Welcome Miles Francis:
We’re joined on the Starline by a singer, songwriter and polymathic musician. Their latest album is “Good Man” we welcome Miles Francis.
Miles, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your single “Nature” was written after an argument with a partner punching a wall in frustration. You say in the song, “something in my nature governs my behavior” what questions led from this incident?
How do you normally tackle frustrations?
The pandemic changed the way live music was delivered. Sometimes it helped and sometimes it hurt musicians. How did your life change during this year especially being in New York?
It’s a palpable experience when an audience reacts to your music. How do you feed off an audience?
Dad Leif stars in the video for the song. Where did you get this inspiration for this and your entire family is so involved with music?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Which NSYNC member are you most like?
2. Best place in the West Village to eat?
3. Prince or David Bowie?
4. What’s your proudest accomplishment?
5. Last time you went to the beach?
6. What’s your favorite pizza topping?
7. Best 5 albums of all time?
8. Afro beat, diva pop, hip hop classics, or throwback jams. One has to go, the others can stay forever… which do you get rid of?
The Back Half with Miles Francis:
Who makes your laugh?
Which is the most underrated venue you’ve played in and the venue that you have dreamed to play but haven’t yet?
From “Superhuman Happiness” to “Emefe” to “Antibalas” the musical impact you have been a part of is long and diverse. You’ve worked with “The Roots” among many other artists. Where do you get your inspiration for music? How has your own art changed?
You helped create the Music Frees All Festival. Why was this important to you?
Talking about college, how did your time at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development prepare you and in some cases not prepare you for the real world?
Love of Music:
If someone doesn’t understand a polymathic musician, how would you describe it?
You like making shapes with your hands to come up with guitar parts. Why does this work for you?
What path would your life been on if you didn’t meet Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin and Wood?
Has your love of music evolved and in what way?
Which musician do you love that others may have misunderstood?
How do you describe your musical voice now?
One Big Question:
You play music and perform as non-binary but when you get off stage you identity as a man. This dichotomy frees you up as a musician but how does free you?
How have others accepted or not accepted this process? How do you handle tolerance and intolerance?
The Wrap:
They like pepperoni pizza, wants to play MSG, loves Prince and describes his music as “alt-pop”. The album “Good Man” is available now. We thank Miles Francis for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other BTM conversations with musicians here.
Listen to other BTM conversations with artists here.
