single, “Tell Me Why”?
Francelle: “Tell Me Why” was inspired by personal experiences. The song portrays a very strong love bond between two people. As we know, love isn’t always perfect, and she knows that. She’s fighting to find a way back to the way things were before; beautiful. Mathieu Leger and I locked ourselves into a small barn size room for four hours and we came out with this song.
PC: You’ve mentioned that while a lot of the music you have released has focused on the classic country sound, some of your newer music will feature a more progressive sound. How important has it been for you to showcase that artistic versatility?
Francelle: For the last five years of my career, I was more focused on creating music with the old-school sound. I’m a true fan of Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams, etc. I grew up listening to a lot of classic country as well because of my Dad. He always played country music records as I was growing up. My newer music will feature a more progressive sound. Like a lot of artists out there, my music evolves with time. For example, if you look at Kacey Musgraves’ discography, you’ll see distinct changes.
PC: You’ve opened for major acts, including Maddie and Tae, Easton Corbin, and Midland. What can you take away from those experiences that can help you in your own career?
Francelle: Opening for these acts are always very enriching experiences. When you get to perform for thousands of screaming fans, it’s another world. It allows me to grow as an artist, because I feel when I play these shows, I have to step it up and try to be up to par with these major artists. It’s very inspiring to watch them perform on that same stage.
PC: You’ll be opening for Alan Jackson on select dates on his 2019 tour. What kind of validation is it to have been voted one of the winners among so many great artists?
Francelle: It’s an incredible feeling. There are so many other talented performers on his roster that deserve the spot as well. I am thrilled and extremely honoured to get to open for such a country music legend. It’s definitely going to be an experience of a lifetime.
PC: It’s been more than five years since you released your first single. Where do you sense that you’ve grown the most in that time?
Francelle: I’ve evolved a lot as a songwriter and musician. The new music that I’m working on is much more current to today’s country music. After moving from Los Angeles to Nashville, my life has changed drastically. I am in love with country music city. I’ve found such amazing business/music opportunities and have met so many genuine and good hearted people. I’m here to stay!
PC: What are your plans for 2019?
Francelle: I’ve just started a brand new partnership with Black Matador Media LLC. There are lots of exciting opportunities in the mix, none of which we can talk about yet. I will be continuing to release videos with Country Rebel (The World’s Largest Country Music Network) as well. In 2019, I will be focusing a lot on songwriting, new music and some hustle and bustle.
*All images courtesy of Francelle and Francelle website*
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