Singer-Songwriter FRANCESCA MILAZZO Discusses Her Newest Music and More!

Unafraid to tackle taboo subjects head-on and remaining raw and real, Francesca Milazzo is the risk taker and rebel modern pop music needs. With sultry soulful pipes equally resonant over pop, R&B, blues, and rock, the Italian-American singer and songwriter channels influences as diverse as Etta James, Nina Simone, Alabama Shakes, and Kings Of Leon with her own soaring spirit. She quietly honed her voice for years until her family caught a talent show performance. Encouraged by her loved ones, she dove headfirst into music. In order to focus on her art, she left college and a potential enrollment in the ROTC program and began tirelessly gigging around New York. She started writing songs on piano and guitar in addition to collaborating with friends throughout the city. Along the way, Francesca developed a 21^st century blue-eyed soul style that crystallizes on her 2017 debut single “Little Boy.”

Francesca first broke out on the scene with her single “Ghosting Me.” The track honestly recounts what might rank as the most awkward date ever. As a follow up, she released her mashup track “Young & High” which effortlessly blends together Lana Del Rey’s “Young & Beautiful” and The Weeknd’s “High For This.”

The tracks, both produced by Katalyst (Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, One Republic and Future), showcase her style of developing songs that are relatable to people of all walks of life while remaining true to her own sultry sound.

Learn more about Francesca in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! How is 2017 treating you so far? Did you approach the start of this year any differently then you did last year?

Thanks for having me! I’ve definitely approached 2017 differently and it’s been a great year so far. I’ve started working on a new project and I’ve met many new musicians, writers and producers. I’m 100% in control of the creative process which is a first for me. 

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your first musical memory? Could you see yourself doing anything else today?

No, I wanted to be a police officer but I’ve always loved music. I did choir in elementary and middle school. I remember the first time I stepped into a recording studio I was about 10 years old and went with my girl scout troop. My troop leader would always sing and play the guitar for us. Music was a big part of our girl scout experience. We collected our money and set up a few hours in a studio. It was an experience I’ll never forget. At this particular point in my life I don’t see myself doing anything else but creating music. 

Since you are relatively new to the music industry, I’m curious to know what you think about it all? What has surprised you about it?

As an artist you have to remember that you’re not just selling a voice or a pretty face – you are selling songs. Your songs are everything. People will come to your shows if they love your music and they will buy or stream your records if they want to hear your songs. I think what has surprised me the most is that after years of hearing “you need a pop hit about xyz” I’ve realized that what people want to hear most is the truth. Music is one of the last forms we have of human to human connection and when you write songs that are brutally candid you really get the listener.  

How did your previously released single, “Ghosting Me” come about? It is a personal account of you most awkward date?

I had been meeting a lot of new people but just kind of disappearing afterwards. There was one date in particular that really hit an all time high in cringe department but some things are better left unsaid… My friend was in a brief relationship with a guy who just completely disappeared on her. It drove her crazy not knowing why he never returned her texts/calls. There had been a lot of “ghosting” going on in my life and my friend’s lives so I thought “hey, I’m gonna write a song about this.” 

What has it been like having Katalyst produce your tracks? How did you get to work with him?

Working with Katalyst was an interesting experience. Both Ken and Brent (Katalyst) are incredibly talented. It’s really inspiring to work with people who’ve had so much success in this industry. My manager put me in contact with the duo and we all sat down for a meeting. From there we corresponded via email. 1000 emails of going back and forth and we finally got everything done. 

Where did you come up with the idea to mashup Lana Del Rey’s “Young & Beautiful” and The Weeknd’s “High For This”?

My manager recommended doing a mashup. I experimented with a lot of different songs but I felt that the blend of Lana Del Rey and The Weeknd’s songs worked best. 

When do you hope to release a full-length album of new music? Are you working on new material right now?

I hope to release an EP in the fall. I’m working on a lot of new material right now. It’s quite different from my first few singles.

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I’m mostly inspired by rock/alternative bands and r&b/soul singers. I listen to a lot of Rolling Stones, Alabama Shakes, Arcade Fire, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and so on… My dream collaborator would be Dan Auerbach. 

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? What do you hope is the message of your songs?

I think each song carries a different message. If the listener is moved by a song or performance that’s always a good sign. 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I’m working on a lot of new music and I am looking forward to sharing it. I’m really proud of this new project we are putting together.