Francis and the Lights
Francis and the Lights | |
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Francis and the Lights performing at the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, New York on November 15, 2007 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Oakland, California, United States |
Genres | Pop |
Years active | 2007–present |
Labels | None |
Associated acts | |
Website |
francisandthelights |
Francis and the Lights is an American musical project led by Francis Farewell Starlite.[1] The term "and the Lights" refers both to the lights on a stage and pixels on a computer screen.[2]
Starlite has said, "There are no "members" of Francis and the Lights. It is me and whomever else is involved. Including you."[3]
They released their debut studio album, Farewell, Starlite!, on September 24, 2016.
History
In 2007, Francis and the Lights self-released their debut EP, Striking.
In August 2008, Francis and the Lights self-released their second EP, A Modern Promise.
On November 3, 2008, Starlite incorporated the company Francis and the Lights, LLC, a limited liability company, as an alternative to signing a record deal.[4] It was followed by an investment of $100,000 from the Normative Music Company, giving Francis and the Lights, LLC a valuation of $1 million.[5] Normative's president, Jake Lodwick, a fan of Francis and the Lights, said, "Francis Starlite is an uncompromising musician and a strong leader. I believe he will bring Francis and the Lights to international stardom. The spectacular live shows, beautiful recordings, and his relentless character back me up."[6] In late 2009, Normative shut down.
On July 20, 2010, Francis and the Lights released their third EP, It'll Be Better, through Cantora Records. It was produced by Francis Farewell Starlite and Jake Schreier.[7]
In 2010, Francis and the Lights toured with Drake, MGMT, Ke$ha, La Roux, and Mark Ronson.[8][9]
In 2013, Francis and the Lights released their fourth EP, Like a Dream.
Drake quoted the 2010 Francis and the Lights song "Get in the Car" on the track "Madonna" from his 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late.[10] The phrase "Big as Madonna" was later used on a shirt that was worn by Madonna during her infamous appearance in Drake's 2015 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival headlining set.[11]
In 2016, Francis and the Lights were featured on Chance the Rapper's "Summer Friends" from his third mixtape, Coloring Book. Francis and the Lights will serve as the opening act on the North American tour dates of Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring World Tour, which run between September 2016 and October 2016.[12]
On May 15, 2016, Starlite released a solo piano song entitled "Thank You," which was recorded on a phone in Justin Vernon's living room.[13][14][15] Vernon later said on Twitter, "This man. I can't say enough words. Recorded right in my living room. I cried then. I love you Fran."[16]
On July 7, 2016, Francis and the Lights released a music video for the new song "Friends" featuring Bon Iver and Kanye West.[17]
On August 13, 2016, Francis and the Lights premiered their debut studio album Farewell, Starlite! during their performance at the Eaux Claires music festival.[18] It was released on September 24, 2016 immediately after a performance of the album at Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring Day festival.
In 2016 Francis and the Lights performed a cover of Dear Theodosia as a duet with Chance the Rapper on The Hamilton Mixtape.[19]
Discography
Albums
- Farewell, Starlite! (2016)
EPs
- Striking (2007)
- A Modern Promise (2008)
- It'll Be Better (2010)
- Like a Dream (2013)
Singles
- "LIME/WYN" (2008)
- "Eiffel Tower" / "The Things That I Would Do" (with inc.) (2011)
- "Friends" (with Bon Iver and Kanye West) (2016)
- "See Her Out (That's Just Life)" (2016)
Compilation Appearances
- "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (cover of Kanye West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing"), Guilt by Association Vol. 2 (2008)
Featured Appearances/Additional Credits
- "Karaoke" (Drake, Thank Me Later) (2010)
- "Something Better" (Lyrics Born, As U Were) (2010)
- "Celebration" (Das Racist, Relax) (2011)
- "I'll Never Forget You" (Birdy, Birdy) (2011)
- "Wonderful Everyday: Arthur" (Chance the Rapper with The Social Experiment) (2014)
- Surf (Nico Segal & The Social Experiment) (2015)
- Coloring Book (Chance the Rapper) (2016)
- "Close to You" (Frank Ocean, Blonde) (2016)
- "Wild Love" (Cashmere Cat featuring The Weeknd, Wild Love) (2016)
- "Dear Theodosia" (With Chance the Rapper Featured on The Hamilton Mixtape) (2016)
Film Scores
- Robot & Frank (2012)
References
- ↑
- ↑ "Francis and the Lights Interview". 12thDisciples Magazine. 9 July 2010. Retrieved 1 Jan 2011.
- ↑
- ↑ Bychawski, Adam (2008-11-04). "Indie band turns itself into company instead of signing record deal". NME. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ Allen, Dustin (2008-11-04). "Indie Band Goes Venture Capitalist". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ "Francis and the Lights Incorporates With $1 Million Valuation". The Normatist. Normative Music Company. 2008-11-03. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ "Francis And The Lights - It'll Be Better (CD, Album)". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-08-20.
- ↑ "Francis & the Lights Gigography". Songkick. Retrieved 1 Jan 2011.
- ↑ http://according2g.com/2010/10/francis-and-the-lights-live-at-music-hall-of-williamsburg/
- ↑ http://genius.com/Drake-madonna-lyrics#note-4888326
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/madonna-drake-coachella-2015-kiss-788298
- ↑ Kaye, Ben (2016-08-14). "Chance the Rapper recruits Francis and the Lights to open Magnificent Coloring Book Tour". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2016-08-20.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Strauss, Matthew (2016-07-07). "Watch Kanye, Bon Iver, and Francis and the Lights Team Up for New Video "Friends"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
- ↑ Tanzer, Myles (2016-08-14). "Francis And The Lights Debuts New Album Farewell, Starlite! At Eaux Claires Festival". The Fader. Retrieved 2016-08-20.
- ↑