Frances Ancheta

Bio:

Frances is a Filipina American singer/songwriter and guitarist based in San Francisco, California. She performs mostly acoustic solo gigs, but occasionally performs with backup musicians. Frances also was a member of the San Francisco all-female acappella group The Loose Interpretations for 3 years. Frances' mellow acoustic style is influenced by all the music that has touched her life: pop, folk, modern rock, classical, world, new wave, the list goes on and on. Frances studied started off studying classical piano and guitar, but quickly picked up all the multi-cultural songs of her household during childhood, classic performers before her generation, as well as the songs she grew up with in the 80s and 90s. Frances had performed as a collaborator and background musician, supporting other artists. One day she realized that in order to make her dreams of creating and perfroming her own music, she needed to rely on herself instead of other people. Frances made the decision to become a solo artist and stand out as her own person. Developing her confidence at local open mikes, Frances developed her songwriting craft performing solo in front of the crowds. She has performed the cafe/coffeehouse circuit, as well as festivals and special events throughout the SF Bay Area. After 3 years of hard work, Frances has finally released her first CD of original songs, entitled "Now We're Here."

Member Since:

November 18, 2007

Influences:

Artists I've admired over the years include Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Don McLean, Stevie Wonder, The Gypsy Kings, John Williams, Andres Segovia, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, kd lang, The Cure, The Smiths, Morrissey, Echo and the Bunnymen, New Order, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Alison Moyet, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Mission UK, Fairground Attraction, Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach, The Carpenters, Charlie Byrd, John Denver, The Sundays, Frente, Bic Runga, Jeff Buckley, Eva Cassidy, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Mel Torme, Pink Martini, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Keahiwai, Na Leo, Bob Marley, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Heather Nova, Teena Marie, Earth Wind and Fire, Donna Summer, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Dead or Alive, Wham!, Adam Ant, India Arie, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez, Cocteau Twins, Eraserheads, Freddie Aguilar, Pilita Corales, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Radiohead, and the list goes on and on!

Sounds Like:

I've been told (and agree) that my music is "acoustic new wave folk", a mix of coffeehouse folk and classic alternative rock and new wave. Add to that a world music/tropical twist with some classical nylon string guitar. I've also been told that my music and singing style have elements of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, The Smiths, Morrissey, The Sundays, Frente, and Corinne Drewery (interesting reference from Swing Out Sister)...but my influences are too many to mention.

Record Label:

Unsigned; prior collaboration w/ Duvateen Records