2016 was a breakout year for critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Frances in her native England. Following the success of her 2015 single “Grow,” Frances was nominated for both the BBC Sound Of 2016 and the BRITs Critic Choice Awards. She also performed at major music festivals and her music was streamed over 100 million times.
2017 is shaping up to be Frances’ United States breakthrough as last month brought the release of her contribution to the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, “What Is Love?” Mar. 17 is the release date for Frances’ debut full-length, Things I’ve Never Said, as featuring collaborations with Greg Kurstin, Jimmy Napes and Howard Lawrence. In support of Things I’ve Never Said, Frances returns to New York for a Mar. 27 performance downtown at Joe’s Pub.
Downtown had the privilege of conducting Q&A with Frances in advance of her U.S. return, getting to learn more about the artist behind the music. More on Frances can be found at www.francesmusic.com.
Frances: I’ve played a couple of shows there before. At Rockwood [Music Hall] and the Mercury Lounge. They’ve made me so excited to come back and play again because I find New York such an inspiring city!
Have you ever traveled to New York for pleasure?
Frances: Sadly, no. But it is a serious plan! I absolutely love it. I could definitely live there!
Is there a New York destination you hope to visit on this trip? Any favorite restaurants here?
Frances: I’m going to have to wander down Fifth Avenue, that’s a must. I’ll stop into Katz’s Deli — it would be rude not to — but I really want to do The High Line walk!
At what point in your career did you become just “Frances?”
Frances: At the very beginning, I think. My full name is Sophie Frances Cooke. But I really wanted a one-word artist name, and I felt “Sophie” looked a bit young on paper — lots of curly letters! Whereas Frances is more angular and I found it really fun to have a different name to walk onto stage with. It helped with stage fright at the very beginning.
Do you have a favorite single-named musician?
Frances: Gosh. Adele, Prince, Beyonce, Björk — the list goes on!
Frances: Probably “Grow.” It’s the first song I ever released so it feels very special to me. But I also love it as a song because I’ve never written a chorus melody like that since. It’s quite bizarre but works somehow!
What was the first song you recorded on Things I’ve Never Said?
Frances: I think that was also “Grow,” because I recorded it for my first EP. But of the new songs on the album, I think we started with one called “Don’t Worry About Me.”
Are there leftovers from the Things I’ve Never Said sessions? Around how many songs were written for the album?
Frances: So many leftovers! I think I wrote somewhere between 100 and 150 songs in the end. There are a couple that I’ve already put aside for my second album, though. I loved them but they were a little too mature for my first album. When I wrote them I knew straight away that they were for my second album!
How did you wind up working with Greg Kurstin? Was that an introduction from your label? Did you know of his band The Bird And The Bee?
Frances: It was an introduction from my label, yes. A very lucky introduction indeed! It was one of my favorite writing experiences ever, he’s just incredible. And yes! Not until after our session, but I absolutely love the music. I think my favorite is “Will You Dance?”
Touring aside, what’s coming up for you in 2017?
Frances: I’m touring a lot, which is very exciting! I’m also doing some writing for other artists, which I absolutely love. I’m working on some potential collaborations which is seriously fun. I’d love to write for some more movies after my 50 Shades Darker experience, and I’ll be scheming for my second album! It’s going to be a fun year, I think.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Frances: Hilariously, music! I always play music in the house, whatever I’m doing really. My family have some beautiful dogs so I love spending time with them, and my family, of course! I love going to the theater, watching movies, watching 10 episodes of Criminal Minds in one sitting. I love cooking, too. Normal stuff, really!
What was your favorite album on 2016?
Frances: Oh, that’s tricky. I love the 1975 album, Chance The Rapper, Beyoncé, Drake, new Radiohead. So many. If I had to pick one, it would probably be Lemonade.
Ninet Tayeb has done almost everything there is to do in her native country of Israel. She first came into prominence as the winner of Israeli Idol about a decade ago. Her four studio albums have sold platinum; her debut reached platinum status on its day of release, yielding five #1 singles. She starred in a television series based on her life; a movie role led to a Best Actress nomination at the 2010 Israeli Theatre Awards. Ninet did, however, win “Most Favorite Act” at the MTV Europe Music Awards on two occasions.
Following touring and collaborations with Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, Ninet has her eyes set on the U.S. market with her fifth album, Paper Parachute. Ninet will be performing cross-country at The Mercury Lounge on Feb. 9, several days after the Feb. 3 release of Paper Parachute. Downtown spoke to Ninet about her recent move to the United States and what else she has coming up for her.
When was your first trip to New York? Was it when touring with Steven Wilson?
NINET: My first trip to New York was when I was 20 years old. Actually, it was my first time on a plane. (laughs) The minute I landed there, I felt something I’ve never felt before. I felt my soul was free, for real.
Is playing for a New York audience any different than playing for an audience elsewhere?
N: I guess it is different. Every city has its magic, and of course, especially New York City…
N: My initial plan was to move to New York. I promised myself that at some point I will do that. L.A. is beautiful and the music scene is very much alive, inspiration is everywhere, you just have to pay attention.
Is there anything you miss about living in Israel full-time?
N: I miss my family and friends and the fact that they are a phone call away.
What was the turning point in your career from being a reality show winner to a real, respected, honest artist? Was there a particular event?
N: Well, it didn’t happen in a day, not even in a year or five. It was a long journey. I think it’s all about being true and loyal to yourself no matter what people say. The easy part is to listen to yourself, the hardest part is to believe in yourself and I’m working on it every single day.
Do you have a favorite song on your new album Paper Parachute?
N: The favorite song keeps changing according to the life I’m living. It’s really depending on the current state of mind.
Around how many songs did you write for Paper Parachute? Are there a lot of leftovers?
N: There are always leftovers. (laughs) I wrote about 25 songs and picked from that bucket.
What does 2017 look like for you? Spending most of it on the road?
N: 2017 is going to be an amazing year. I’m gonna record a new album that I’m actually working on now, and of course a lot of shows and traveling and meeting new beautiful people.
When the average person hears “BMI,” they likely cringe because they start thinking about their “body mass index” and the need to get into better shape. When the average songwriter hears “BMI,” they likely smile, thinking of the royalty checks that the Broadcast Music, Inc. sends them a few times each year. One of three major performing rights organizations — or “PROs,” for short — BMI collects performance royalties of songs on behalf of songwriters and music publishers. It has been doing that since 1939 and some of the major artists that it currently represents are Adele, Taylor Swift, Pitbull, twenty one pilots, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Maroon 5.
Samantha Cox joined BMI in 1996 as an intern. 20 years later, she is the Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI’s New York office. Beyond maintaining relationships with BMI affiliates worldwide and coordinating songwriter nights, showcases and seminars, Samantha is the day-to-day contact for thousands of BMI-affiliated writers. As part of her BMI responsibilities, she has worked directly with Lady Gaga, My Chemical Romance, Bebe Rexha, Ke$ha, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to name only a few major artists. BMI had a stage at this year’s Lollapalooza, which Samantha was involved with, as featuring Flatbush Zombies, PVRIS, SoMo and LANco. Upcoming BMI-related events she is involved with include the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the recurring BMI Acoustic Lounge in New York, and LouFest in St. Louis.
Downtown caught up Samantha, a long-time resident of lower Manhattan, for some Q&A. Her employer, BMI, can be tracked on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, in addition to keeping a comprehensive website at www.bmi.com.
Samantha Cox with Halsey at Lollapalooza 2015
Growing up, was it always your goal to work in the music industry? Or did you have artistic aspirations?
Samantha Cox: I always loved music and child education. My mother ran a daycare, and I thought about becoming an elementary school teacher. If I had two lives, that’s what the other one would be doing now. But in the end, my love of music swept me up into the industry. I think of it as another way to reach kids.
Has BMI really been your only employer since college?
SC: Yes. I came to New York City right out of college and BMI gave me my start.
How did you wind up with an internship at BMI? I mean, most young people interested in the music industry seemed to be more interested in a job with a label, management company, or concert promoter, rather than something related to publishing…
SC: I grew up in Texas and went to SXSW every year. You make a lot of contacts there. So when I came to New York City, I networked, sent out resumes and ended up with two job offers — one from a publisher in the creative side, and one from BMI in the administration department. You can guess which one I chose!
I would have loved to work at the publishing company, but my gut told me BMI was the place to go. I felt like it was a place where I could grow and have the opportunity to learn about a part of the business most people do not understand. So I started in the Performing Rights department before eventually transferring to Writer/Publisher Relations. Looking back, I still believe I made the right decision.
What is a typical day like for you at BMI? Are you always in the office? At a gig or event a few nights a week?
SC: It’s pretty crazy. There is no typical day. Some days I’m in the office all day and out at night seeing live shows. Other days, I’m in the studio or taking meetings with people in the industry. I try to increase BMI’s market share, meaning I want to find the next Eminem and the next Lady Gaga, and I do that through my relationships with producers, labels, attorneys, managers, agents, songwriters, and musicians. We all turn each other on to new music.
When I start working with a songwriter, I try to grow with them. That means something different for each creative person that I work with. For some, it means listening to early demos, giving constructive feedback, and then setting up co-writing sessions and meetings when I know they’re ready. For others, I’m giving business advice and just looking out for their best interests, including consulting as they make decisions throughout their careers. I like to say it’s like I manage thousands of individual artists on a day-to-day basis.
Ultimately, I serve as the songwriters’ connector and a confidant. The songwriters I work with trust me to give honest, unbiased advice, and I work hard to maintain that level of real trust. The only bias I ever have is on their behalf—I always look out for what’s best for them in any given situation.
Samantha Cox and Lady Gaga at a 2007 BMI showcase
What is the most challenging part of your job?
SC: Technology has made my job more challenging! You no longer need access to a recording studio to make music –anyone can get on their laptop, write a song, and want to sign up with BMI. I would say that over the past 10 years, this has dramatically increased the volume of songwriters who affiliate with BMI and want my help with launching their careers. Also, the music industry as a whole is changing fast. Traditional ways of buying and listening to music have been replaced in the digital age, and that’s a huge challenge, but we are also in a very exciting time. We’re being asked to see into the future and to predict how the changes will affect songwriters, and that’s virtually-impossible.
Is there something that you wish more people knew about BMI?
SC: A lot of things, actually. We operate on a not-for-profit making basis, which means that our primary responsibility is to collect and distribute performance royalties for the benefit of the songwriter, not us. It’s a very complicated business that threatens to get more and more so, but we never lose sight of what we’re here to do. We’re here for the songwriter.
For someone looking to join BMI, is it still the same easy process of signing up online?
SC: Absolutely! All you have to do is visit www.bmi.com. We’ve made the process simple and streamlined. And if for any reason something isn’t self-explanatory, there’s always someone available to help.
In recent years, BMI has begun putting on more events, showcases and conferences. Are you involved with booking these events?
SC: Yes. Everyone on our Writer/Publisher Relations teams work together to make each event a success. I work on all kinds of events on the local side such as our monthly Acoustic Lounge, Speed Dating For Songwriters and songwriting camps, to national conferences like SXSW and CMJ, our yearly POP Awards in Los Angeles, and stages at major music festivals including Lollapalooza. You can read more about all of them at http://www.bmi.com/events/calendar.
What can you tell me about BMI’s stage at this year’s Lollapalooza? How did that opportunity come about?
SC: If you want to know what artists will be playing on the main stages next year, you’ll want to come to the BMI stage this year! Our stage showcases the best new artists before they become some of the biggest stars in the world. Whether it’s Lady Gaga, Neon Trees, Ke$ha, Halsey, Vic Mensa, Bebe Rexha, or Cage The Elephant, BMI brings the best new musical talent to the Lollapalooza audience first. This year is no exception with incredible artists like Secret Weapons, LANco, Sunflower Bean, and Flatbush Zombies further cementing BMI’s reputation for presenting artists today that everyone will be talking about tomorrow.
Are there any upcoming BMI events otherwise that are open to the public?
SC: Yes. One great event that BMI offers to the public is our BMI 101 workshop. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a one-hour introductory workshop for writers and publishers, covering the role that BMI plays in the music industry, basics of performing rights, and becoming a BMI affiliate. We also host a monthly Acoustic Lounge at the Rockwood on the Lower East Side that’s free and open to the public. It’s a fun event where we showcase some of BMI’s up-and-coming songwriters and people have the opportunity to discover new music.
You personally are a resident of Downtown Manhattan. When did you first move downtown?
SC: I’ve lived downtown since I came to New York City a little over 20 years ago, first in Chelsea and then in Tribeca. My daughter was born right around the time BMI moved its offices to 7 WTC, so it made sense to move closer to work so I could be nearer to her when she went to school.
What do you like most about living downtown?
SC: The energy. The people. And now that I’m a mom, it’s a great place for kids. It’s also a super easy commute to the East Village or Brooklyn where so much is happening in music.
Are there any upcoming downtown events or developments that have you particularly excited?
SC: I’m excited about City Vineyard officially opening up at Pier 26. I stopped by with a few friends for their soft opening in early July and had a great time.
Do you have a favorite downtown music venue?
SC: I spend most of my time on the lower east side at venues like Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Pianos and Rockwood Music Hall. They are all like my second homes.
When not busy with your work, how do you like to spend your free time?
SC: Free time? What’s that? In all seriousness, I like to spend time in the park with my family and have dinner with friends. I love Bar Cyrk in Tribeca and Pala on the Lower East Side.
Finally, Samantha, any last words for the kids?
SC: Like any business, you should take your relationships seriously, have a great work ethic, and learn from others. I always say, if you can just outlast everyone, you will eventually be successful in one way or another, whether it be as a songwriter, an artist or working in the business. Surround yourself with music, those who love music and don’t give up!
My favorite member of Foo Fighters, you ask? It has always been Nate Mendel.
Besides being a member of the group for over 20 years – he joined in 1994 and is the only other constant member besides Dave Grohl – Nate was a founding member of the very influential Sunny Day Real Estate. He also played with some of his former SDRE bandmates in The Fire Theft in 2003.
2015 brought the first-ever solo release from Nate, although under the name Lieutenant. Lieutenant’s debut release “If I Kill This Thing We’re All Going To Eat For A Week” features Nate on lead vocals –something he had never done previously – alongside playing from members of Helmet (Page Hamilton), The Head And The Heart (Josiah Johnson) and Modest Mouse (Joe Plumber). At no point does “If I Kill…” sound like a self-indulgent side-project, as it lies sonically somewhere between the Foos (whose Chris Shiflett contributes), SDRE (whose frontman Jeremy Enigk participates) and The Shins. Meanwhile, their video for “Believe The Squalor” provides a refreshing dose of ironic humor.
Nate, who will be playing two (!) shows with Foo Fighters at Citi Field on July 15th and 16th, took some time to talk to Downtown. If things proceed the way that Nate hopes they will, Lieutenant’s album is not a one-off, nor is his stint as a lead vocalist.
For someone only familiar with your work in Sunny Day Real Estate and Foo Fighters, who hasn’t yet picked up the “If I Kill…” album, how would you describe Lieutenant?
Nate Mendel: It’s rock music, there’s no getting around that; it’s what I know, and what I like. The songs don’t have the directness and polish of a Foo Fighters record, but there’s of course an influence there because I’ve learned a lot from Dave through the years. I didn’t realize it until this record came out, but there’s a type of melody and chord structure that was predominant for a while after the mid 90’s — that says “I want this moment to be poignant and powerful” — and as much as I was striving for originality, the Lieutenant record is guilty of having some of that, as well as the lack of artifice that music from that period had. Guitars sound like guitars and drums like drums.
Is Lieutenant intended to be a one-off, or might there be a second album somewhere down the line?
N: The timing of this record wasn’t perfect — it came out in the middle of a year of Foo Fighters touring — so I didn’t really get much time to tour or work with the live band on writing songs and becoming a band, rather than a collection of musicians. And the result is that the record is kind of an orphan. It’s out there, but there’s not much to support it right now. I’d like to give it a little baby brother or sister to keep it company.
What are the odds of you rollerblading in an upcoming Lieutenant music video? Or are more videos with black metal bands the norm for Lieutenant?
N: Ha. Yeah, I’ve done a lot of goofball stuff in Foo Fighter videos over the years, so using them as an outlet to get silly comes pretty naturally to me now. Maybe “rollerblade guy” could play a cameo in a future Lieutenant video – like a recurring character? Or Lemmy?
Photo: Courtesy of Lieutenant Facebook
Rarely are you seen singing in Foo Fighters, yet you took the lead on vocals for Lieutenant. Might backing vocals become a more common part of your performance?
N: Backing vocals in Foo Fighters are not a calculation. It’s an ad-hoc thing. There’s a couple of guys singing now, and if we were to add another there might need to be discussions about stacking harmonies and things like that. Could get laborious. But who knows, I might just throw up a mic and see if anyone notices.
Back in March, Lieutenant played at Mercury Lounge, yet this summer, you’re playing 2 gigs with Foo Fighters at Citi Field. Is one of those two scenarios more suitable for you?
N: I’ll take The Mercury Lounge with a microphone, and Citi Field with a bass! That’s the perfect scenario. Playing the enormous shows with the Foo Fighters is really, really fun, and it’s funny when you think about it, but I then put a lot of work into doing a solo record so that I can play shows to the tiniest fraction of those audiences. But that’s what we do in our band. Except for Pat [Smear], at least for now, we come together and play to one type of audience, and during breaks go out and get in a van or RV and do our own thing.
Given the SDRE release for Record Store Day this year, is there any possibility of another tour for the band? Or even anything new from The Fire Theft?
N: For me personally, I’ve decided to concentrate on making my own records, but I wouldn’t rule out the other guys getting together again at some point. I know Jeremy is working on solo music right now.
Aside from the music, what do you wish more people knew about Nate Mendel?
N: I’m waterproof.
Finally, Nate, any last words for the kids?
N: Oh hell, when we get out of the Q & A format, I just fall to pieces, but thanks for giving me a chance to talk about Lieutenant!
The Modern Electric And Old Man Canyon Summer 2014 Tour
Two up-and-coming bands are coming to Lower Manhattan’s Mercury Lounge on June 24.
The Modern Electric will open the show, a four-man cinematic pop band from Cleveland. Critics rave about their captivating melodies, moving acoustic sounds, and catchy hooks. The Modern Electric likes to compare their music to that of The Killers, Delta Spirit, and Spoon.
Old Man Canyon will then take the stage. They have been featured on shows like MTV’s Awkward, Showtime’s Shameless and USA’s series Suits airing on Bravo Canada. Old Man Canyon’s sound can be described as indie folk, with acoustic chords and vocal tones comparable to that of Bon Iver or Mumford and Sons. Front man Jett Pace is hailed for his hearty performances and introspective lyrical themes. The band is certainly not one to miss.
When: Tues., 6/24 Where: Mercury Lounge. 217 E Houston St. New York, NY, 10002 Who: 21 and older only
Visit the event page at Mercury Lounge’s website for more details.
Meghann Wright’s music reflects different aspects of her experience. Her powerful vocals point to her overcoming of difficulties growing up and the resulting strength she gained. Her repertoire reflects her musical background and the influence her family members had on her. Based in Brooklyn, she shares her singles through several mediums including her SoundCloud account.
Her single “Can’t Carry Water” begins as a ballad. Listeners may expect the mellow feel to continue throughout the song but will be shocked by the buildup. Wright laments her inability to draw love from her lover before the drums kick in and the beat intensifies. She parallels the frustrations of trying to carry water in her hands or “bring down all the stars in the sky” to the emotion she wants but is not receiving. The buildup following the chorus reflects how emotions that are held in tend to bubble up and spill over. Her ability to convey human emotions in her voice and through the accompaniment points to her skill as a songwriter and singer.
“Can’t Carry Water” is just one of many songs Meghann Wright will be performing on June 22nd at the Mercury Lounge in the Lower East Side at 5:30pm. For tickets, follow this link.
