22nd April 2020 //
Hey everyone!
Remember that fun thing called live music?
At this point of social distancing and isolation it feels like such a distant memory.
And while we are all staying at home to flatten the curve and support the front line workers all over the world, our favourite artists are really stepping up their game.
It's times like this which show us just how important creatives are.
Whether that's the artists doing live streams, the writers supplying us with interesting pieces, the photographers sharing beautiful moments or film makers giving us something to take in.
It's the artists that share their craft to keep us entertained and I think we should keep that in mind.
Alex Francis couldn't have picked a better time to release his live EP as it allows us to feel that sweet feeling that live music brings to us, the feeling music fans around the world miss so much.
Artist: Alex Francis
Title: Live In Munich
Genre: R&B, Soul
Label: frtyfve records
Release Date: 3rd April 2020
Alex Francis is a singer/songwriter originally from Hitchin, UK, currently based in London.
His sound combines the classical singer/songwriter elements with sprinkles of R&B and soul, creating a unique listening experience for his fans.
Alex first introduced himself to the music world with his single "Make Believe" back in 2017.
Ever since he has gone from strength to strength, convincing not just the British airplay DJs, the Spotify Germany playlist makers but also acts such as Kelly Jones who invited Alex and his band to support the Stereophonics on tour.
Besides touring with Stereophonics, Alex has also supported Sting, James Bay and Melanie C - on whose single "Hold On" he also features.
His music has allowed Alex to travel a lot, appearing on SXSW, performing at Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, playing The Isle Of Wight Festival, Live At Leeds, Liverpool Sound City and more.
On top of that Alex played his first headline tour in Germany last year and during this stop in Munich, the "Live In Munich" EP was recorded during his show at Zehner.
Tracklist:
1) Make Believe
2) Whatever Happened
3) Desire
"Make Believe" lets you find the groove in a gentle and enticing way. The simplicity of the song is refreshing and inviting, giving you the time to relax and dive into the music. Often it's loud and busy songs that grab our attention at gigs, but Alex has found the perfect alternative with the mellow and soulful sounds in his repertoire.
"Whatever Happened" follows up that calming atmosphere absolutely beautifully. It invites you to dream, to listen to the harmonies Alex and band mate Gui Rezende deliver seemingly effortlessly. The combination of acoustic and electric guitar gives the song everything it needs to captivate an audience.
Blending a few lines of Womack & Womack's "Teardrops" into the intro of "Desire", the two musicians made everyone in the crowd boogie from the first line on. "Desire" is one of those tracks that just get you in a good mood, the lightness of the instrumentals, the soul, the vocals, the guitar solo - it all works and keeps the repeat button busy.
To sum it up: As someone who was at that exact show in Munich, it's absolutely wonderful to hear the songs again the way the were performed that night. But even if you weren't at the show, this EP allows you to have that sweet feeling of live music in your ears and is a definite reminder of why you should attend an Alex Francis show as soon as we're all able to again.
You should listen to these tracks: Really just listen to the entire EP.
- buy and/or stream "Live In Munich" here -
Alex Francis online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
Thank you for your visit!
Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: JP Boardman via Alex Francis
