JW Francis - We Share a Similar Joy (2020)

Born in Tulsa Oklahoma, raised in Paris, France, and now based in New York City, JW Francis brings a warm, affable vibe to frigid New York. The 25 year old songwriter makes music for people, to people, whether crooning about his love for his best friend ("Joe Fusco") or telling jokes between songs at one of his live shows. After putting in his time supporting other artists-running a music magazine, Rare Candy, and a recording studio, CU Records-Francis set off to make art of his own, imprinted with this love for others. JW Francis makes what he calls 'midnight rock': straight-forward bedroom pop ballads that sound like they were written late at night to a dear friend. With hints of Mac Demarco and the Velvet Underground, his songs are mixtures of dedicated craftsmanship and heartfelt self-expression. With Jonathan Richman's sincerity and Calvin Johnson's work ethic, Francis's sensibility touch every stage of the creative process from inception to performance to production to distribution. Whether you're in the tall grass of Sheep's Meadow, or just the comfort of your couch, put your hands behind your head, close your eyes, and float on the warm, groovy ballads of JW Francis.