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Karima Francis
Shelf Life
T
Karima Francis is a critically acclaimed musician contemplative lyricism and organic instrumentation.
and songwriter hailing from the illuminated seaside Soulful velvet vocals envelop the celestial melodies,
resort of Blackpool. Known for her ability to blend delivering an intimate and authentic release.
haunting melodies with honest lyrics and an alluring
ambiance, Francis creates entirely captivating music, Recorded with artist and producer Tim Carr (Fell
oozing with emotion and rooted in sentiment. Runner), Carr brings the West Coast sonic laziness
and beauty that Francis had been searching for. ‘Shelf
Taking her first steps into the music industry at only Life’ takes a step away from Francis’ typical
13 years old, Francis relentlesslytaught herself drums autobiographical songwriting, admitting, “I want-
and before long progressed to the guitar and ed to try and explore new ideas and context when
songwriting at age 18. Soon after she unveiled the it comes to writing. I think tone helps with writing
debut release of The Author, which lauded praise also, if you have a beautiful guitar sound that makes
from prestigious publications, propelling her into the you feel a certain way, this can open up new realms
limelight. Her consequent album’s The Remedy and in your creativity and expression”.
Black further acknowledged the musician’s profound
talent, each timeshowcasing a denser amalgamation The visuals for ‘Shelf Life’ feature a day in the life of
of sounds and textures. a homeless man. After Francis and video director
Joseph Calhoun explained the concept of the video
Seeking new inspiration and an escape from London to the man, he instantly wanted to be a part of it and
life, Francis recognised her overwhelming sense to help raise awareness. The outcome is a personal,
explore something new in Los Angeles. Selling some poignant and truly captivating insight into the
of her most beloved guitars and purchasing a ticket homeless crisis.
to the West Coast, she was finally able to soak up the
laid-back Californian lifestyle and her music found a Inspired by the organic sound of analogue audio,
fresh perspective. Francis reveals, “I was very Francis was drawn to recording to tape and
influenced by the West coast indie folk singer capturing the essence of the performance through
songwriter revival that’s happening out in LA right both creatively adept musicians and the finest
now, when I heard the Phoebe Bridgers record I was quality equipment. Her musical influences blend the
blown away by the production and musicality from best of modern day greats such as Sharon Van Etten,
the players and wanted to find them for my music The National and Big Thief with old time producers
so I sold up and went out to start making new music including Berry Gordy (Marvin Gaye) and William
relations in LA”. Mitchel (Al Green), to create a sound leaning
towards indie rock, folk and alternative route.
Her time spent there resulted in the highly Francis recently studied music production
anticipated single ‘Shelf Life’. The stunning track specifically to learn how to use analogue mixing
narrates Los Angeles’ deepening homelessness crisis. desks with the intention to be more creative in the
On the surface the City of Angels is a place of studio and produce her own music.
celebrities and million dollar mansions, but scratch
a bit deeper and you will find the devastating truth Karima Francis’ journey has found her playing on
which is encompassing so many people’s lives. Later… With Jools Holland, supporting the likes of
Karima felt beyond compelled to write about the Paul Simon, Amy Winehouse and The Stereophonics,
epidemic and shine light on the reality of the as well as working with renowned producer Flood
situation, sharing “The music was inspired by the (Nine Inch Nails, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Depeche
homelessness crisis out in LA. I was just devastated Mode). ‘Shelf Life’ is currently available worldwide.
by what I was seeing and the contrast between the
rich and poor out there was uncomfortable to see”. https://www.facebook.com/karimafrancis/
https://twitter.com/KarimaFrancis
‘Shelf Life’ emits a melancholy warmth through https://www.instagram.com/karimafrancis/
www.writeawaymagazine.co.uk 35
