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 show-tunesy 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.
Benjamin, thank you for your invitation, friendship and kind words. I like your sound too, it..s so original, so different from all we use to hear out there, you voice is full of passion, as your compositions, melodies and harmonies. Congrats and welcome my friend! Greetings from Brasil to you! :o) Beth
oh man that sounds like a PERFECT day. it was loooooovely talking to you earlier! i always feel like i've seen belle & sebastian live, BUT I HAVEN'T. they are so good. do they even tour? OBVIOUSLY. i just never hear about them touring, ever. they must hate oregon or something.
1) Actually, I prefer the Ratatat version of Wanderlust. Soo from the left field. 2) I'll be coming to SF soon. Frida Kahlo's show opens June 14th, so I need to visit. I need to let Matt know I got into UCLA, so I'll mention my upcoming visit. 3) Yes, heard the songs. They are great. Keep them coming. 4) Hmm? Wanderlust in 3-D. You should visit her website. I think there is a showing in SF. Rasputin Music! But only until May 31st. RUNN!!! 5) Obviously I like Kanye, but this song with Estelle reminds me of a Jamiroquai.
Hello Benjamin, please excuse the delay. Thanks for the comment. I love the passion in your voice. Beautiful music!!!!!!! Thank you for the request. Hope you enjoy my site.
iamx: i have a ton uploaded on my domain. I'll message you the links. I'd recommend "spit it out", "president", "kiss + swallow", "lulled by numbers". god, too many.
domain: message me back after I send you those iamx songs so we can make a plan about your domain. i would LOVE to do it, but I'd need a lot of coaching as to what you want.
can't wait to hear those songs. i just had Tristan listen to your new song, and he just adored it. and now he's trying to call you.
i absoultely love your new song. your talent never ceases to amaze. i can't wait till you make it BIG. oh, and i can't wait for you to visit this summer. we have to do something crazy.
and i love diamanda galas, by the way. she's incredible.
I turned around and then looked back only to find My friends all on the ground, and those who weren’t had different faces. I started running, screaming outrage to a world without a care. I woke up screaming, and I’m still screaming all wrapped up in my hair.
Benji, if you ever make it back to this tiny hell hole, I would love nothing more than to have drink with you. I think about you always. Time has gone by so fast hasn't it? My number is 541-680-5587. Call me sometime, if I don't answer message me and I'll call you back. Sometimes between my insane 2 year old and my newborn, I miss my calls:/ Lol, I guess you'd have to expect it.
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I listen to your music on a regular basis. I really wish I could see you play again. It's been since you played in Winston at the "battle of the bands" forever ago.
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