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Sage Francis preview
Artist, poet and label owner…there seems to be no end to Paul Francis’ talents. Going by the stage name Sage Francis, he’s taken some time out of touring for the past few years – but the writing rarely stops and now he’s back and playing Bristol this autumn.
“I’m probably more of a writer than anything,” said Francis. “I’ve yet to learn an instrument but I’ve built up quite the collection at my home. Before I die I’d like to learn how to play an instrument well, speak a foreign language and read a map.”
It’s a wonder he has the time to do anything, running his own Strange Famous label (to which he is effectively signed) on top of creating and performing his unique brand of intelligent indie hip hop, but Francis wouldn’t have it any other way.
He said: “The best thing about having my own label is is being in full control of my own music on the artistic and business side of things. It certainly comes with its own stress and problems, but I prefer it. Executive decisions get me so hot.”
When asked for a piece of Sage advice (pun intended), he replies: “Don’t just work hard, work smart. Some people think they’re guaranteed results just because they have a “hustle”, but a hustle isn’t worth the time if you don’t strategize and understand how to accomplish your larger goals.” Following on from this theme, he turns to the wise words of, er, Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan. ‘Til they get punched in the face.”
One of the last times Francis played Bristol (The Fleece again, 2010) was with long-time collaborator and slight doppleganger, B.Dolan. “There’s a rumor going around that we’re actually blood related”, said Francis. “But that’s only because we look the same and we both have a mysterious family background. And we’re from the same town. And we can communicate telepathically. But I didn’t meet him until the early 2000’s. Ever since then we’ve been working on several projects together, touring the world, and trying to figure out when we’re going to have time to do a full length Epic Beard Men album. “
About the beard, we couldn’t resist asking for some grooming tips from such a master beard wearer and, if Francis is to be believed, it’s pretty simple: “If I notice a group of facial hair going rogue, I take the scissors to them. Haphazardly. That’s it. Leave the beard be and let it find its own way.”
Photo by Danny Prentice
Sage Francis plays The Fleece on October 20, 2014. More info and tickets here. http://www.thefleece.co.uk/
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