Nando's Music Exchange, the initiative is an education and networking opportunity that bridges the gap between budding young musicians and the ever illusive music industry.
Question: Why did you decide to enter the Nando's Music Exchange?
Frances Castley: I've always wanted to go to London, especially for music and saw it as a good opportunity to network and learn something about songwriting collaboration.
Question: What is the Nando's Music Exchange?
Frances Castley: It is an exchange where students from different parts of the world unite in London to collaborate with one another to write a song based on samples that were provided by Nandos.
Question: Can you talk about what you learnt from the Nando's Music Exchange?
Frances Castley: I learnt a huge deal about the importance of remaining open in order for the collaboration process to unfold as smoothly as possible. This meant putting aside what musical styles I gravitate toward, and allowing the ideas of others to be considered and worked on as if they were my own.
Question: How do you feel programs like this bridge the gap between you and the music industry?
Frances Castley: I feel programs like this help emerging artists to realise the importance of collaboration and how it can open up a world of opportunities for them.
Question: What was it like learning from Ecca Vandal and Tkay Maidza?
Frances Castley: It was very insightful learning from these artists. Hearing about their experiences makes my musical goals seem more tangible.
Question: How would you describe your music?
Frances Castley: I would describe my music as either quite "hooky" as in i write catchy melodies or quite melancholic, as in very emotional. I would liken my style to artists like Lana Del Rey and Lykke Li.
Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?
Frances Castley: My favourite song to perform would be "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. This song never gets old and I always seem to be able to draw emotion from it every time I sing it.
Question: What motivates you most when writing music?
Frances Castley: My biggest motivator when writing is when I draw from an experience that I'm going through at the time. The ideas seem to spill out of me when I approach songwriting this way.
Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Frances Castley: I'm currently listening to artists such as First Aid Kit, Lana Del Rey, Lykke Li, Boy & Bear, Matt Corby, Asgeir
Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Frances Castley: My inspiration was my singing teacher in year 12 who encouraged me to audition for the Australian Institute of Music. I auditioned and got in and that set the path I would take from then on. I've been pursuing a career in the music industry ever since.
Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Frances Castley: Definitely Asgeir.
Question: What's next, for you?
Frances Castley: I'm currently working on an EP that I'm writing and producing myself that I'm hoping to release and launch by the end of the year.
Interview by Brooke Hunter
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