Frenchie - Frenchie (Album) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Will Brown
London-based French-English singer-songwriter Frenchie today releases her self-titled debut album 'Frenchie'. Produced by one of UK jazz luminary Femi Temowo - known for his work with Amy Winehouse, SAULT and Gregory Porter, Frenchie's self-titled debut album moves with a rare beauty and assuredness, traversing soul, jazz and alternative R&B to stunning effect.
Written whilst studying for a Masters degree in psychotherapy and counselling, Frenchie set a goal to write three songs per term for her debut album, with each term and season bringing different themes of reflection lyrically.
"The process was about allowing each season and psychotherapeutic module to reflect the emotional landscape of my experiences," Frenchie explains. "Themes explored include the search for meaning, unpacking personal and family dynamics, understanding mental health, and my struggles with people-pleasing. Through each song, the album becomes a narrative of self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing personal desires in your early thirties with the realities of relationship dynamics, all underpinned by the therapeutic insights gained throughout the year."
The album is highlighted today by the focus single 'Searching', which, when written, was the catalyst for the overarching themes of the album. "It's about feeling lost in the search for meaning and purpose," Frenchie explains. "For me, writing songs and undergoing therapy training were ways to find direction. Femi and I wrote the song together from scratch, and the track's sound was influenced by contemporary artists like CARRTOONS, and Tom Misch, as well as Motown legends like Stevie Wonder, The Meters, and Aretha Franklin."
From the poised, timeless sensibilities of 'Distance', and the glistening, jazz-flecked groove of 'Love Reservoir,' to the enchanting, understated R&B of album opener 'Can I Lean On You?' - across the album Frenchie draws further inspiration from acts such as Cleo Sol, Lauryn Hill, Camille and Khruangbin – as well as 60s/70s artists Minnie Riperton, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Bob Dylan.
For her debut album, Frenchie assembled a veritable all star cast of some of UK jazz's most talented musicians and vocalists, with contributions from KOKOROKO drummer Ayo Salawu, keys player Luke Smith (known for this work with Corinne Bailey Rae and Chaka Khan), backing vocals from friends and frequent collaborators Hohnen Ford, Friday Touray, along with further instrumental and production contributions from Femi Temowo, Aaron Taylor, Alex Maydew, Chris Hyson, Jas Kayser, amongst others.
Frenchie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My earliest memory is listening to my older sister’s CDs and spending hours playing them on repeat, singing along. I remember it impacted me deeply and gave me a space to express myself. I feel very lucky that, even today, music remains my safe space to outlet.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Currently, I’m really inspired by Cleo Sol, Sault, and Minnie Riperton. In a dream world, I’d love to work with Cleo Sol and her husband, Inflo, or just be a fly on the wall and watch them create magic in the studio.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’m releasing my debut album, self-titled Frenchie. I wrote it during my first year of my Master’s in psychotherapy and counselling, setting myself the goal of writing three songs per term. The album is a sort of diary, reflecting self-growth and introspection throughout that year. I worked with some incredible musicians, producers, and songwriters: Femi Temowo, Chris Hyson, Alex Maydew, Ayo Salawu, Frida Touray, Hohnen Ford, Jas Kayser, Luke Smith, and Edward Randell.
4. How would you describe your sound?
It’s contemporary soul inspired by late 60s/70s vibes. Imagine a musical baby of Cleo Sol and Minnie Riperton, born in the south of France.
5. What’s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Probably the creation of this album. It was a two-year journey where I really challenged and committed myself to writing and recording while studying and working full-time. It’s also a special time for me because, during the last six months of recording, I was pregnant with my son. To be able to show him this record in the future will be a very proud moment.
Picture Credit: Will Brown
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The book Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke is a beautiful artist’s bible that I return to for creative guidance. If anyone hasn’t read it yet, it’s a collection of letters from a young poet seeking advice from Rilke. One letter, in particular, resonates with me deeply, and I’ve written it out and framed it on my wall. It talks about how not to calculate your artistry by years or numbers but to grow and ripen like a tree. The tree doesn’t rush through its seasons; it knows that summer will come. This message is a reminder for me not to measure my success or artistry through Spotify or Instagram numbers or feel the pressure to constantly release new music. Trust in the process of your journey, and know that summer will come and the flowers will bloom. Right now, as a new mother going through a massive life transition, this message resonates in a new way, reminding me that my creativity and identity as a musician are still there and will evolve into new music in the future.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Yes! My talented friend Alex Maydew is a beautiful singer-songwriter and pianist. Last year, he released his stunning EP Spaces In Between and is currently working on new material. I was lucky enough to have him co-write a few songs on my album. He has a real sensitivity and poetic depth in his songs that I’m completely in awe of. Also, another very talented friend, Frida Touray, who features on the album with the single “Love Reservoir.” Frida has one of my favorite voices of all time, and her songs from her last EP Mending are timeless and stunning. She’s soon to release her second EP, and I can’t wait because everything she touches is pure gold!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Right now, I’m listening to Cleo Sol and Sault albums, as well as Minnie Riperton’s Come to My Garden on repeat. After becoming a mother recently, Cleo Sol’s album Mother speaks to me on a deeper level and resonates with everything I’m going through. I’ve also been listening to Anaiis and Grupo Cosmo album, it’s so magical!
9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
I love reading, listening to music & audiobooks, cooking, eating, traveling, mothering, spending time with loved ones, knitting, drawing, painting, binge-watching films/series, writing random script ideas, being in nature, and soaking up the sunshine.
10. Name three things you can’t live without when in the studio?
Snacks, tea, and my lyric book.