Francis and the Lights
Francis and the Lights, a New York based band (whose music is best heard or seen than described – it’s really quite special) did something very intriguing recently. Feeling no pressure to sign to a record label, who may wish to exert external control over their creations, they decided to incorporate themselves into a company. They then raised $100,000 from the normative music company, as an investment. This move was not so much an alternative to signing a record deal, more a way of orientating themselves towards their future development.
The partnership between Normative and Francis and the Light reflects a joint understanding of the place of independent music, and a shared regard for music as an art form not open to compromise. The promise of independent music, says Jake Lodwick, the manager of Normative, is that of “unmolested artistic integrity”. This art begins with a vision, a “spark in the musicians mind” and must be “absolutely realized, irrespective of cost“. Such dedication to a pure aesthetic ideal is surely something to be commended on both sides, especially in the age of mechanical reproduction and the homogenizing effects of the culture industry.
For Francis Starlite, who heads the band, it is deeply important to work with a music company who understands his need to be in charge of his art. The intense focus and passion for his art comes across in his music and stage presence. Lodwick says of Francis that the traditional managerial role is “incompatible with a man whose vision requires absolute control over all artistic and business decisions”. Here is a man who is driven by the need to express himself, his individuality, his very being, and this expression must follow its own logic of deliverance. Speaking to us about the matter, Francis remarked that “No matter what, i will always demand artistic freedom and complete control over what i’m doing and how i’m presented - any company that gets involved with mine must understand that and agree to it”.
This decision of Francis and the Lights to develop their music on their own terms comes with its own risks, and all we can do is wish them the best of luck. But with a true dedication to the artistic ideal, and the opportunities inherent in a changing music environment, the success of such a vision is one to support and celebrate wholeheartedly. Francis and the Lights recenetly release a new album called A Modern Promise.
Tags: a modern promise, francis and the lights, francis starlite, independent music, Music, normative, record union
