Robert Francis Interview: SXSW 2010

Robert Francis may only be 22 years old, but his 2009 sophomore album, 'Before Nightfall,' might make you think he's been around as long as his musical idols, Gene Clark and Bob Dylan. Dropping out of high school to tour with his sister's band when he was 17, and falling in (and out of) love, the California singer-songwriter takes his experiences and transform them into raw lyrics set to folk-rock music. Spinner recently spoke to Francis, who is currently touring Europe before heading to SXSW and embarking on a North American tour.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Folky, sort of nostalgia-ridden rock 'n' roll.

How did you get into music?

Since I was born, music was always a huge part of my life. My father used to lie me across his lap when I was a newborn and play piano for hours and hours on end. So it was embedded into my brain from a really early age. And I learned to play guitar from my mother and play these Mexican folk songs with her. I picked it up, and I could never really put it down. I had the luxury of having some amazing guitar teachers in my life. Then I started writing my own songs, and that's how it all came about.

What are your musical influences?
My musical influences would be Gene Clark, Bob Dylan of course, Karen Dalton and I love Neko Case, too. And maybe Fleetwood Mac.

What's your biggest vice?

I would probably say alcohol. My band and I, we do spend a lot of time at the bar or in the van boozing around. That's sort of something I've relied on to get me through a lot of the day, which is funny because I just end up making horrible mistakes all the time like running my car onto the side of the road or into a wall.

What's in your festival survival kit?

I would bring an extra pair shoes that are comfortable. I'd bring four Coronas in a bag. I'd bring a can of mace in case I were to be attacked by some angry hipster band. I'd bring like a sombrero or a hat -- a really good hat -- and some Kiel's lotion since my skin gets dried out ... and some weed.

Who's your first celeb crush?

Eva Green. She's this ridiculously beautiful French actress who was in that Bertolucci movie, 'The Dreamers.' I didn't even love that movie that much, but she just blows my mind. And I've spending a lot of time in Paris, and I know she's kicking around somewhere over there. So I've been trying to track her down.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Alicia Keys isn't a guilty pleasure, is it?

Well, do you feel guilty listening to Alicia Keys?

I mean I can't drive around and blast Alicia Keys. And when I turn it on in the van, my band tells me to turn it off. There's a song that I play all the time, 'If I Ain't Got You.' The band doesn't like that, but they always listen to weird, obscure music from the '60s and '70s. And Whitney Houston is another weird thing I listen to. I just listen to the hits, and the same with Olivia Newton-John and Linda Ronstadt. Yeah, I'm definitely guilty.

Beatles or Stones?

The Stones because they don't give a f--- about anything. Keith Richards had no idea like what's going on or where he is, and somehow survived a life of constant drug abuse. I'm never in the mood to put on the Beatles, and I wouldn't know what to do if I was to put on the Beatles. I love the Beatles, of course, but I wouldn't just put it on. When I put on the Stones, it's like I'm getting ready to do some damage and go out on the town even though I don't really do that. I like the Stones. No, I love the Stones.

What's the craziest thing that you've seen or experienced while on tour?

There's been so many crazy things. I've been caught with pot all over the car when we were crossed the border into Canada, and have been detained for like six hours and nearly arrested. Fans or crazy groupies will somehow make it to the van, and one of them one time was so f----- up and fell over and hit her head on the step to get into the van. She almost passed out right in front of me, and that's, like, a liability. Those things that are a little scary and then maybe we should cut down the partying. Because if we keep living this life, something is bound to happen and come back not in our favor.