News: FRANCIS drop their latest single "Pin Me Down"

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FRANCIS
FRANCIS

FRANSIS are a London based alt/indie band fronted by singer-songwriter Emma Withers. Formerly known as Emma & the Idles, the band have been hailed as 'Jessie J meets Joan Jett', making a name for their balls to the wall approach to their sound and sharp songwriting style.

Reminiscent of Wolf Alice and Florence + The Machine, FRANSIS make music that smacks you in the face in a slightly different way, and whilst they float between genres of rock, indie, pop, soul and blues; they show an unrelenting penchant for dramatic, powerful and meaningful music. After busking on the streets of London and making a name for herself as a unique and energetic performer, powerhouse singer Withers decided to form a band to accelerate the sound she so desperately wanted, and boy did she get it. FRANSIS was born.

"Pin Me Down" was spurred by the tragic murder of Sarah Everard. It tackles a subject which is often difficult to talk about but shared by so many women, that of sexual assault, candidly focusing on the mental strain particularly in the aftermath, and the struggle behind closed doors. Described as a therapeutic exorcism, Withers shares, "This song is vulnerable and real, I wanted to focus on the self destruction, the brokenness, the confusion, the anger, and then finally the release which is supported by the music constantly, and as the song intensifies we hit an explosive finale, and an emotional release which was incredibly satisfying to perform in the studio, I did like 8 takes of this to get the raw emotion out of me, this is bonded with the mammoth eruption of epic guitar lines and pure power from the band".

If  you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm always happy to share music about trauma experiences and vulnerability. I had conversations with musicians about healing from a narcissist relationship and how to find the feminine essence, and I'm glad to present this meaningful song of FRANSIS today for the same reason. The power of the lyrics/meaning is accompanied by an equally powerful voice and guitar/music, prompting the listener to want to hear it over and over again. Withers and her band really did an awesome job and I can't wait to listen to their whole EP coming soon!

   

Despite the serious nature of "Pin Me Down" there is a positive outline, of admittance and then at the end, a collective sense of women standing together. A strong message that no-one should feel alone in their struggle, to let shame keep their burdens as skeletons or be fearful of walking down the street alone at night. Withers encourages, "Get mad, scream, cry and use this song for its intent, let us stand together for change. If Pin Me Down helps one woman come to terms with any trauma and speak out about her experiences, the job is literally done. You’re not alone".

"Pin Me Down" is the third single to be released off of their upcoming EP, which will be celebrated at their very own launch party at The Water Rats in London on 1st July 2022. (You can buy the tickets here!)

Pin Me Down

Hey you with a spark in your eyes

Is it good intent or is it by surprise and just ‘cos I showed you kindness 

Don’t mean I owe you anything more

Cos I’ve been playing dumb, cos it’s hard to admit 

When you’re in the fray with no one there to battle it 

Cos it’s getting late and I just want to go home

Pin me down

Pin me down

When no ones around

And the crowds are gone

And I’m all alone pin me down

And hey you did you know I couldn’t cry?

Cos I bottled it; but that’s just by the by

And it’s funny how a stranger can haunt you for the rest of your life 

Cos I was laying low, left to fade in a sin

And self medicate from the pain I was In

Cos it was getting late and I wanted to go home

[...]

Like a renegade I’ll bring about a mutiny

In a sea of hate the waves are crashing over me

Let you feel the blow that took the wind right outta me Give you something to shout about oh

So you’ll never again

No won’t pin me down 


FRANSIS
FRANSIS

Linktree: FRANSIS

[Info provided by LPR Agency]

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