Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jack Francis begins 2024 with tense new single ‘Lifeline’ out 19th January, taken from his upcoming album Early Retirement due for release 22nd March. 

Having already provided snippets of new music with previous singles ‘Mercy’ and ‘Under The Bright Lights’, Southampton-based musician Jack Francis continues on the path towards his sophomore album’s release in March with new track ‘Lifeline’, bringing a vintage touch in its folk-rock flourishes yet sounding remarkably fresh. Opening with a disarming guitar chord, the lyrics pick apart a flawed relationship with a quiet fury and a steady pace. Nevertheless, the titular lifeline is still being searched for, looking ahead to the future - what else is there to do? 

Jack Francis: ‘This single is about the end of something long-term. Something you’re so deep in that you’ve lost yourself. You’re angry and you know the only way back is to pull yourself out of it, pick up the pieces and start to rebuild.’ 

‘Lifeline’ marks Jack Francis’s first release of 2024, preceding his new record Early Retirement (out 22nd March), which explores a broad range of influences, touching on areas of great British, Irish and American songwriting. The lyrical content demonstrates the writer’s acerbic wit and attention to detail, compounding his experience navigating modern society and fallen dreams. On production duties once again is Archie Sylvester (of folk duo Ferris & Sylvester), making the entirety of the record at their home studio. Providing a wide-open window into his psyche, the musician tackles tough yet common subjects in the current climate with no filter, as he blurs the lines between folk, rock, soul and country. 

Jack Francis: ‘Early Retirement is a record about endings and new beginnings. It’s about riding out fallen dreams and trying to navigate modern society as an old soul in a new world. It comes from a very personal place as a writer and conveys my concerns, doubts, sense of humour and stubborn determination to build a life in the field I’ve dedicated myself to. 

‘This was a concept album from the very start – it was a conscious choice to make this a singular, coherent piece of work that would stand the test of time in both the aspect of the songwriting and the messages I’m trying to communicate.’ 

Jack Francis’ career in music began when he was 15, honing his craft performing in pubs, clubs and venues. After more than 10 years of touring around the UK, he briefly became a songwriter for a publishing house, penning pop songs for other artists. This resulted in a creative fire being fuelled to write and record music on his own terms. Early single releases were championed by Tom Robinson on his BBC 6Music show and BBC Introducing, with further radio support down the line from BBC Radio 2 as well as Iain Anderson and Ricky Ross of BBC Scotland. 

Upon release of Jack’s self-titled debut album, it received press support from Louder Than War, AmericanaUK, and Holler Country among many other titles. Jack has also gained a reputation as a must-see live performer, having played a slew of Sofar Sounds shows, opened for the likes of Flyte and Courtney Marie Andrews and appeared at several major UK festivals such as Isle of Wight, Victorious and Stone Free Festival at London’s iconic O2 Arena. 

The new Jack Francis single ‘Lifeline’ is out 19th January. 

His upcoming album Early Retirement will be out 22nd March.

Catch jack francis live (supporting Ferris & Sylvester):

February 

9th – Tunbridge Wells Forum 

10th – The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 

14th – The New Adelphi Club, Hull 

15th – The Fulford Arms, York 

16th – Independent, Sunderland 

17th – Portland Arms, Cambridge 

20th – The Parish, Huddersfield 

21st – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham 

22nd – Komedia, Brighton 

23rd – Thekla, Bristol 

27th – Camp & Furnace, Liverpool 

28th – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham 

29th – Deaf Institute, Manchester 

March 

1st – Lafayette, London 

6th – The Horn, St Albans 

7th – The Booking Hall, Dover 

8th – Bar Silo, Golant, Cornwall 

9th – The Cornish Bank, Falmouth 

11th – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow 

12th – The Mash House, Edinburgh 

13th – The Grand Social, Dublin catch jack francis live (supporting ferris & sylvester):

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.