Interview: Francesca Brown - Sleigh Bells In The Hall

Francesca Brown, a Los Angeles-based Americana Country singer, will release her latest Christmas folk inspired tune, 'Sleigh Bells in the Hall,' on December 17th. In the tradition of Joni Mitchell's holiday classic 'River,' 'Sleigh Bells In the Hall' has a vintage vibe and genuine tenderness that will find its way into the hearts of both young and old. 'Sleigh Bells in the Hall' combines the nostalgia of former holidays with the bitter sweetness that many of us experience while attempting to fill the gaps left by our upbringing.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

Kamil) Hey Francesca Brown, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What have you been up to over the past year in this big old mess?

Hey thanks for having me! Well the last almost two years now I've been at home mostly here in California. First off I had a baby girl which has been quite an adventure especially during COVID times. I have also been fortunate enough to release a few music projects! Last Spring I released an EP "Live From Quarantine" and a B-Side called "Pandemia" to Follow, and now "Sleigh Bells In the Hall."

How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?

With kids and Pandemic it has been tough to get to the studio, that's why I was doing remote projects mostly from my home in LA; however, as of recently I was able to complete two new songs at a proper studio and I am super excited for those which should drop around Spring time.

Your latest song is 'Sleigh Bells In The Hall'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?

I actually always wanted to record a children's folk album then the pandemic hit, I was pregnant, so I thought.. wow this could be a fun project to do at home and even involve my son and husband. So we got to work and just had fun of it! Sleigh Bells in the Hall was one of the songs intended for that collection of songs.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I always try to be as real as possible, I feel like that's what folks need the most.. a way to relate and connect. I always feel like if I can spill my guts out not only is healing to me, but maybe to others that's what I try to do with my music.. So be real at least with yourself:)

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Same stuff being a mom and oh I don't know I wanted to be ballerina when I was a wee one if that's what you mean.

How do you know when a work is finished?

I never feel finished I still will listen to stuff and be like.. damn I should have edited there or done this like that etc.. It's tough, that's why it's nice to have another person listening too.

Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?

That is hard to answer because I haven't played to Opry yet so.. But I will say a couple of the last shows I played felt really good in my soul because it had been so long since I'd played live.. I felt like I was exercised or something.

Do you have a mentor or coach?

none ..not sure

Who is your favourite musician?

Favorite musician I guess I'd have to say Joni Mitchell. I got into here music late teens early twenties and I feel like she sort of raised me the rest of the way!!

What are your plans for next year?

Next year I really want to complete this current music project I have going, it is sort of the make or break for me as far as where to go next. It has to be "The one".