Francesca de Valence

...Next is Francesca de Valence, 2008 winner of the Los Angeles Music Award for International Songwriter of the Year. After a calm and relaxed start the set continues and songs such as Season of Love and In the Middle are imbued with a cheerful, strong energy that lifts her vocals and perks the audience’s attention. With a bit of tweaking to the set list, de Valence is a musician to keep an ear out for...

For the full line up review, please go to http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/22596/Skipping-Girl-Vinegar-Francesca-de-Valence-Charlie-Mayfair--The-Troubadour-Brisbane-13022010.htm - FasterLouder.com

Francesca de Valence Wins International Songwriter of the Year Award

by Paul Cashmere - November 30 2008

Brisbane singer/songwriter Francesca De Valence has had a mighty win this week. She has been named Songwriter of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Academy.

Francesca tells Undercover that the award was somewhat of a surprise. “In May I was nominated for a Los Angeles Music Award for Female Vocal Performance of the Year for the performance of my song "My Somebody to Love".”

“I submitted my music to the board at the LAMA for professional feedback, not actually thinking I would be nominated (let alone win). I submitted a few songs, and when they were considering my nomination they decided to change my nominated to a Songwriting Award based on all my songs that I had submitted - a category I didn't nominate for.”

In November (now), I came to LA for the awards, where I played my song "My Somebody to Love" at and was awarded with International Songwriter of the Year.

Francesca was up against songwriters from all over the world. “I felt honored to be acknowledged for my work in the industry but more so felt a huge sense of encouragement to keep writing - that surely I'm on the right track,” she tells Undercover.

The Los Angeles Music Academy was founded in 1996. It features an intense contemporary music education program.

Francesca released her indie EP ‘From The Outside In’ in May this year.

This year, she has also won the Adult Contemporary Song of the Year at the 2008 Independent Singer Songwriter Awards, was a runner-up at the We Are Listening 2008 Singer Songwriter Awards and was a semi-finalist in the 2008 UK Songwriting Contest. - Paul Cashmere/ Undercover.com.au

Francesca de Valence Wins International Songwriter of the Year Award

by Paul Cashmere - November 30 2008

Brisbane singer/songwriter Francesca De Valence has had a mighty win this week. She has been named Songwriter of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Academy.

Francesca tells Undercover that the award was somewhat of a surprise. “In May I was nominated for a Los Angeles Music Award for Female Vocal Performance of the Year for the performance of my song "My Somebody to Love".”

“I submitted my music to the board at the LAMA for professional feedback, not actually thinking I would be nominated (let alone win). I submitted a few songs, and when they were considering my nomination they decided to change my nominated to a Songwriting Award based on all my songs that I had submitted - a category I didn't nominate for.”

In November (now), I came to LA for the awards, where I played my song "My Somebody to Love" at and was awarded with International Songwriter of the Year.

Francesca was up against songwriters from all over the world. “I felt honored to be acknowledged for my work in the industry but more so felt a huge sense of encouragement to keep writing - that surely I'm on the right track,” she tells Undercover.

The Los Angeles Music Academy was founded in 1996. It features an intense contemporary music education program.

Francesca released her indie EP ‘From The Outside In’ in May this year.

This year, she has also won the Adult Contemporary Song of the Year at the 2008 Independent Singer Songwriter Awards, was a runner-up at the We Are Listening 2008 Singer Songwriter Awards and was a semi-finalist in the 2008 UK Songwriting Contest. - Paul Cashmere/ Undercover.com.au

Club JJ’s is proud to present an exclusive performance by Francesca De Valence, in celebration of the International Songwriter of the Year 2008 award honoured during the LA Music Awards. Francesca will take the stage of Music Room to new heights with her celebrated musical masterpieces in an intimate yet emotional-driven voice for one night only.

Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Time: 6:00pm to 2:00am (Show starts at 8:00pm)

About Francesca De Valence
Australian singer/songwriter Francesca De Valence has received critical acclaim in the US for her independent debut EP From The Outside released in May 2008. In the first week of its release, Francesca was nominated for the Los Angeles Music Award, and in November 2008 was honored the LA Music Award International Songwriter of the Year 2008. In addition, she has also received other titles, including an Honourable Mention in the West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest 2008, Runner Up in the “We Are Listening” 2008 Singer/ Songwriter Awards; Best New Artist Nomination in the 2008 Independent Singer Songwriter Awards; and a track featured on the Indie-Arts Alliance 2008 Compilation CD. - www.HKclubbing.com

Club JJ’s is proud to present an exclusive performance by Francesca De Valence, in celebration of the International Songwriter of the Year 2008 award honoured during the LA Music Awards. Francesca will take the stage of Music Room to new heights with her celebrated musical masterpieces in an intimate yet emotional-driven voice for one night only.

Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Time: 6:00pm to 2:00am (Show starts at 8:00pm)

About Francesca De Valence
Australian singer/songwriter Francesca De Valence has received critical acclaim in the US for her independent debut EP From The Outside released in May 2008. In the first week of its release, Francesca was nominated for the Los Angeles Music Award, and in November 2008 was honored the LA Music Award International Songwriter of the Year 2008. In addition, she has also received other titles, including an Honourable Mention in the West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest 2008, Runner Up in the “We Are Listening” 2008 Singer/ Songwriter Awards; Best New Artist Nomination in the 2008 Independent Singer Songwriter Awards; and a track featured on the Indie-Arts Alliance 2008 Compilation CD. - www.HKclubbing.com

Monday, December 01, 2008

Francesca de Valence

APRA member, Francesca De Valence has been awarded the "International Songwriter of the Year" award at the Los Angeles Music Awards, held on Nov. 20 at the Music Box Theatre, Hollywood CA.

The Los Angeles Music Awards has an 18 year history, dating back to 1991. It was started in 1991 by Al Bowman. The Los Angeles Music Awards is the longest running red carpet event for independent musicians and filmmakers.

Australian singer/songwriter Francesca de Valence has received critical acclaim in the US and UK for her independent debut EP, From the Outside In.
Further information

* Francesca de Valence: www.myspace.com/francescadevalence
* LA Music Awards: www.lamusicawards.com

- APRA/AMCOS

Monday, December 01, 2008

Francesca de Valence

APRA member, Francesca De Valence has been awarded the "International Songwriter of the Year" award at the Los Angeles Music Awards, held on Nov. 20 at the Music Box Theatre, Hollywood CA.

The Los Angeles Music Awards has an 18 year history, dating back to 1991. It was started in 1991 by Al Bowman. The Los Angeles Music Awards is the longest running red carpet event for independent musicians and filmmakers.

Australian singer/songwriter Francesca de Valence has received critical acclaim in the US and UK for her independent debut EP, From the Outside In.
Further information

* Francesca de Valence: www.myspace.com/francescadevalence
* LA Music Awards: www.lamusicawards.com

- APRA/AMCOS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008
"From The Outside In" by Francesca de Valence (Pop Artist from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Francesca de Valence with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From The Outside In"

"From The Outside In" is an adult contemporary soft rock EP highlighted by the powerful and passionate voice of Francesca de Valence. Listening to Francesca makes you think of some of the greats such as Carole King and Sarah McLachlan. This Australian has a true distinction and a timeless quality to her voice. She delivers with so much passion, yet she retains an intimate quality in crafting her emotion-driven music. The arrangements behind her are solid and complimentary to her style. The recording quality of "From The Outside In" is quite good; Francesca's vocals are laid down and mixed beautifully, the instrumentation is crystal clear, and the overall sound is dynamite. Highlights include "Breathe," which has a wonderful arrangement and a great variance in the delivery of the vocals. "My Somebody To Love" is a powerful and catchy song and has all the makings of a single. "Jealousy" has a bit of a country vibe to it, some nice changes and features, and another strong vocal performance. If you enjoy powerful, emotion-driven female singer/songwriters and adult contemporary, you will love Francesca de Valence. -William
Check out Francesca de Valence's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites - RadioIndy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008
"From The Outside In" by Francesca de Valence (Pop Artist from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Francesca de Valence with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From The Outside In"

"From The Outside In" is an adult contemporary soft rock EP highlighted by the powerful and passionate voice of Francesca de Valence. Listening to Francesca makes you think of some of the greats such as Carole King and Sarah McLachlan. This Australian has a true distinction and a timeless quality to her voice. She delivers with so much passion, yet she retains an intimate quality in crafting her emotion-driven music. The arrangements behind her are solid and complimentary to her style. The recording quality of "From The Outside In" is quite good; Francesca's vocals are laid down and mixed beautifully, the instrumentation is crystal clear, and the overall sound is dynamite. Highlights include "Breathe," which has a wonderful arrangement and a great variance in the delivery of the vocals. "My Somebody To Love" is a powerful and catchy song and has all the makings of a single. "Jealousy" has a bit of a country vibe to it, some nice changes and features, and another strong vocal performance. If you enjoy powerful, emotion-driven female singer/songwriters and adult contemporary, you will love Francesca de Valence. -William
Check out Francesca de Valence's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites - RadioIndy.com

Release date: 23 May 2008 (Independent)
Brisbane singer/songwriter Francesca de Valence was named the International Songwriter of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Academy last November, for her song My Somebody To Love. These competitions are always a bit questionable - International Songwriter of the Year seems rather a lofty title to bestow upon a virtual unknown from Brizzy (did Cathy Dennis, Max Martin or Timbaland not enter? They all wrote some corkers last year).

My Somebody To Love is a pleasant, if rather forgettable, slice of radio fodder. In truth, there are some better tunes to be found on this five-track EP. Namely the other four, during which de Valence seems less concerned with delivering a polished radio hit and, in the process, shows a bit of personality. Protect is a gorgeous ballad about self-protection with a soaring, Beatles-esque melody. Breathe, another ballad, is a sparse, gentle showcase for de Valence's crystalline vocals. Closer, Miles Away, is even prettier, with a lilting vocal melody complemented by the subtlest of instrumentation. Jealousy is the only other song that seems to suffer the same fate as My Somebody, floating past without making much of an impact.

de Valence is touring Australia throughout March and April and, judging from the stronger songs on this EP, it might be wise to hear her in a live setting to get a true sense of her obvious talents, free from studio production.

Tracks:
1. My Somebody To Love
2. Protect
3. Breathe
4. Jealousy
5. Miles Away

Nick Bond, March 2009

- Nick Bond

Francesca de Valence puts her words where her mouth is

By Sally Browne
March 14, 2009 11:00pm
A MUSIC career can provide privileged access.

When Michael Buble performed at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Francesca de Valence got an unconventional view of the suave crooner when she was one of his backing singers.

And more recently, the up-and-coming Brisbane singer-songwriter performed at a red-carpet event in Los Angeles for the LA Music Awards, where she walked away with the award for International Songwriter of the Year.

Not bad for a girl who released her debut solo CD, From the Outside In, last year.

De Valence has been a music obsessive her whole life. She was one of those girls who was the lead in the school musical, the captain of the choir and got up at 5am to practise the violin every morning before school.

"I used to hate my parents for making me do it," she confesses. "It was dark in winter. My fingers were freezing and I used to have to play the violin . . . you could cut your fingers."

She was a member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and went on to study jazz piano and voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

But it is only in the past few years she felt brave enough to perform her own material – sweet, heartfelt songs in a country-tinged vein that show off her naturally beautiful voice.

Award nomination

The song that got her attention in LA was My Somebody to Love, a tune that she slyly hints has become something of a self-fulfilling prophesy.

She found out she had been nominated for the awards, which recognise talent by independent artists, the day of her birthday party last year and told everyone that night she would be flying to LA in November. She closed the awards ceremony in LA, performing the song solo on stage at a white baby grand piano.

"I really didn't know what to expect because I didn't know how big the awards were. I knew they were red-carpet awards.

"I stayed for the whole thing. I was thrilled to have won my award, I just wanted to perform so much. It was a hoot. And I was not nervous, I think because I was so ready. It was easy and so much fun.

"Then I went home and got a pizza from 7/11 and a crappy bottle of wine and had an interview with ABC radio on the phone.

"So that's how I told everybody. My mum rang me and she goes, 'Oh I had to find out on the radio'.

"I forgot to ring my mum! Oops."

De Valence has also sung with Keith Urban and Vanessa Amorosi. Her musical heroes are Stevie Wonder and Carole King.

"I love the simplicity of Carole King's songs," she says. "They're so effective. And Stevie Wonder is the complete opposite of that. They're complex-to-the-hilt songs, and I love the soul and emotion he puts into everything."

If Francesca looks familiar, it's because she appeared on reality TV show My Restaurant Rules a few years ago with her then-husband Todd Farr. They ran the Louvre at Park Rd, Milton. She still loves cooking big dinner parties for her friends.

On tour

Right now she is touring the country.

In April she will return to LA to perform at the international Musexpo showcase, along with Brisbane acts Yves Klein Blue, Chris Pickering and Dead Letter Circus.

So far, she has been taking every opportunity that comes her way.

"I've gotten the best experience in the industry, and playing with Michael Buble and Vanessa Amorosi, that's like an apprenticeship plus. But I sort of still wasn't satisfied, which sounds really selfish. But I'm so satisfied playing my original material. It's real and honest and it feels right."

Francesca de Valence performs at Warrego Wines, cnr Warrego Hwy and Seminary Rd, Marburg, noon today March 15 (tickets at door); and at The Zoo, Brisbane, 8pm on March 19, tickets 3854 1381. - Sunday Mail

Release date: 23 May 2008 (Independent)
Brisbane singer/songwriter Francesca de Valence was named the International Songwriter of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Academy last November, for her song My Somebody To Love. These competitions are always a bit questionable - International Songwriter of the Year seems rather a lofty title to bestow upon a virtual unknown from Brizzy (did Cathy Dennis, Max Martin or Timbaland not enter? They all wrote some corkers last year).

My Somebody To Love is a pleasant, if rather forgettable, slice of radio fodder. In truth, there are some better tunes to be found on this five-track EP. Namely the other four, during which de Valence seems less concerned with delivering a polished radio hit and, in the process, shows a bit of personality. Protect is a gorgeous ballad about self-protection with a soaring, Beatles-esque melody. Breathe, another ballad, is a sparse, gentle showcase for de Valence's crystalline vocals. Closer, Miles Away, is even prettier, with a lilting vocal melody complemented by the subtlest of instrumentation. Jealousy is the only other song that seems to suffer the same fate as My Somebody, floating past without making much of an impact.

de Valence is touring Australia throughout March and April and, judging from the stronger songs on this EP, it might be wise to hear her in a live setting to get a true sense of her obvious talents, free from studio production.

Tracks:
1. My Somebody To Love
2. Protect
3. Breathe
4. Jealousy
5. Miles Away

Nick Bond, March 2009

- Nick Bond

Mikolai, March 2009

Some people are just naturally talented. That certainly appears to be the case with Brisbane's Francesca de Valence. Introduced to the piano aged five, she was a musical prodigy by 16 with two degrees in classical music - one on piano the other on violin. The next few years would see her completing a Bachelor of Music degree and supporting some of the biggest names in the music industry. Appearances at the Tamworth Music Festival and local shopping malls became supporting slots with Keith Urban, Michael Buble, Vanessa Amorosi and The Corrs.

de Valence's big break came in 2008 when she was won International Songwriter of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards. She had released her debut EP, The Outside In, earlier in the year and one of tracks found its way onto the judges's shortlist in LA. Defying all expectations, she won the international award with My Somebody to Love. By the end of the year, the EP had picked up several other awards and de Valence had made the shortlist in the UK Songwriting Contest.

Having spent several months writing new material, she's now embarking on her first proper Australian tour - Miles Away.
Mikolai, March 2009 - Melbourne Citysearch

Mikolai, March 2009

Some people are just naturally talented. That certainly appears to be the case with Brisbane's Francesca de Valence. Introduced to the piano aged five, she was a musical prodigy by 16 with two degrees in classical music - one on piano the other on violin. The next few years would see her completing a Bachelor of Music degree and supporting some of the biggest names in the music industry. Appearances at the Tamworth Music Festival and local shopping malls became supporting slots with Keith Urban, Michael Buble, Vanessa Amorosi and The Corrs.

de Valence's big break came in 2008 when she was won International Songwriter of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards. She had released her debut EP, The Outside In, earlier in the year and one of tracks found its way onto the judges's shortlist in LA. Defying all expectations, she won the international award with My Somebody to Love. By the end of the year, the EP had picked up several other awards and de Valence had made the shortlist in the UK Songwriting Contest.

Having spent several months writing new material, she's now embarking on her first proper Australian tour - Miles Away.
Mikolai, March 2009 - Melbourne Citysearch

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

FRANCESCA DE VALENCE HAS MANAGED THE DIFFICULT TASK OF GARNERING ACCLAIM ABROAD. MATT O’NEILL SPOKE TO THE BRISBANE SONGSTRESS ABOUT TAKING ON THE WORLD.

There is a certain methodology to conquering the globe – particularly for Australian musicians. It is expected that, should an Australian artist harbour international ambitions, they should be tackled one incremental step at a time – from city, to state, to nation, to continent. While a simple and predictable formula in many ways, it’s one that has serviced countless Australian musicians over the years. Brisbane singer-songwriter Francesca De Valence has, however, opted for a somewhat less conventional approach to success – kill the head and the body will die.
It’s a savage and unpoetic summary of the philosophies of the well-spoken and professional De Valence, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one more fitting. A virtuoso performer trained in both jazz and classical, De Valence began her professional music career as a background singer to high-profile names like Keith Urban and Michael Bublé before focussing on her own material, continuing her trend of starting from the top down as she performed and cultivated contacts throughout Los Angeles and America while performing at various venues across Australia.
“I’m actually playing at the Viper Room in the next couple of months,” De Valence proclaims proudly. “It’s on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, which is very exciting. I’ve been to LA once, so this will be my second trip. I just want to continue networking over there. I’ve made a lot of lovely musician contacts and it is great. It’s just another place to hopefully put my music. I’m kind of one of those positive thinkers who thinks that when doors are opening it shows it’s meant to be. It makes me confident that I’m doing the right thing.
“Honestly, not a lot of thought goes into it. I don’t feel I have to construct my ‘image’. I really, honestly, am just myself. That might come back to bite me in the bum, I’m not sure, but at the moment it’s working. I don’t have specific performance outfits. If I went out with my mates for cocktails on a Sunday, I’d probably wear one of my gig dresses. I may be a little bit more potty-mouthed around my friends, but I feel that it is not my place to be that way in the public domain.”
While there’s no denying the unusual approach De Valence has adopted for her career, one also cannot deny the formula’s success so far. The young songwriter’s shimmering and accessible blend of pop, rock, folk and country has earned her praise and adoration across the globe – with debut EP From the Outside In receiving glowing praise from Village Voice tastemaker Everett True and De Valence herself receiving, among numerous other accolades, a Los Angeles Music Award for International Songwriter of the Year for the gorgeous track ‘My Somebody to Love’.
“I always wrote my own music,” the songwriter reveals. “But I never performed my originals until a few years ago. I think that was a personal confidence thing. I feel like I’ve always been a very confident performer – performing with the likes of Keith Urban and The Corrs as a backing vocalist, you need a certain amount of confidence – but I think there’s a personal inner confidence that’s completely different. You need that confidence for when you play original music because it’s almost like your diary. You’re completely exposed.
“I love that now. I love that I have the complete freedom to do that sort of thing. I’m very aware of younger people and being a positive influence. One of my goals is to inspire young people to communicate, either through writing music or through attempting to understand a certain song or emotion. I don’t want to be a poor role model. I want to be a strong role model.”

WHO: Francesca De Valence
WHAT: From the Outside In (out now independently)
WHERE & WHEN: The Zoo Thursday Mar 19

- Time Off Magazine

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

FRANCESCA DE VALENCE HAS MANAGED THE DIFFICULT TASK OF GARNERING ACCLAIM ABROAD. MATT O’NEILL SPOKE TO THE BRISBANE SONGSTRESS ABOUT TAKING ON THE WORLD.

There is a certain methodology to conquering the globe – particularly for Australian musicians. It is expected that, should an Australian artist harbour international ambitions, they should be tackled one incremental step at a time – from city, to state, to nation, to continent. While a simple and predictable formula in many ways, it’s one that has serviced countless Australian musicians over the years. Brisbane singer-songwriter Francesca De Valence has, however, opted for a somewhat less conventional approach to success – kill the head and the body will die.
It’s a savage and unpoetic summary of the philosophies of the well-spoken and professional De Valence, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one more fitting. A virtuoso performer trained in both jazz and classical, De Valence began her professional music career as a background singer to high-profile names like Keith Urban and Michael Bublé before focussing on her own material, continuing her trend of starting from the top down as she performed and cultivated contacts throughout Los Angeles and America while performing at various venues across Australia.
“I’m actually playing at the Viper Room in the next couple of months,” De Valence proclaims proudly. “It’s on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, which is very exciting. I’ve been to LA once, so this will be my second trip. I just want to continue networking over there. I’ve made a lot of lovely musician contacts and it is great. It’s just another place to hopefully put my music. I’m kind of one of those positive thinkers who thinks that when doors are opening it shows it’s meant to be. It makes me confident that I’m doing the right thing.
“Honestly, not a lot of thought goes into it. I don’t feel I have to construct my ‘image’. I really, honestly, am just myself. That might come back to bite me in the bum, I’m not sure, but at the moment it’s working. I don’t have specific performance outfits. If I went out with my mates for cocktails on a Sunday, I’d probably wear one of my gig dresses. I may be a little bit more potty-mouthed around my friends, but I feel that it is not my place to be that way in the public domain.”
While there’s no denying the unusual approach De Valence has adopted for her career, one also cannot deny the formula’s success so far. The young songwriter’s shimmering and accessible blend of pop, rock, folk and country has earned her praise and adoration across the globe – with debut EP From the Outside In receiving glowing praise from Village Voice tastemaker Everett True and De Valence herself receiving, among numerous other accolades, a Los Angeles Music Award for International Songwriter of the Year for the gorgeous track ‘My Somebody to Love’.
“I always wrote my own music,” the songwriter reveals. “But I never performed my originals until a few years ago. I think that was a personal confidence thing. I feel like I’ve always been a very confident performer – performing with the likes of Keith Urban and The Corrs as a backing vocalist, you need a certain amount of confidence – but I think there’s a personal inner confidence that’s completely different. You need that confidence for when you play original music because it’s almost like your diary. You’re completely exposed.
“I love that now. I love that I have the complete freedom to do that sort of thing. I’m very aware of younger people and being a positive influence. One of my goals is to inspire young people to communicate, either through writing music or through attempting to understand a certain song or emotion. I don’t want to be a poor role model. I want to be a strong role model.”

WHO: Francesca De Valence
WHAT: From the Outside In (out now independently)
WHERE & WHEN: The Zoo Thursday Mar 19

- Time Off Magazine