On Tour: Francis and the Lights

Marjana Jaidi / July 06, 2009

Meet Francis and the Lights, the latest breakout act from Weslyan University (MGMT and Santigold are also alums). Helmed by lead singer Francis Farewell Starlite, ‘and the Lights’ refers not to his backing band, but to stage lights, which are growing bright on this New York-based band.

In a departure from the traditional label deal, Francis and the Lights formed a separate company, Francis and the Lights, LLC, to handle the band’s business intersts. Normative Music’s investment of $100,000 allows the band to maintain creative freedom while they develop their music and build a fan base.

Lead Singer Francis Farewell Starlite sings in a falsetto more synonymous with Prince than with Justin Timberlake. While the sound fits in with our modern era, it is reminiscent of the funk, pop and soul of the 1970s and 1980s.

Check out their cover of Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” below. Downloads of their first two EPs, Striking and A Modern Promise are free on the band’s website.

Can’t Tell Me Nothing- Francis and the Lights


Francis will perform a solo show at Joe’s Pub on July 11 and with the full band on July 18 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Additional reporting by Melissa Woods.