Francis Farwell Starlite, hailing from New York City, formed the eclectic band Francis and the Lights at Wesleyan University that includes himself and two drummers playing in union with sequenced percussion. The trio performs mellow rock accompanied with synth-beats and funky guitar riffs, highlighting Francis’ unique vocals.  Though the sound is inimitable, it is easy to see why the band shined in the spotlight as the opening act for MGMT, and with their distinctive style, Francis and the Lights could easily pass as an 80’s funk-rock band instead of contemporary.

Rather than sign a contract like most bands, Francis and the Lights registered themselves as a company, incorporating themselves with The Normative Music Company in November 2008. The company invented $100,000 into the band, and issued their sophomore album, A Modern Promise. Their third album, LIME/WYN, was released on Cantora Records in 2008.  It didn’t take long for me to get into the electric sound, as the music feels well known yet fresh and new at the same time.  It’ll Be Better, the band’s latest album, is due for a physical release in July.

Pick of the Day: Francis and the Lights

Type: Synth-rock, funk, Pop-rock.

Label: Unsigned

Band Member(s):

• Francis Farwell Starlite

Discography:

• Striking EP (2007)
• A Modern Promise EP (2008)
• LIME/WYN (2008)
• It’ll Be Better (2010)

Videos:

“Darling, It’s Alright”

“The Top”

“A Modern Promise”

“LIME: In-Store Performance”

Photos:

Upcoming Shows:

• May 6, 2010—Cheyney University, Cheyney, PA
• May 9, 2010—Middle East, Caimbridge, MA
• May 13, 2010—The Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
• May 19, 2010—Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
• May 20, 2010—Royce Hall-UCLA Campus w/Drake, Los Angeles, CA
• May 21, 2010—The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
• May 23, 2010—Cannon Center w/Drake, Memphis, TN
• May 25, 2010—The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
• May 27, 2010—House of Blues Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
• May 28, 2010—Bogart’s w/Drake, Cincinati, OH
• June 16, 2010—Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
• August 17, 2010—Radio City Music Hall w/MGMT, New York

More Info:

• Francis and the Lights’ Official Website
• Francis and the Lights Official Myspace
• Francis and the Lights on Facebook
• Francis and the Lights on Twitter
• Francis and the Lights on Muxtape
• Francis and the Lights on Vimeo

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