The festival season is just around the corner and more and more artists are being booked and preparing for extraordinary shows every day. Sophie Francis is said to be one of the busiest Dj/Producers going through many festivals just like other leading figures. Not only did she perform at Ultra Music Festival this year but she her set is played over 1 million times in different parts of the world. A hope for next generation star and soon to be a leading figure has released a new track and let’s hear the story behind her producing a track.
Q1. Congratulations on your "Lovedrunk" release. Can you tell us more about it?
Thank you!! The initial idea came up during a writing camp last winter. Lovedrunk was born inspired on a story about that moment when you are so in love with a person. It feels so intense and good, that you want more and more:) The singer is a Dutch-Ethiopian super talented girl: Sophia Ayana. Unfortunately she didn’t want to be featured on the track, because she has other projects a bit different than this record. But she deserves the credits!! So at least I name her:)
We wrote Lovedrunk in Amsterdam, with all Dutch songwriters: Mattanja Joy Bradley, Sophia Ayana, Yuno Verse, Whan… The vocals have a really cool vibe, so actually most of the track was built around that. About the instruments, I wanted something with a light reggae vibe… urban, followed by an energetic drop. We composed the main melodies all together during the camp, with the exception of the drop. It had a different drop originally, and later on, during the production process I wanted to change it, and I wrote some new melodies and produced the one you hear now, together with my friend James Ericsson. James is a great support on the technical side, helping me to improve the sound for now.
Q2. How is your 2017 so far?
Really great, but it was a tough start of the year. I was finishing my IB program –an International degree– which is very hard and strict, and I had a lot of exams involving the content from the last 2 years from February to May.I had to work on my music ahead, in the last quarter of 2016, as in the first part of 2017 I barely could do studio sessions. I had to lock my agenda from January to May for studying, having to reject lots of opportunities… as great shows abroad, new studio sessions, interviews… It was a bit painful >.<We only were able to match some shows between exams, and luckily one of them was Ultra Music Festival in Miami. That was right after a round of exams and it was super fun!! Epic :)
Also in January I signed with Spinnin’ Records, which was an important miles stone for me, and released ‘Without You’. I am glad that I finished school a couple of weeks ago, and I’ll be able to start touring and to spend lots of hours in studio to make lots of music and to grow as a producer!!
Q3. Which track would be your favourite from your work and what inspired you to produce that track?
If I had to choose, my favorite track right now it would be ‘Walls’. This track means so much to me, not just emotionally but also as an artist!It was kind of my break through in Europe, having the record on the playlist of every main radio station, and scoring a ‘Dance Smash’. That means the track reached the title of ‘Dance Hit of 2016’, being included in the annual compilation made by Sony Music.It was also my first non-instrumental track, and playing the record and seeing the crowd going crazy and singing along was amazing.
Q4. Can you pick 1 or 2 must plays in your sets and why?
Sophie Francis – Without You (Mad Rework) because I wanted to have a great banger to enjoy live, with my original single ‘Without You’, and it’s a dancefloor beast!!!
Sophie Francis – Walls (Mad Rework) its also another super energetic great version of my original Walls. You definitely need to try them out!! I have them as free download on my official SoundCloud page!
Also Sophie Francis – Annihilate brings the crowd craaaaazy
Q5. Are there any artists in particular you would love to collab with this year?
There are so many great artists out there that I really like! I couldn't name just one I would like to work with, but people like Showtek, Jay Hardway, Ummet Ozcan… I’d love to!!
Q6. What would Japanese fans be surprised to learn about you?
That I'm quite short and after this interview they'll also know I always use a step when I'm playing haha I’ll be coming to Japan soon!!! 18th of August I’ll be playing in Osaka at Vanity Club, and 19th of August in Tokyo at V2 club!!! I am really looking forward to this!!!
Q7. What are your plans for the Summer?
I have a busy schedule with a lot of festivals and clubs for the summer season in Europe, including Tomorrowland in Belgium, Parookaville in Germany... Top Festivals! But also in June I'm flying to LA for studio sessions there. In August I’ll start an Asia tour, including 2 dates as I mentioned above in Japan! Also the Storm Festivals in China and many more.
Q8. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.
Thank you all for your support!!! It means a lot to me!! I love the Japanese culture and its people!! Traditions, education… and I will see you soon!! :D <3
Sophie Francis has joined the group of players under the spotlight from a very young age. A very exceptional duo The Chainsmokers, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and R3hab have realised her talent from a very young stage and kept on supporting her from the start. As seen from DJ MAG TOP 100 DJs, a female artist is going to be very special in the coming years in the dance music scene and she is a hope to become the next generation star. Sophie Francis is also set to come to Japan on August 18th to party with the Japanese crowd. Stay tuned to her updates.
