Lillian Frances
Self proclaimed sonic collage Lillian Frances is far from your typical musician. Over the last 3 years, she has amassed over 3K monthly listeners on Spotify. “Pass on You,” the hit single off her new album Moonrise Queendom, has thousands of streams across multiple platforms. She’s gained even more attention after being highlighted on NPR’s Heavy Rotation and Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Pop playlist. Her sound conforms to neither genre--as she often weaves between different styles from song to song--nor language--as she can effortlessly switch from English to Spanish and back in the middle of her songs. Her unique style has garnered high praise, often leading to her being compared to iconic artists such as Lorde and Billie Eilish. We recently spoke with Lillian about her start as a musician, her passion for creating songs, and more!
How did you start making music?
I’ve always made music. It started with me singing just like… all the time. And then I picked up the guitar because I wanted to be Taylor Swift. I went to college in LA and sang “Wonderwall” in the quad to (unsuccessfully) woo boys from the soccer team. I started recording my music at the student-run recording studio on campus, and quickly I realized that all the engineers were men. I didn’t want some dude pressing the buttons for me. I wanted to be in full control. So, I went to music production school in 2015, and I’ve been honing my craft ever since. In 2016, I got tendonitis and had to put down my guitar; thank god for electronic music, because it was the only kind of music I could make!
Your album and single covers are works of art. What’s your inspiration behind them?
Why thank you! Two words: Spongebob Squarepants. For real. Ever noticed how some episodes are collaged? Like suddenly, Spongebob will be a real kitchen sponge? I think that had an impact on me, just seeing how worlds, real and imaginary, could come together and juxtapose like that. All of my art is very inspired by child-like wonder and curiosity. Big, bright colors, and fanciful worlds that are just fun to look at and imagine. I call myself a sonic collager, because my music is like this, too. I disregard genre, and favor just being playful in my production, combining rhythms and melodies and textures that breathe new life when they’re together.
What would you describe as your aesthetic?
Playful, sassy, and effervescent.
It’s time to collaborate: who are you picking?
Rosalía dude! And Empress Of. Such powerful women whose melodies, talent, and aesthetic blow me away.
What’s your biggest motivator?
I just fucking love music. I live for that feeling when a song is first born and you hear it and you just go YOU!!!! YOU EXIST!!??! This is a world! That I never new existed! But it does! And I created it! And I can explore it and tour myself around and build upon it. This is my home and my love. It is me. It’s like turning yourself inside out and seeing what’s inside and being like no wayyyyyy! Girl! That’s dope! The birth of a song is fucking magic.
Favorite non-music activities?
I’m a creek otter! I just want to splash about! I also sew fanny packs out of stuffed animals (i.e. Lil Franny Pack, i.e. real imaginary friends), do handstands, and eat excessive amounts of peanut butter.
What do you have in store for the future?
Coachella 2024, baby!
