Own Self
Own Self is the fourth independent release for the Brisbane singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist since winning a Los Angeles Music Award in 2008. The Own Self album is Francesca’s unabashed and unapologetic self-expression, uncovering the powers needed to live her magnificent life. Seven of the thirteen songs are from the I Heart Songwriting Club she founded in 2014, a nurturing platform for songwriters from around the world to write to a theme in one hour each week.
The opening title track fanfare and lead single is a celebration of embracing one’s magnificence as shown in the Own Self music video put together from over 80 videos submitted by Francesca’s brave fans. They wear bikinis, wedding dresses and their hearts on their sleeves as they dance to Own Self at some of the planet’s most breathtaking settings such as the Eiffel Tower and the beaches of Mauritius. In the week of release Own Self reached no. 9 in the iTunes charts, and was placed no. 8 in the Australian Songwriter’s Association Awards. She has since spent 3 weeks in the Top 10 of the AMRAP AirIt Radio Charts. In March 2016, ABC Local Radio added Own Self to the national playlist.
Heart-breakingly beautiful vocals, joyful hooks, painted string arrangements and the wizardry of five-time ARIA winning producer Paul McKercher musically enrich Francesca’s Own Self.
Francesca goes against rules she didn’t even realise were there. She accepts really being alone and the liberty this brings. She shapes her life but sometimes falls. She shows her confident and beautiful adult self. She freely loves without limits. She learns new things she never thought possible. This is her Own Self. This is her magnificent life.
See photos from the Own Self Album Launch at Brisbane’s beloved Old Museum.
What the Critics are Saying about “Own Self”:
“There is no defying Francesca’s talent. Her vocal range is arresting, and her lyrics beautifully evocative. Own Self is a polished, confident debut. There is much to love about it.” Aphra Magazine
“Uplifting. Enlightening. Empowering. If you need a dose of inspiration to kick start your 2016, Francesca de Valence’s Own Self will do the trick.” Music Is My Muse
“In the same way George broke onto commercial stations in 2001 with Special Ones, Francesca de Valence is one multi-instrumentalist worth following.” The Music Network
“This album is a solid first class album that highlights Francesca’s enormity musically and shows off an artist who will continue to make really great music.” Parx-E Web Zine
“From the eye catching album art to the pop sensibilities to the stunning production values, she leaves me with a genuine sense that I have experienced the greatest debut of any Australian artist this side of the millennium.” Australian Songwriters Association Magazine
Who’s Who
Music & Lyrics by Francesca de Valence
Copyright © ℗ 2015 Francesca de Valence
Produced and Recorded by Paul McKercher at Airlock Studios, Brisbane
Yellow: Produced by Francesca de Valence, Paul McKercher and Nick O’Donnell and Recorded by Paul McKercher and Nick O’Donnell
Beautiful Night: Originally recorded at Gasworks Studio, Brisbane in 2012
Mixed by Paul McKercher at The Grove Studios, Central Coast, NSW
Mastered by Leon Zervos at 301 Studios Sydney
Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Guitar: Francesca de Valence
Drums & Percussion: Tony Dean
Bass: Nathan Moore
Strings: Francesca de Valence, Emma Dean and Laura Driver
String Orchestration: Francesca de Valence
Horns: Matt Christensen, Sebastian Martin-Wallace, Brendan Schoenmaker, Antony Visser
Horn Arrangement: Francesca de Valence
Additional Instrumentation: Francesca de Valence and Konstantin Kersting – whistlers (Short & Sweet), Paul McKercher – Autoharp (Beautiful Night) and synth ‘bombs’ (Relativity), Steve Pope – drums (Beautiful Night), Nathan Moore – timpani (Beautiful Night) and Ebow (All the Love).
Photography: Esther Art Design & Photography
Make Up and Photography Assistant: Paige La’Belle
Album Design: Kimberly Cook Design and Drew Fellows
