‘Take the music away from me and I’m hollow’
Hailing from Blackpool, this extraordinary
singer-songwriter has experienced a lot throughout her 25 years. Back in 2009,
Karima Francis released her debut album, ‘The Author’. Landing her a spot on
Later with Jools Holland, it set to mark the start of a hopeful career.
However, during promotion for the release,
the young singer-songwriter fell ill with anorexia, putting a halt to her
career. For obvious reasons, Karima decided to take some time out.
Although, understandably a tough time,
Karima doesn’t shy away from discussing the turmoil she experienced within this
time. However, 2012 is a new year, a new start and her latest release ‘The
Remedy’ seems the perfect return for Francis.
Not only representing her recovery, the
album displays strength way beyond her years, exploring love, lost and emotive
lyrics sure to pull at your heartstrings.
Producer of the album, Flood formed a large
part in the materialization of ‘The Remedy’. Having demoed with Linda Perry
from the Four Non Blondes in America, Karima worried that she was beginning to
loose herself. It was then that she met up with U2 producer Flood, who she
admits at first, didn’t get her work.
In a bid to win him over, Karima asked if
she could just play live, sensing he didn’t like her American demos. Bearing
her soul, singing the songs just her and the acoustic guitar, Karima captivated
Flood whose reply convinced her of her talents.
“Why has no one ever stood you in a room and
just recorded the songs around you? Okay, that’s what we’re going to do”.
In a somewhat testament to Karima’s strength,
her powerful raw lyrics are what are most striking throughout the records. Full
of confidence and determination, Francis explores the depths of love, life and
romance.
Earlier this week, I caught up with Karima ahead of her support slot with the legendary Seal.
Karima Francis: I didn’t even discover it
really, it was more other people that told me I could sing. It’s so funny you
say that because I don’t really class myself as a proper singer, I just speak
the truth and project louder. Maybe the truth and volume together just sound
nice…
DD:
What is your songwriting/composing process like?
KF: Now I’m older I’ve noticed a change, I
used to feel comfortable sitting in front of my mirror, but now I feel more
uneasy doing that. I now, and always have found the melodies then marked my path
of what I’m trying to say out with the right words with the right syllables.
I know now, we as artists do write to our
mood and places we are in at the present time.
DD:
What do you feel are the main influences to your music? Both musically and
lyrically?
KF: Past, present and the need to make
people feel they are not alone.
DD: Making
a return with your second album, released in August, how does it feel to be
back?
KF: Overwhelming. I am completely grateful
to be given another chance to be out on the road performing live again, which I
never thought I would be doing again. I’m just thankful for all of those who
still support my music. People on Facebook and Twitter have been so kind and
they make me feel like I’ve never been away.
DD:
Fresh from supporting Newton Faulkner and with a stellar line up of support
slots to Seal, Jack Savoretti and Dylan Le Blanc, it seems 2012 is your year.
What’s it been like on tour so far?
KF: Every gig I have played has been
incredible. The audience reception has been just mind blowing. I did the Newton
Faulkner shows alone and the impact off the back of that was astounding.
People seem to be really liking the live
side of things. I’m so lucky to have had these opportunities. I actually start
Seal tonight! Fingers crossed.
DD:
And is it true you sell Blackpool’s finest export, Rock as memorabilia at gigs?
KF: We used to but not this time. I will do
if things start to pick up again, for sure. I must say it’s pretty tasty!
DD:
On a somewhat more serious note, you’ve previously described music as your
saviour, what does it mean to you?
KF: Without it, I’d be dead, inside and
out.
DD:
And finally, in terms of the album, ‘The Remedy’ – how’s it been performing the
tracks? Are there any stand-alone tracks for you?
KF: The track off the record I enjoy
performing the most is ‘Days Like This’. I like the build and the drama it
creates live. Performing the tracks are up and down, I’m not over my breakup so
I’m quite emotional most nights when playing songs like ‘Stay’ and ‘Good Bad
& Ugly’.
The most powering song live though is
actually ‘The Author’ and that is being re-released onto iTunes this week.
Many
thanks Karima!
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