an interview with Frances Baker

Frances Baker is an artist, producer and singer raised in Nashville, she brings us her newest single "No Sympathy". With her guitar in hand, Frances is taking the world by storm with already have opened up for Arlo Parks on tour in the UK, Frances and I talk about all things music, her humble beginnings and so much more.

Hi Frances! Thank you so much for letting me interview you, how are you?

I am great! Excited for warm weather

How did you get into music?

My parents only listened to 70’s on 7, and I am from Nashville which is a very music centered city! When I heard Taylor Swift's debut album in elementary school, I knew I wanted to start writing my own music. I always loved to sing.

When did you start writing lyrics?

I started writing lyrics in elementary school, and started actually writing out songs on guitar in middle school.

How did you go about finding your sound?

I have gotten to where I am now by playing out a lot, and realizing what type of music I truly enjoy playing and sharing with friends. When I was first writing the songs were very slow, sad and acoustic, it was almost awkward to share with people. I started finding funky chords and testing out songs on my high school band, through that I began to figure out what I enjoy more!

You grew up in Nashville which is an incredible hub fro music! Has that inspired you in any way as a musician?

Yes! I played a lot of writer's rounds in middle and high school, which is when three or four singer-songwriters share the stage and take turns telling the story of a song and playing it. It was a very nurturing environment, and I had a lot of amazing mentors. In Nashville, almost every restaurant and clothing store doubles as a music venue, I always loved the life live music brought to the city.

You are releasing your newest single “ No Sympathy” on May 13th, which is so exciting! What was the inspiration behind this track?

I wrote this about taking the blame for staying around someone who doesn’t fill you up, in a bit of a light hearted way. Almost like “it’s my own fault I keep going after you and you aren't interested in me , oh well!” I wrote it a while ago, and made the initial demo on a plane. I didn’t really think I was going to finish and release it, but my band really pushed for it and I am so glad they did!

What was the creative and writing process like for “No Sympathy”?

I wrote the song a bit ago, maybe even a few years ago, during a jam session. After the session I cut out unnecessary parts of the song and cleaned it up a bit.

What was the recording process like for “No Sympathy”?

I laid down the chords and the pitched down drums on a plane, then went to my friend Sean Callahan to record the vocals. We did a lot of takes, and he was the mastermind behind how they are layered. Joshua Rice, the king of grove, laid down the amazing bass line, and Kyle Mundy added dynamics to the drums by layering more, and added in some vocal pads. The ending is just me having a bit of fun with delay! It was all worked on at their place, as they all live together and the studio is in their house.

Was the creative and writing process for your other songs such as “Hair Turns Gray” different from “ No Sympathy”?

It was pretty similar! Except I wrote Hair Turns Grey and the other ep tracks as I was producing it! It has all the same people on it + Courtney Boyd on the drums!! I have worked with the same group on all my songs out so far, as Sean got me into producing. I would say the main thing that sets No Sympathy apart is that I had written it a bit prior to recording it.

When making music, what comes first? Music, or lyrics?

It really depends on the song! A lot of the time I work on both at the same time, so I will totally write a verse, music lyrics and all and then decide where I want it to go next and write that whole section!

One of my favorite things about your music is your lyricism, and how there’s always honesty in them. How do you keep that flow not only within yourself, but also with your lyrics?

I have always treated songs as a bit of an open journal, and written lyrics stream of consciousness. Like I will just sing what I am thinking over the music, and if it doesn’t make sense I will adjust it a bit. Music has always been a place where I can speak my truth well, and has always been a safe space for me.

You recently went on tour with Arlo Parks in the UK! Which is amazing, how did that come fruition and how was it?!

Arlo Parks found my music through a friend when I originally released the ep last January! Her team reached out to me and after meeting up invited me to go on the tour. It was an incredible experience, and it was such a learning experience. Up to that point, I had never played a show without my guitar. I felt very naked being on stage singing to tracks with no band and no instruments, and it forced me to get more comfortable with myself. It made me realize how amazing it is to be out of your comfort zone!

If you could tour with anyone else next, who would it be?

I would love to tour with Yves Tumor. I have heard they are amazing live, I was supposed to go recently but I got the flu! I love their music, and I feel like the energy in the room would be amazing.

You’ve done so much already, what would you say is next on your to do list?

I want to tour again! I would love to play at a festival. Mainly just shows shows shows!!!!

We’re all about discovering new bands/artists, who should we be listening to right now?

Reggie Pearl and Ava McCoy!!!!! Not only are they my amazing friends but they are also extremely talented. I also love love love L’Rain, Peyton, and Chloe Mk!!!

Words by Melody

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Listen to "No Sympathy" here