Blending dreamy vocals and signature almost-a-little-too-honest lyrics, Amanda Frances is a synth pop artist and songwriter hailing from Toronto. Receiving multiple nominations from the International Songwriting Competition, her distinct storytelling that features personal, highly detailed lyrics is a clear product of her experience as a Nashville songwriter. Her new single, “say that,” is the second single off of her debut EP which will be released early fall 2021.
Getting to know Amanda
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
The Handmaid’s Tale. Disclaimer: it’s super dark at times, but oh my goodness gracious what an incredible series with absolutely stunning acting. The Handmaid’s Tale was my favourite book in high school, and this series opened up a whole new level of the obsession.
What makes you nostalgic?
Station wagons with the backwards facing seats. Blueberry Pancakes. Driving with your hand out the window. Sailor Moon. Pumpkin patches. Sitting on a roof watching the sunset.
As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?
I have a brother who is 9 years my senior, so needless to say it was (and continues to be) his greatest joy in life to scare the living daylights out of me. As a kid, I had a rug beside my bed that had the letters of the alphabet listed on it with a corresponding animal for each letter. My brother took it upon himself to tell me that the alligator from letter A was living under my bed, and that the only way I could save myself from it jumping out and eating me was if I made sure to step on the unicorn from letter U before running out of my room.
What’s your favourite board game?
Scrabble. I have a serious thing for Scrabble.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Lean into the parts of you that make you truly unique. Also, stop caring about the kids that tease you for having red hair. That sh*t’s bomb.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
LANY. @pauljasonklein wanna paint each other’s nails pre-show?
Are you creative in other disciplines?
I’m in love with creating art in any form. My artistic expressions come in the form of writing songs, creating and editing videos, acting, cooking, dance, film photography, graphic design, and the list goes on and on and on.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Reading. Especially poetry. I find that helps to get my head back into a creative space, and often even a single word can trigger a whole new idea for a song.
Where was your last song recorded?
Online/my bedroom! COVID lockdowns have provided a very interesting twist to how my songs are created – but it’s actually turned out to be a really effective new way of creating for me. All of the songs from the project I’m working on right now have been recorded and produced over a series of zoom calls with my producer, Father Bobby Townsend. I cut the vocals in my bedroom here in Toronto, he produces from his studio in Edmonton, and we share audio and screens along the way. I actually kind of love working on songs this way now.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
Never ever ever try to chase trends. By the time you try to jump on a trend, its moment has long passed. Be the one to set the next trend.
https://amandafrancesmusic.com/