Fran Carlyon has been writing acoustic based songs in the folk tradition for a number of years now. He records them in threadbare fashion in as few takes as possible, incorporating synths and electronics to add light and shade. In his view, capturing the initial spark of inspiration is key, as it conveys the message and meaning in the purest possible way.
After a batch of digital singles, his debut mini album, Home Truths, was released 6th February via the wonderful Manchester/Brighton based label YYZ Records. Beyond his songs, Fran is a kind of musical soul brother to us, sharing our values and taste in true independent music and being very active in the underground independent scene: he writes for HeavyMetalKids.uk and DJs at Ship Full Of Bombs, Southend’s alternative radio station.

What He Says: “Ten Years is about coming to terms with loss. I wrote it after visiting Reculver in Kent, a place where I spent many childhood weekends. I hadn’t returned in the ten years since my father’s passing and could feel his presence everywhere. It taught me that nobody ever really leaves, you just have to find the place where their spirit sings loudest.“

“I wrote Running On Emptiness in a difficult moment, which got me thinking about everybody else out there experiencing their own difficult moments. By letting kindness and empathy be our guide, we have a far better chance of collectively pulling through.“

His Mixtape:

Arthur Russell – Arm Around You

I find the work of Arthur Russell both inspiring and comforting. He was blessed with the ability to evoke almost overwhelming emotion from those small moments that pass by in a flash but often mean the most. This song, recorded towards the end of his life, is a beautiful example of his craft, with a sweet and deeply moving payoff line.

Tony Jay – A Dream Goes On Forever

The Bay Area underground scene has been my go to for the longest time. The in-the-moment, lofi magic of Michael Ramos’ otherworldly recordings really resonate with what I aspire to achieve with my own music. This beautiful cover version is a highlight of his 2024 collection Knife Is But A Dream.

Section 25 – The Process

The Section 25 story is one of both triumph and tragedy. A family band in the truest sense of the word, this Blackpool collective thrived and survived their Factory Records beginnings, continuing to push boundaries to this day. My non-album track A Place To Land was inspired by this song’s lilting electronics.

Hattie Cooke – Unbearable

Hattie Cooke’s self-titled 2016 debut absolutely floored me from the very first listen. A mixture of heart-on-sleeve folk and pulsating electronics, the directness and deep truths of Hattie’s songwriting pull absolutely no punches. Whenever life feels a little heavy, this is the album I reach for.

Adrian Borland – Our Forest Ghost

One of the very best to ever do it, Adrian Borland has been a constant source of inspiration ever since I first discovered the incendiary power of his band The Sound. Freed of the at times low budget production values of his solo albums, I find his acoustic recordings to be the truest way to experience the incredible weight and power of his songcraft.

Cindy – A Trumpet On The Hillside

Discovering the songwriting of Karina Gill back in 2020 was a year zero moment for me. It felt like finding music all over again and I’ve never looked back since. This song, and the alluring wash of its accompanying video, is the perfect introduction for the uninitiated.

Home Truths is out now YYZ Records. Look HERE for more information on Fran Carlyon.