Jack Francis Talks New Album, Favourite Instruments And More

UK-based singer-songwriter Jack Francis will be releasing his new album ‘Early Retirement’ on 22nd March 2024. We asked him about the new record, favourite instruments and more:

Your new album ‘Early Retirement’ is released on 22nd March 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

This was a concept album from the very start. Everything from the artwork to the production, from the arrangements to the lyrics and performances. It was a conscious choice from the beginning to make this a singular, coherent piece of work that would (hopefully) stand the test of time in both the aspect of the songwriting and the messages I’m trying to communicate. We knew we wanted to build a world for these songs to live in and I think we achieved what we’d set out to do. 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded this album with long time friend and collaborator Archie Sylvester (of Ferris & Sylvester) at their home studio in Wiltshire. It’s the second album of mine that we’ve made together so we’ve worked pretty closely for a few years now. 

 Who plays on the album with you?

We had my long time drummer and dear friend Ross Gordon do the whole album and we brought in Miles Hobbs on bass duties, who has been playing in my live band for a couple of years now. Archie played some lead guitar on ‘Merry-Go-Round’, bass on ‘21st Century Man’ and slide guitar on ‘Curtain Call’.

Issy Ferris also sang some backing vocals when we needed her to jump in and lend her beautiful voice. Other than that, I think I played everything else. All the acoustic guitars, majority of the electric guitars, piano, organ etc. Once we’d laid the foundations of the rhythm section for all the tracks, Archie and I would work to flesh the songs out, just the two of us.

You have also released the song ‘Forever Alone on the album. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

There are times when a career in music can make everything difficult for the people around you. It’s a selfish thing to do. If you want to do it well and maximise your opportunities, sometimes you have to be incredibly selfish. ‘Forever Alone’ is a song about self-reflection, confusion, regret, sadness and a horrible feeling that you are misunderstood by the people closest to you. Wondering if it would be better for yourself and others if you were to navigate life on your own. 

 Who are some of your musical influences?

My biggest and longest standing are probably The Band, Neil Young, Carole King, Van Morrison. Obviously the likes of The Beatles and The Kinks are in there. In more recent times I’m enjoying Michael Kiwanuka, Waxahatchee, Courtney Marie Andrews. I tend to lean towards guitar / piano singer songwriter music because that’s what I’m drawn to. But I also like my classic Irish folk and 80’s / 90’s American hip-hop! 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I’ve recently finished John Nivan’s ‘O’Brother’ for the second time and I’ve not read something that’s moved me that much for a long, long time. He’s one of my favourite authors. It’s a heartbreaking book about loss and grief, but it’s also an incredibly funny and tender true story. It’s beautiful. I’m not sure it would translate into a film as it’s kind of an autobiography but I think it could have, and deserves to have an incredible soundtrack. 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

When I’m playing solo I travel very light. I only carry my Fender Paramount dreadnought acoustic. If I’m playing with my band I’ll use my Vox AC-15 amp and my American Fender Telecaster. No effects pedals! I just use the great built in tremolo on the amp and a boost pedal for a slight volume nudge when playing lead. The Tele and the amp do everything I need them to!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I’m from Southampton. Born and raised!

Ships, Ships, Ships, Docks & Ships

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?  

We had the great idea to hire a baby grand piano to record one song (‘21st Century Man’). 

They dropped it off at 6:45am through a hail of snow and we had to get it through the garden and into the conservatory where it just fit, by millimetres. When I say ‘we’, I mean Archie. I was tucked up in bed! But the image made me laugh, as did climbing over the furniture to get to the stool every time we wanted to do a take.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

I’ve currently just finished a 22 date UK run supporting Ferris & Sylvester on their ‘Otherness’ album tour. I’m going to Ireland with the great Beans On Toast in May to play a few shows. There are some festival dates coming up over the summer to be announced and I’m hoping to do a string of headline shows later in the year to support the album too!

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I would say:

A) A Bit Of Your Time

B) Tired Of Trying

C) Forever Alone

 Was it a difficult album to write?

Not really, I would say it was a very cathartic album to write. I don’t remember straining over any particular one of the songs on the record. I had a lot I wanted to say and get off my chest – this record became the perfect vessel to carry those feelings. 

 How do you look after your voice?

I could definitely do a better job than I do but for me the key is lots of water and plenty of rest. Hard to come by when touring but rest is essential to keep your voice in good shape. 

 I remember seeing you as a special guest for Alyssa Bonagura and Friends at The Bedford in Balham. When and where did the pair of you first meet?

Alyssa is great! We had a few mutual friends including Morganway, who she toured with. I think we actually met at a Morganway show and then played on the same bill in Southampton shortly after that. She’s very talented indeed! 

What makes Jack Francis happy and what makes you unhappy?

Good music makes me happy. Dishonesty makes me unhappy. 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Measure PR

Jack Francis’ new album ‘Early Retirement’ is released on Friday 22nd March 2024 via Archtop Records. 

Pre-Save here: https://pias.ffm.to/5rqykj6 

CDs, Vinyl and Merchandise Bundles: https://store.archtoprecords.com/collections/jack-francis?ffm=FFM_31164e4de17c89548ee2d4f4f8f4930e

For more information visit his official website here: https://www.jackfrancissongs.com/