After introducing himself with his stunning initial offerings 'Reasons' and 'Home' earlier this year, London-based singer-songwriter Francis La Lune continues his vibrant ascent with the soaring new single 'Arpeggio Finds A Home'.
Lifted from his eagerly-awaited debut EP 'LUCID', which is set to land in June this year, 'Arpeggio Finds A Home' makes for a wonderfully compelling listen. Using little more than an acoustic guitar and his own mesmerising voice throughout, he is quickly cementing himself as one of the more captivating names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. I don’t even remember the first time I picked it up. I was so young and I must have pointed at it and someone handed it to me. It was a Spanish classical guitar. I then started getting lessons - I was probably 6 or 7 years old, it was purely instinctive.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was young and lived in Italy the first music I listened to was what my parents were listening to - Italian music but there were lots of influences from hip hop and rap blended with singer songwriter vibes. Good stuff to grow up with. Afterwards, at 13/14 I remember feeling deeply moved by Louis Armstrong, my grandad played it to me. From then on I was lost forever in jazz and blues.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I bought my first two albums while travelling in the US. I was in Virginia and I remember buying a special edition of two Bob Dylan CDs: Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61. I literally consumed them, I listened to them over and over.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I was always a little jealous of Alex Turner’s lyrics, they’re just so cleverly locked in. Every word falls perfectly in place with the melody pattern and they’re very poetic. R U Mine? must be the best ever lyrics penned down for a rock song. Bob Dylan’s too, but he’s on another planet - you just can’t compete with him.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It is always different. The best way to try and write a new song is to not try at all. The best pieces I’ve written always fell on my lap from above. Sometimes it’s a melody, sometimes it’s chords. I always try to write as soon as I wake up and my dreams are still lingering in my head, and the music coming out is purer.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Bon Iver has now conquered a very special place in my heart. The way I found out it’s very easy: every time I heard an intro, I immediately recognized the song and my heart melts every time I hear his music. It’s a good way to find out that you like something, try it yourself. As you grow up, sometimes you forget how these things work.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would be fun to experience opening for The 1975, their fans are total nut-heads. Or even opening for Bleachers, Jack Antonoff’s band. I went to one of they’re gigs last year at Shepherd's Bush Empire and it was one of the best I’ve ever seen.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Playing live is the best feeling ever. I honestly consider playing electric guitar like a superpower - and being able to project those weird sounds off the stage to an audience is such a drug. You see everyone’s face and they’re all smiling and happy, and as soon as the drumming begins, everyone loses their shit. You’ve got to have good songs though… that’s why I got into production and composition, I’m projecting myself in that direction now. It’s such a thrill to find the perfect lyric, the perfect drum fill.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Finding clever things to say. With the abundance of music being released it’s very hard to find your own voice, because you don’t want to be associated with others, but at the same time you want people to feel what you’re saying. It’s a very strange position to be in as a writer.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
KEEP MAKING THINGS. It is hard, but most people give up way too soon. Go on and keep on moving, keep on dancing. Remember why you started, music’s too important to be left behind. It is very important to keep creating.
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Francis La Lune's new single 'Arpeggio Finds A Home' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.