After a spellbinding array of releases in recent months, London’s Francesca Morris continues to shine on her wondrous new single ‘Bad Neighbour’.
Taking cues from the likes of Lizzy McAlpine and Holly Humberstone, ‘Bad Neighbour’ is a warm and riveting return for her. Now it’s time to find out what makes her tick with our latest interview with the hotly-tipped newcomer.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I have always loved music and played musical instruments from a very young age, it has always been my absolute favourite thing. I started writing songs at about age 12 and I didn’t stop after that!! I went to study music in Leeds on a songwriting degree which was an amazing experience, I met so many incredible musicians there and learnt so much from getting to collaborate with them, and then I decided after that to take the leap and move to London and pursue music seriously!
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Growing up my biggest influences were Joni Mitchell and Sara Bareilles, but later I have also been heavily influenced by artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers. I love storytelling in songs and I think my favourite songs are the ones that have lyrics that really move me, so those are the kind of musicians that inspire me and influence the way I write. Sonically I also love artists who fit into that singer-songwriter, alternative pop bracket like Maggie Rogers and Dodie, and I used them as big inspirations when finding my sound.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There were a lot of moments but I remember vividly the first time I collaborated with a producer and toplined over a track he had made when I was 19/20. I got such a buzz from working with people I admired and creating something together, and I knew then that songwriting was something I had a huge passion for and wanted to pursue!
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I normally start with a lyric idea, as I find that good to get the ball rolling and then let melodic ideas come after that. I will go to either the piano or guitar (depending on how I am feeling on the day!) and mess around with some chords and melodies until something feels right!
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I normally write about things that are happening to me or have happened, and sometimes I have to let an idea fester for a few days/weeks before going to the piano or guitar to try and write, but if I keep going back to it in my notes app then I know there must be something in it! And then most of the time the lyric idea drives what chords and melodies I write to go with it!
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope people will resonate on a personal level to the lyrics and see something of their own life and feel validated or comforted by that, in the same way that I do when I listen to music I love. I have a lot of themes of trying to navigate my way through my twenties, whether that’s feeling overwhelmed or losing friends and relationships and my songwriting is very honest, and I hope people going through similar things will enjoy my music and relate to it.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
There are a lot of challenges as an emerging artist, whether that’s struggling to stay motivated or juggling finances, and dealing with the roller-coaster of it all which has its highs and lows!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I think hearing people tell me they have resonated with and been moved by my lyrics. That is always something I am eager to do with my music as I always love listening to songs that express how I’m feeling, so it’s amazing when people tell me my music has done that for them!
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I think you have to love the music you’re making and really believe in it. It’s hard sometimes to not get overwhelmed by the industry or feel like you need to fit into a certain bracket or make a certain kind of music, but if you love what you’re doing and would choose to listen to those songs yourself if another artist released them, you will always be making what is authentic to you!
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I am currently working on an EP which will be coming out next year!
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I would love to still be making music I love and am passionate about, and doing shows with a band, as so far I have only been performing acoustically! I would love to also be writing and producing songs for some of my favourite artists, as I love collaborating in different genres of pop and hope it is something I will always get to do!
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Listen to Francesca Morris’ new single ‘Bad Neighbour’ below.
