Write Away Magazine - Issue No:13

Karima Francis
Shelf Life
Karima Francis is a critically acclaimed musician
and songwriter hailing from the illuminated seaside
resort of Blackpool. Known for her ability to blend
haunting melodies with honest lyrics and an alluring
ambiance, Francis creates entirely captivating music,
oozing with emotion and rooted in sentiment.
Taking her first steps into the music industry at only
13 years old, Francis relentlesslytaught herself drums
and before long progressed to the guitar and
songwriting at age 18. Soon after she unveiled the
debut release of The Author, which lauded praise
from prestigious publications, propelling her into the
limelight. Her consequent album’s The Remedy and
Black further acknowledged the musician’s profound
talent, each timeshowcasing a denser amalgamation
of sounds and textures.
Seeking new inspiration and an escape from London
life, Francis recognised her overwhelming sense to
explore something new in Los Angeles. Selling some
of her most beloved guitars and purchasing a ticket
to the West Coast, she was finally able to soak up the
laid-back Californian lifestyle and her music found a
fresh perspective. Francis reveals, “I was very
influenced by the West coast indie folk singer
songwriter revival that’s happening out in LA right
now, when I heard the Phoebe Bridgers record I was
blown away by the production and musicality from
the players and wanted to find them for my music
so I sold up and went out to start making new music
relations in LA”.
Her time spent there resulted in the highly
anticipated single ‘Shelf Life’. The stunning track
narrates Los Angeles’ deepening homelessness crisis.
On the surface the City of Angels is a place of
celebrities and million dollar mansions, but scratch
a bit deeper and you will find the devastating truth
which is encompassing so many people’s lives.
Karima felt beyond compelled to write about the
epidemic and shine light on the reality of the
situation, sharing “The music was inspired by the
homelessness crisis out in LA. I was just devastated
by what I was seeing and the contrast between the
rich and poor out there was uncomfortable to see”.
‘Shelf Life’ emits a melancholy warmth through
contemplative lyricism and organic instrumentation.
Soulful velvet vocals envelop the celestial melodies,
delivering an intimate and authentic release.
Recorded with artist and producer Tim Carr (Fell
Runner), Carr brings the West Coast sonic laziness
and beauty that Francis had been searching for. ‘Shelf
Life’ takes a step away from Francis’ typical
autobiographical songwriting, admitting, “I wanted
to try and explore new ideas and context when
it comes to writing. I think tone helps with writing
also, if you have a beautiful guitar sound that makes
you feel a certain way, this can open up new realms
in your creativity and expression”.
The visuals for ‘Shelf Life’ feature a day in the life of
a homeless man. After Francis and video director
Joseph Calhoun explained the concept of the video
to the man, he instantly wanted to be a part of it and
help raise awareness. The outcome is a personal,
poignant and truly captivating insight into the
homeless crisis.
Inspired by the organic sound of analogue audio,
Francis was drawn to recording to tape and
capturing the essence of the performance through
both creatively adept musicians and the finest
quality equipment. Her musical influences blend the
best of modern day greats such as Sharon Van Etten,
The National and Big Thief with old time producers
including Berry Gordy (Marvin Gaye) and William
Mitchel (Al Green), to create a sound leaning
towards indie rock, folk and alternative route.
Francis recently studied music production
specifically to learn how to use analogue mixing
desks with the intention to be more creative in the
studio and produce her own music.
Karima Francis’ journey has found her playing on
Later… With Jools Holland, supporting the likes of
Paul Simon, Amy Winehouse and The Stereophonics,
as well as working with renowned producer Flood
(Nine Inch Nails, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Depeche
Mode). ‘Shelf Life’ is currently available worldwide.
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www.writeawaymagazine.co.uk 35