Photo Credit: Naomi Panica

Most days women get online and there is something we have to defend about ourselves. Whether it’s something as serious as the choices we make with our own bodies or something as silly as loving pumpkin spice. It’s a weird world we live in. However, currently, one of the biggest fights on the internet at any given moment is between Swifties and the world, and it needs to stop because 1. Why, and 2. Taylor Swift, love her or hate her, has proven to be an influential icon. This is not based on the records she sets or sells, a tour that launched a billion friendship bracelets, or even her tabloid appeal. It’s about how many artists we have gotten in recent years who’ve purchased one of her albums and thought – I can do that, and I will do that. One of those artists is Frances Darling. 

A country singer from Maryland, Frances Darling’s musical journey didn’t start Swiftly, but rather with her parents’ CD collection. She’ll explain below in further detail how that unraveled and how her wit came from (Eric) Church, but in between it all was Taylor Swift’s debut that held her hand from childhood through college. Today, she’s taken what she learned from records, her parents, and her own, and spun it into her debut single, “All Talk.” We talked about all of the above – below, as well as ‘That ‘70s Show,’ heartbreak, and more. 

Kendra: Musically you lean towards country but are influenced by the likes of Billie Holiday, and to me sounds like you could help revive the ‘90s wonder that was Lilith Fair with that serene, singer-songwriter quality you have. All of that said, what were the albums you listened to most growing up that you feel helped build your musical foundation? 

Frances Darling: Wow, thank you! Growing up in Maryland, I did listen to a lot of country music. It’s what sparked my love for songwriting, taught me the impact of storytelling, and the difference good lyrics can make. I would spend countless hours in front of the radio, flipping through our local country stations and learning all the words to the songs. 

When it comes to the albums that built my musical foundation, it’s the CDs my parents had lying around. Their collection covered everything from classical to jazz to rock to country. My dad listened to a lot of classical music when I was growing up, and my mom loves Aaron Neville, so his albums would make an appearance on every road trip. Looking back, that’s probably the reason why I love and am influenced by so many different styles of music.

The earliest memory of an album that influenced me was Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album. As a kid, I was obsessed with “Monday Morning.” I still am actually! There’s even a home movie somewhere with the choreography I made for that song. And of course “Rhiannon” has always had a special place in my heart and is a level of musical magic that I aspire to.

Wynonna Judd’s 1997 album ‘The Other Side’ was also an important one. It’s just one of those albums that you can listen to anytime, over and over again. Wynonna’s vocal ability is fascinating. When I initially learned to sing, that album was a big part of the process. It’s also the first album where I understood the importance of an emotional journey, and how listeners experience the different emotions of each song within the context of the album.

Taylor Swift’s debut was the first album I ever bought. That album was on heavy rotation growing up, and when I left for college it traveled with me. It saw me through every phase of my young life. I admire her ability to write relatable songs and emotionally impactful melodies. 

In my later teens, I listened to a lot of Eric Church and Miranda Lambert, which is where I really started to understand the power of witty lyrics and unapologetically being yourself. Eric Church’s lyrical genius has influenced my own writing. He continuously challenges himself to create something he hasn’t before, regardless of whether it fits into the genre or aligns with what’s expected of him. He creates art for the sake of creating art, and that’s the type of artist I want to be.

Kendra: Now let’s talk about your debut single, “All Talk.” Out now, you’ve noted that this song lives in a state of denial when it comes to missing someone. Do you think a breakup or, in the case of the music video, someone moving can lead not only to denial but the other stages of grief? (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance)

Frances Darling: I think it’s normal to go through various stages of grief when you’re heartbroken. It’s probably the most healthy way to process your emotions and move on. For me, denial is my coping mechanism, because I don’t like dealing with my emotions. That’s where the writing often comes in and gets me to acknowledge and process my feelings.

Kendra: Again, “All Talk” is out now but I can only imagine you have a notebook with more lyrics ready to go. With that, does this song set the tone for what could be in regards to a full album? Like will various facets of a relationship be the basis for what’s to come musically from you? 

Frances Darling: I think lyrically “All Talk” does set the tone for my future releases. “All Talk” was actually written as a response to my next single “Flight Risk.” So I guess a lot of my songs are all connected in one way or another.

The various facets of a relationship are definitely the basis of my music. I do gravitate towards a good tragic love story, so that will definitely be making a few appearances. But what’s most important to me is that a song comes from a place of real emotion and it’s expressed in a genuine way that’s true to me. 

Kendra: Random, but you once tagged the location of a photo of yourself in “Eric Foreman’s Basement.” So I have to know, what couple from ‘That ‘70s Show’ would you say had the most potential to inspire a songwriter and why?

Frances Darling: Wow, I love this question! I could talk about “That 70s Show” all day. I’d have to say Jackie and Hyde for sure. In part because they’ve always been my favorite couple on the show, but also because their relationship was the most intriguing one. 

They were such an unlikely pairing. Their personalities, styles, and values were so different, truly the embodiment of opposites attract. And as a songwriter that contrast is something I’m drawn to and try to capture in my lyrics.

The passion, the drama, the slight dysfunctionality but also the positive impact they had on each other creates such an interesting balance. Their relationship alone is enough material for a full-length album!

Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being summer, I’d love to know – and for you to share – your favorite road trip song. Like, what’s the one song that has to be on your mix when you hit the road? 

Frances Darling: Oh wow, that’s a tough question. I’d have to say “Happiness is a Butterfly” by Lana Del Rey. That entire album really is a staple for me on road trips. It’s just so beautiful and melodramatic, it makes life feel like a movie.

Kendra: Lastly, with “All Talk” out now, what are your plans as we start to roll into the fall?

Frances Darling: I am very excited to be releasing my second single “Flight Risk” on September 27th and I will continue to work on the rest of my debut EP, which I am planning to release in February of next year.