JILLIAN FRANCIS: SONGS THAT GIVE US THE FEELS
INTERVIEW: JILLIAN FRANCIS
BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO
LA is a special city, it’s the City of Angels after all, but it’s also more than that: it’s a port for dreamers. Much like the ancient sea ports in Italy and Greece where ships sailed in to trade spices, gold, or other wares, everyday dreamers descend into LA like angels from the sky ready share their artistic gifts.
Five years ago, LA was graced with Jillian Francis, a singer-songwriter from the Windy City where she calls home. She strolled into town with a guitar, a collection of songs, a misty voice that can tame the loudest rooms, and a dream of her own. Since then, Jillian has become a headliner at many of LA’s singer-songwriter venues such as: The Hotel Café, The Other Door, Songbird Café, Bar Lubitsch, Ham and Eggs Tavern; and now she’s giving us some music to take home.
In September 2019 Jillian released her first single, “Won’t Be You” which has been called, “the most comforting break-up song” (Indie Band Guru) and has been described as “a real modern gem” with “powerful vocals” and “meaningful lyrics” (Le Future Wave). However, Jillian’s song “Won’t Be You” is just the beginning because since its release its only whet our appetite for more songs like this this one—songs that give us the feels in the best kind of way.
The wait is finally over because the follow up to “Won’t Be You” has arrived—that song is “If He Loves You”. For those of us who’ve had the pleasure of listening to this song live, we can attest to its power to tug at the heart strings. And although nothing can compare to the live experience, this recording comes close. Take a listen to “If He Loves You” and you’ll find that it’s yet another shade of Jillian Francis—a new sound, with the same signature rich voice and poignant lyrics that dare us to feel something.
Your songs are so personal, yet completely relatable, how you maintain that balance?
I like to write about my a-ha moments. Those Aha moments come with all the growing pains of life whether it be understanding what love, lust, anger, sadness, nostalgia, or something else is. Even though I write about my own personal experiences and the scenarios of the songs are sometimes complicated, the overall themes of the songs are simple. The themes make them relatable to anyone who has loved, lost, had memories, learned lessons, and been human! The best way to describe keeping the balance is finding a moment in my life where I had learned a (in hindsight almost obvious lesson).
Inspiration is a fickle thing, and many of your songs are based on personal experiences, but where do the songs come from when that well has run dry?
It’s really hard for me to write when I’m not inspired so when the well runs dry, I normally have to take a minute to relax and experience something. I’ll reach out to close friends, or people I haven’t talked to in a while, go on dates, go to concerts, go drink until the bar closes and hopefully some story will resonate with me. My songs normally come from me trying to figure out a certain emotional response my or someone else’s experience. For example, my first single “Won’t Be You” came from a very vulnerable conversation I had with my roommates about love and relationships. That got me thinking about my own defenses and struggles with opening up to people in love. I went to write the song about 20 minutes later and with the help of some amazing people, the song evolved into what it is now. My next single, “If He Loves You”, being released Nov. 8th, came from advice I got from my mom about letting go of people who don’t care about you the same way you might care.
“Won’t Be You” and “If He Loves You” have a very specific sounds, how would describe those sounds? How did you find those sounds?
“Won’t Be You” has a very nostalgic and somber feel to it, with the foundation being acoustic guitar. I would describe this song as fitting into a folk/pop category. It’s very minimal production because we wanted to really focus on the lyrics. “If He Loves You” is more of a band song. We referenced Alice Merton who is more indie/rock/pop for the sound but the song still has the singer-songwriter vibes. I wanted to release a song that sounded more upbeat and empowering which I think agrees with the concept of the song.
Are your latest singles representative of your “sound,” or are they just some of the many shades of Jillian Francis?
As a person and as an artist, there are many facets of me. I have a softer side that I love to express through my emotional simple ballads but on the other hand, I am a big personality and passionate about empowering other people to be individual. I think that even though the songs sound different production-wise, the writing is very much similar in that they are full of imagery with conversation.
Describe your music in three words?
Honest, Empowering, Relatable.
Tell me more about your next EP Letters?
Everyone has opinions and emotions but sometimes we can’t communicate the way we would like. I have felt that way many times and opening up and being vulnerable is still something I work on everyday. One of the things that have helped me in the past has been writing letters to whoever I have a particular issue with or have feelings towards, whatever they may be. I think it’s very brave to be able to acknowledge your emotions and let them go. Writing a letter and getting rid of it (if you’re not ready to speak directly about whatever is in the letter) is a very gratifying and freeing experience. These songs are my letters that I’m ready to let go of and I am hoping that it reaches others and inspires them to do the same.
How has living in LA influenced your music?
Living in LA has definitely influenced my music on a couple different fronts. The creative and open atmosphere in LA allowed me to freely figure out who I am as an artist and surrendering to the extremely talented people in LA gave me insight into sounds I never thought would be apart of my music. If it weren’t for LA, I don’t think I would have released any music at all yet.
What your plan now that you’ve returned to Chicago?
Chicago has a completely different vibe and scene than LA but with equally as talented and creative people. I’m really looking forward to meeting and collaborating with people in the city and find my community out here. It’s a really exciting time – I’m hoping to write some really great songs since I have a little more free time!
What have you learned about the business side of the music industry while working in music management for FullStop Management?
I learned a lot! I can put together a tour budget in 5 minutes haha. I think the biggest thing I learned is that you really have to believe in yourself and do the work. Unfortunately the industry doesn’t have time to develop artists the way they used to so it is up to you to get the buzz going. Always read what’s going on in the industry and don’t be shy if you have an opportunity to reach out to someone. You may get a lot of unanswered emails but there are also the really good people who are willing to give advice so take advantage of it. Networking is everything.
What advice can you give for young artists coming to LA to make music, or create art?
The biggest piece of advice I can give will sound cliche but it really is the truth. You need to believe in yourself and the art that you are creating with so much passion that people will listen. Fall in love with the process because the destination is always evolving and timing is everything. If you continue to make music that you are proud of and believe in, you will find the right people to believe in you and your art too.
