Frances8: Music Therapy Through Lyrical Storytelling

Nicole Laby, a seasoned therapist and the lead songwriter for her band Frances8, infuses her music with real-life situations, presenting them in a storytelling fashion that diverges from the norm in pop music. 'I like to dig beneath the surface,' states Laby, whose professional background in therapy spans over three decades. Her experience in the field deeply influences her songwriting, which becomes a means to process personal traumas and societal issues.

Connecting Through Music

Laby finds it rewarding when listeners personally relate to the band's music, recognizing pieces of their own histories within the songs. This connection is palpable at live shows, where fans often express how the music resonates with their experiences. Frances8, based in Oakland, explores a gamut of themes in their latest album, I Know the Sparrow's Song, stepping into the realms of love, familial conflict, and broader social issues like homelessness and mortality.

An Eclectic Sound

The band skillfully blends a variety of musical styles such as folk, rock, and jazz, with band members Revi Airborne-Williams (violin, viola, vocals), Mark Fassett (guitar, vocals), Jason Roberts (upright bass), and Michael Tornatore (drums) playing alongside Laby. Their collective creativity is especially evident in the development of new songs, which often come to Laby spontaneously and are later fine-tuned through collaboration.

The Creative Process and Band Dynamics

Frances8's music creation is a mixture of spontaneous inspiration and thorough preparation. Laby might suddenly conceive of a song during everyday activities, and the band gathers to flesh out the instrumentals during rehearsal. Their latest album was recorded in a home studio, with preparation key to the smooth recording session. The long-standing camaraderie among the band members adds to the group's harmony and work ethic.

A Diverse Palette of Stories

I Know the Sparrow's Song boasts a rich tapestry of musical and lyrical content. From a song about sibling separation, to a love song filled with country rhythm, and a country tune mirroring a strained relationship, the album offers an acoustic and electric mix. The title track, a contemplation of loss inspired by Laby's mother's illness, showcases the depth of Laby's songwriting, as she navigates the subject with brevity and emotive storytelling.

Looking Toward Endings and Beginnings

The overarching theme of the album is about conclusions, and it approaches the topic of death with curiosity and an understanding of life's natural cycles. Laby notes that the band is working on a new album that promises to delve deeper and embrace a darker, more minimalistic sound. I Know the Sparrow's Song is available on digital platforms, YouTube, and the band's own website.

therapy, songwriting, empathy