NEAL FRANCIS – The new hope of Funk Music!

1. How did you get into the music world of music?

There was a piano in my house growing up and I’ve been playing as long as I can remember. I began playing professionally in my teens and have always been writing music.

2. What are your main influences as a musician and as a personality?

My influences are too eclectic and myriad to list. For this record I drew from Allen Toussaint, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, JJ Cale, Buddy Miles, Sly, Dr. John and the Meters. Along with so much other stuff from that era thrown in.

3. Liberated from a self-destructive past, you found the power to compose a wonderful album. Which is this power that keeps you alive?

I am grateful for sobriety because it has allowed me to wake up and begin develop a relationship with the universe or spirit thereof. The more consistently I connect with that energy and my fellow humans, the easier it is for me to function and create music. 

4. How did you come in agreement with the Ohio-based Karma Chief Records?

I had always been a fan of Terry’s label and the producer of my record is on Colemine. I ended up linking up with my manager after the project was already rolling and he was also connected with Terry so it was a natural fit. He’s a great human with great taste ;). 

5. Please give us a description of your album…

These songs are mostly about my experience getting sober and the relationships that wove through that experience. It is also an attempt to pay homage to some of my nearest and dearest musical influences.

6. Upon listening of your album, several cinematic images were revealed to me as a result of your music. Did you have any visual influences such as old movies when you recorded this album?

Great question. I watched a lot of old movies growing up and continue to do so. I have a great affinity for that stuff, particularly Kubrick’s 70s films (and all his work), the earlier Bond films, Monty Python, Peter Sellers and so many others. The music from those films definitely inform my aesthetic as well. 

7. How important is the 1970s music scene for your album? There is an influence from Southern Rock, Funk and so many other musical elements from the past in your album.

The greatest share of what I listen to is from that period, and I listen to all of it. Jazz, funk, pop, rock, country, reggae. I am infatuated with the production style of that era. Everything sounds so thick and deep and warm. I’m glad you can hear that going on in my music! 

8. What is the main inspiration for your lyrics?

The lyrical themes are all from my own experience. I make an effort to tailor the specific words to the music phonetically. Sometimes I have a hook and the rest comes together in pieces. I usually won’t even know what I’m writing about until the song is already finished.

9. Do you have any plans for touring?

Grateful to say I’ve been touring heavily this year. I hope to travel to Europe soon but nothing on the books yet.

10. Which is your next musical move?

I’m writing and practicing every chance I get. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create.

Information: https://www.nealfrancis.com/