Francesca: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

As a DJ and producer, London-born Francesca moves with real style and grace. Over the last couple of years, she's been making her name as a DJ, playing regularly for parties like Flux and locking in warm up slots for the likes of Peggy Gou, Artwork and Cassy, and she's holding this all down while studying an economics degree too.
Last month saw the release of her debut album The Inside Out on Bobby.'s Pleasure Club imprint, which introduced us to her subtle and intricate electro creations, something we're hoping we'll hear much more of in the future.
Off the back of the release Francesca puts together a mix of dubby ambient, electronica and breakbeat with that signature funky touch she always brings to her DJ sets.
Who are you, where are you and what are you?
Hi, I’m Francesca. I’m a DJ and producer, and I’m also currently doing an economics degree at Uni in London, which is where I live and grew up.
What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us?
It tends to be pretty varied – I grew up listening to everything from Jazz and Disco to Trip Hop, Electronica and Rock, so that still informs the music I enjoy and the music I play now. This particular mix moves through downtempo electronica, dubby ambient and breakbeat, with some more funky electro in there every now and again.
Where was the mix recorded?
At home at my flat in East London.
What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?
It ranges from 90-150bpm and is somewhere between melancholic and euphoric, but it is definitely more of a mix to listen to at home than one that’s club focused. So maybe after the club…or in the kitchen at 11 in the morning.
What should you be wearing?
Anything you are comfortable in. And socks but no shoes – my flat has really slippery floors so socks are great for sliding around to music.
What is your dream setting to record a mix?
Pretty much where I recorded this one, at home, with my flatmates. It can be nice to have a few people around when recording a mix at home, as it makes it easier to get into a flow and stops you overthinking the records you're playing, which doesn’t happen as much in a club situation.
What track in the mix is your current favourite?
‘Complexities’, the b-side of a 90s dnb record by an artist from London, Source Direct. It’s intricate and subtle and beautiful.
What is your favourite recorded mix of all time?
It depends what mood I’m in at the time, but Andrew Weatherall’s Massive Mellow Mix from1993 is definitely a standout.
If you could go back in time and play back to back with any DJ, who would it be?
I am a massive fan of Carl Finlow, particularly his productions as Random Factor, so probably him. Would be more back to the future than back in time though I think.
What is more important, the track you start on or end on?
In a mix, the track you start on, as it sets the tone and if built upon correctly, you can play anything you want at the end. I think the same applies in a club setting, although the last track can often be the most memorable.
What were the first and last records you bought?
I can’t actually remember the first record I bought, but the first one I was given was Talk Talk’s ‘Spirit of Eden’ by my Dad, which is still one of my all time favourites. The first CD was the Thievery Corporation ‘DJ Kicks’. The last record I bought was ‘The Future Sound of London’ by Lifeforms.
If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?
A crispy M&M.
If this mix was an animal what would it be?
My cat, Luna, who is currently sitting on my flatmate’s moog much like in the picture above.
One record that is impossible to mix into anything?
If beatmatching isn’t a priority, which it shouldn’t be, then nothing is impossible if you are creative in how you combine two records. Although I think some records should be left to do their thing.
Upcoming in the world?
My first album came out on the 16th March 🙂
Follow Francesca. Buy The Inside Out.
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