JW Francis

JW Francis is an artist who can’t sit still. Born in Oklahoma, and raised in France, Francis started his music career in New York where he first built a name for himself, before taking to the road where he’s lived for the past 3 years. What makes Francis special is his connection to people: he writes over 100 Valentine’s Day songs a year for his fans’ loved ones, and regularly goes on ‘Dream Tours’ where he plays in only unconventional venues like fans backyards, roller rinks, children's museums and retirement homes. All the while, he’s earned his industry stripes opening up for acts like Mild High Club and Wild nothing, consistently averaging 100 shows a year and solidifying him as an indie mainstay. When not on tour, Francis’ love of nature sees him into various adventures. While hiking the Appalachian Trail a few years ago his fellow hikers dubbed him SUNSHINE, sparking the inspiration and title for his fourth studio LP. 'SUNSHINE,' which arrived October 11th on Philadelphia’s Born Losers Records, sounds like the gritty New York feel of The Velvet Underground was given a warm hug by the jangly, sunny guitars of The Byrds. It’s a collection of 12 shimmering, lo-fi, punchy pop songs that deal with themes of both isolation and community, love, and self-discovery. The latter half of the year will find JW touring the US, EU, & UK while taking on his most ambitious journey yet - canoeing the entirety of the Mississippi River. Photos by Ben Sonderberg and Bob Sweeney.