Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran McCann.
Fran, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I got my first real guitar in 5th grade when my family was living in New York. Before this, I had played everything from piano to violin to trumpet but none of those ever stuck. I hadn’t really been obsessed with an instrument until I got my guitar. I took maybe three lessons but I quickly realized that that wasn’t my favorite way to learn. Basically, I learned “Wonderwall” and I was out. I took the chords I learned in those lessons and found out that I could play a bunch of the songs I was into at the time.
My freshman year of high school, my family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Moving to a new state where you don’t know anyone really opens your schedule up. With this new found free time I really dove head first into guitar. I’d spend hours listening to music and try to figure out where the songs lived on guitar. I’m a very auditory learner. I didn’t start singing or writing my own music until late in high school.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a singer/songwriter/guitar player and a wannabe piano player. I mostly write songs about my life and experiences. Songs that resonate with me are always the ones that I can relate to my life in one way or another, and this doesn’t even mean it has to be literal. For instance, one of my favorite musicians, Blake Mills, has super personal song called “It’ll All Work Out” where he talks about situations he’s gone through in such specific detail. I’ve never really experienced any of the things he’s singing about but for some reason, it hits me hard and makes me try and draw parallels to my experiences. The ultimate goal for my music would be for it to have that sort of effect on other people.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Streaming services are a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easier than ever to record and release your music and ultimately for people to discover it too. Social media has made it really easy for people to share the music they’re into as well. On the other hand, there is so much music to discover that you really need to differentiate yourself. It’s a real small fish in an infinitely massive pond kind of deal now. I think it’s an overall net positive, though. Living in Los Angeles, you’re constantly surrounded by the most talented people in the world and the city itself has a ton of venues, events, and showcases to promote all levels of musicians. Playing live shows is becoming more and more important with how these streaming services are paying their artists and Los Angeles is probably the best city in the world to do that.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My single “Summertime” is available on all streaming services and on iTunes. I’m currently finishing my first EP, which will also be out on the same platforms. I keep my Instagram up to date on all shows I play!
Contact Info:
- Website: franmccannmusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franmccannmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franmccanntunes/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranMcCannMusic
Image Credit:
David Jackson
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