Julia Francis

Artist Information

Biography

From singing in church choirs at an early age, to mimicking everything she heard on the radio, vocalizing was Julia’s earliest form of creative expression.

"Her vocal delivery is spicy and tasty," Obsession Collection, April 2008.

With a lifelong musical education steeped in jazz, rock and roll, pop, and sacred music, it wasn’t until she picked up the guitar at 31, that Julia discovered Bob Dylan, saying, “It was then I realized that my love of writing could be fused with my need to perform, and thus I could turn my personal mythologies into music.”

Coming of age as a theater artist, writer, and singer in Seattle, Washington, Julia penned a novel, starred in two world-premiere musicals, taught herself guitar, and to date, has released two albums of original songs.

Julia's latest CD, 'Lucky Penny', co-produced by Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo, and Mike Hoffmann, features legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa) and bassist Andy Stoller (Tracy Chapman), among other world-class talents.

"Francis has a lovely voice somewhere between Joni, Carole, Jenny Lewis and Natalie merchant. It also has a touch Cowboy Junkies about it,” Subba-Cultcha.com, April, 2008

Julia has always strived to take risks, both in her personal and creative pursuits. “Popular music has been my roadmap; creating catchy melodies and phrases that encourage catharsis is both purifying and enjoyable. I am documenting the little fires inside, in the hope that they may fuel others. “

Mike Hoffmann, producer: "All the great singers hold up the story and make you feel like it isn’t singing at all but rather sharing a secret with you. Julia does that in her sleep."


See Julia's music video for 'Don't Forget' here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8dlH97MPvY:

For live footage of the San Francisco CD Release show for 'Lucky Penny', go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX2m3RbM8-M

www.juliafrancis.com
www.myspace.com/juliafrancisrocks

Instrumentation

Julia Francis - acoustic guitar and vocals
Ralph Cetola - lead electric guitar
Nick McIntyre - drums
John Montalbano - bass

Solo and duet (w/lead guitarist) performances are also a possibility.

Discography

LP - Five Challenges to Flight, 2005
LP - Lucky Penny, 2008

Audio

• The Ladybug
  Listen  
• You Haul
  Listen  
• Don't Forget
  Listen  
• Instant Karma
  Listen  
• The Deep End
  Listen  
• Book from the Year
  Listen  

Lyrics

• You Haul
• Don't Forget
• The Deep End
• Book from the Year
• The Ladybug

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Lucky Penny: Julia Francis’ Album For Your Thoughts [+ Show ]
  

  From the specific but evocative “chicken bone and orange rind” in Don’t Forget to the question impos...From the specific but evocative “chicken bone and orange rind” in Don’t Forget to the question impossible to answer but necessary to ask, “where’s your chair?,” in You Haul, the songs on Lucky Penny by Julia Francis put you in a unique position to be saved by emotional complexity – and not just have spent pop music by the dollar.
  Lucky Penny music makes it possible to keep hearing its lyrics that are on the other side of the looking glass. Melody and rhythm are catchy and expert. It is hard to combine these two attributes. We have the authentic combination on this new Julia Francis album.
  The songs mirror our lives yet we see through to something original that Julia Francis’ vision creates beyond reflection within a mesmerizing tune and hypnotic beat.
  But the lyrics never give way to the exquisite music and, in a dynamic relationship, work as might a poem to make the Lucky Penny songs worth so much that we are never penniless when it comes to a wealth of understanding about life’s complexities.
  It’s a very lucky penny, indeed, and we need to carry it ourselves as a token of fortunate authenticity.
  Hearing these songs is just like walking down an unexpected path, finding an unseen penny in the sonic bushes, and carrying it forever for deserved and mysterious poetic good fortune.
  
  - Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum is a lecturer in music history and literature at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Peck School of the Arts, a recording artist on Rounder Records and an artist endorsee for Gibson Guitars.
  

• Francis has a lovely voice somewhere between Joni, Carole, Jenny Lewis and Natalie Merchant. [+ Show ]
  

  ‘Don’t Forget,’ is a Buddy Holly inspired ditty. It is followed by a downbeat cover of John Lennon’s...‘Don’t Forget,’ is a Buddy Holly inspired ditty. It is followed by a downbeat cover of John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma,’ with slide guitars no less. ‘Lucky Penny’ is a country folk tale with looping surf harmonies not dissimilar to Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game.’ ‘Cooking with gas,’ continues the catchy pop theme while ‘You Haul’ is wah wah funk that could come straight from the Shaft soundtrack. Francis has a lovely voice somewhere between Joni, Carole, Jenny Lewis and Natalie merchant. It also has a touch Cowboy Junkies about it. The album is a variable piece with country at its basis.
  

• More than just girl and guitar. [+ Show ]
  

  She has an interesting voice. It’s almost conversational. But then on ‘The Unconquered’ it goes all ...She has an interesting voice. It’s almost conversational. But then on ‘The Unconquered’ it goes all PJ Harvey on me. I have this record in shuffle with others that I am reviewing at the moment and every time this song comes on it stops me whatever I am doing.
  
  I’d say Julia Francis’ sound is mostly Americana/folksy. But it’s more than just girl and guitar. There’s a bunch of other stuff going on. There are some slidy guitars and solid, deliberate rhythms.
  
  The opening track, “Don’t Forget” has deep twang. The best kind!
  
  Her voice also stands out to me on ‘Book From the Year’.
  
  ‘The Ladybug’ is also a stand out for me. It’s a nice folksy song with a catchy melody and rhythm.
  
  I like her lyrics and appreciate her humor. She’s not hilarious/comedian-like, but clever enough to make you smile.
  
  She seems very cool when reading her bio. A real California girl. All sun tan and positive disposition.
  
  

• Introducing Julia Francis [+ Show ]
  

  "We like her! She's good!" This quote included a full page photo on feature page of the performa..."We like her! She's good!"
  This quote included a full page photo on feature page of the performaing arts calendar section.

• Vocal delivery is spicy and tasty.
  

  "Vocal delivery is spicy and tasty."

• Delightful Voice Put to Good Use [+ Show ]
  

  "The Ladybug" is a country-styled song of trying to survive a bad relationship. Francis vocals have ..."The Ladybug" is a country-styled song of trying to survive a bad relationship. Francis vocals have a strong integrity and the melody is great. "Cookin' With Gas" is a funky song with a great chorus. Francis really shines here. Her album is just great.

Setlist

Can do 2 or 3 forty-five minute sets, mostly original tunes, with some pop and blue-rock cover tunes included. Sample set lists:

Don’t Forget
The Ladybug
Sugar
Dinosaur
California
Perfectly
Summertime (cover)
Drive In

Nirvana
Instant Karma (cover)
The Unconquered
Walk in the Park
Rave On (cover)
The Deep End
Stuy
Metropolitan

Basic Requirements

Calendar