Acoustic piano, keyboards, melodica, production, arrangements, and voice: Benjamin Francis
Influences
Major influences include Prokofiev, The Magnetic Fields, Rufus Wainwright, Antony & the Johnsons, Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, Brian Wilson, and a wealth of artists in the 80's synth-pop arena.
Sounds Like
An effeminate man filled with rage and tenderness taking out his joys and frustrations on his piano and vocal cords.
Invoking a classic songwriting style and drawing on influences as varied as Scriabin, Stephin Merritt, and Tom Waits, Benjamin Francis has spent the majority of his short life preparing himself for the world of pop Music. At the age of three he began singing, and at four began playing the piano. His formal piano training began the next year, and he has since garnered awards for piano, voice, and composition in the classical arena. However, deciding at the age of fourteen to pursue a career as a pop Musician, he began to compose in the genre, feeling out his personal style. What has evolved is what Benjamin Francis calls "Progressive Cabaret": a fusion of classical virtuosity, pop sensibility, and a keen appreciation for the dramatic capacities of Music.
i ADORE these two new songs. I am plugging them on my livejournal and everywhere else i can think of. "shortsightedness" is my favorite of the two. it's absolutely gorgeous.
were you in town recently? someone told me that. if so, i'm sad i missed a visit with you.
glad you love the live IAMX. I had a feeling you would like his music...
It could have taken a lot longer. :) But sounds pretty good, not to mention the songs are cool. You need a band Ben. These songs could really be elaborated upon.
So rad that you messaged me. I am working on a play this quarter and thought, "wow, if I were to write a musical, who would do the music?" Then I thought of you. Wierd that you sent me the comment the same day.
You got to meet Antony!? I bet his performance was spiritual. That was very cool you've passed Bjork, met Rufus, and now Antony. Who is next on your list?
Hey! I hope everything is going good for you!! My husband and I moved to Hawaii about a month ago, and we are loving it! If you ever want to come visit we have an extra bedroom! Your Cousin Erika :)
yep, that would be him! i rarely talk to people at school...shyness rearing it's ugly head yet again; but, i'm sure he'd welcome a hello from one of his brother's friends.
how are you, by the way? seems like every time I've talked to you before (which was, admittedly, forever ago) you've been awfully busy. i am home most week nights after about 2pm. Friday and Saturday (only home tonight because of my dreaded annual bronchitis) i am usually at Tristan's. if you could fit it in sometime, I'd love to hear from you. if i don't answer, it means I'm not there. I'll definitely pick up if you call.
<3 love, lori
note: we should keep continually in touch through messaging on here. I'm getting my own place in late September/early October (thank god for living expenses included in financial aid!), and we need to catch up so you can come visit me once I'm moved in.
hey ben. sorry we didn't get a chance to see each other when you were here. i've been flaking out on everything. furthing my reputation as a no-good-friend, i suppose.
is it possible that one of your little brothers is going to ucc right now? I think i have a class with him. doesn't look much like you, but same last name.
ben ben ben. my darling ben. the other day you called while i was in my writing class and i was so busy i never got around to calling you back. i will call you SOON. we will talk about our HEARTS and gross things that are. you know. three floors below the basement. <3<3<3<3
hello my lovely musically inclined friend. i am just sending you well wishes. my mind dug you up and i thought you should know. be happy right now. VIBES N SHIT. <3
I like how you describe Douglas County in your Music Nation Bio, it's very true. I have a rainbow license plate holder and some boys in a pickup truck with a confederate flag bumper sticker yelled "Lesbo!" at me the other day.
Hey we have a really great show coming up September 19 at Broadway Studios San Francisco. Come check us out... We really love to put on a great show for you in a really great venue. Live 105 as well as other SF Radio Stations will be in attendance. Come check us out. Music starts at 9:00, Tickets sold online at: acteva. com/go/bandsonbroadway. We will be sticking around before and after the show so come have drinks with us! Great venue in North Beach. Cheers!
Online Now!
