Nando's Music Exchange

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.

Interview with Frances Castley

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