Artist to Watch

WXPN Radio

The premier guide for new and significant artists in rock, blues, and folk - including NPR-syndicated World Cafe ®

Listen Xpo

24/7 Musical discovery. A unique mix of emerging and heritage blues, rock, world, folk, and alt-country artists.

Singer Songwriter Radio

Featuring classics from heritage troubadours to new musicians and bands in the singer-songwriter tradition.

Folk Radio

Folk music radio streaming on the web; Americana, Roots Music, recordings, and stories from folk's best.
Listen Live

Robert Francis: WXPN's March 2010 Artist to Watch

Robert Francis' official 2010 SXSW showcase will take place Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, TX. Robert will be performing alongside Broken Social Scene, Band Of Horses, Besnard Lakes, The Soft Pack, and Drive By Truckers! Hope to see you in Austin!

Growing up in a melting pot of musical influences, from the classical music of his music producer father to the native ranchera folk tunes of his Mexian mother, it comes as no surprise that Robert Francis would emerge as a talented and well versed musician. Francis studied guitar with Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante and was inspired by by family friend Ry Cooder.

Still in his teens, Francis'debut album One by One (2007) not only launched his career as a singer-songwriter, but also landed him a future deal with Atlantic Records. The album's rich orchestrations and moody post-breakup themes would serve as a basic structure for what was to come.

Following a similar recipe of earthy roots rock filled with genuine, heartfelt and completely candid lyrics, the 22 year old's sophomore album Before Nightfall is as intimate as ever. His trademark husky vocals, piano arrangements and finger-picked guitar continue to line his album. With the support of a new backing band, he's already started a new chapter of his exciting musical career, with dates in France in March and in Germany in April, opening for the John Butler Trio.

The Buzz About Robert Francis

We’re loving the new record from LA based singer-songwriter!
~ Bruce Warren

Download | Watch "June Bug"

Tour Dates: Check out Robert's Tour Dates.
Website: robertfrancisofficial.com
MySpace: myspace.com/robertfrancis
Recent Release: Before Nightfall
Release Date: October 20, 2009
Label: Atlantic
Origin: L.A.

Help Support WXPN

Non-COMM Recap: Jose James brought smooth sounds to the World Cafe Live stage (photos)

Singer and songwriter José James and his his impressive backing band brought smooth, jazzy and eclectic sounds to Non-COMM last...Read More

Non-COMM Recap: Meet lively bluegrass combo Della Mae (photos)

Boston bluegrass five-piece Della Mae got Non-COMM attendees warmed up for three days of music with a lively set during the...Read More

Non-COMM Recap: The legendary Mavis Staples shows the crowd how it’s done (photos, setlist)

Gospel-rock legend Mavis Staples played a powerful set accompanied only by a guitarist for the downstairs Non-COMM crowd at World Cafe...Read More

Tonight’s Concert Picks: Neighborhood Choir with Avery Rosewater at PhilaMOCA for Tuesday Tune-Out, Dead Confederate with Penrose at...

Local tastemaker blog Yvynyl is this month’s Tuesday Tune-Out curator at PhilaMOCA and they’re bringing Philly bands...Read More

My Morning Download: “The Valley” by The Oh Hellos

The Oh Hellos are Maggie and Tyler Heath from San Marcos, Texas. The eclectic folk rock siblings released their debut EP in 2011 and...Read More