If Neal Francis is not on your radar, you need to head over to your favorite streaming platform and make some serious changes in your life.
The New Jersey-born singer and keyboardist is crafting some of the most infectious, groove-laden tracks out there right now. It’s a timeless sound that feels perfect bouncing off the walls of concert venues around the world as it would playing on a record player in 1975. There’s elements of rock, psychedelia, funk and soul inherent in every track, and the head bopping, toe-tapping inducing nature of Neal Francis’ sound is so undeniable, that if you aren’t moved by his music, you might need to check your pulse.
Recently, we caught up with Neal Francis on the morning of his show at Webster Hall in New York City. We spoke about his new album Return to Zero at length — the frustrations, the collaborations, his process and meditation plus we also got a sneak preview of his thoughts about playing the big Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park, NJ this September.
Return to Zero dropped on March 14. Can you talk about how this record stands out from your previous two records — In Plain Sight and Changes — from a lyrical and sonic perspective?
Return to Zero was a challenging record to make. I didn’t have the same abundance of time to create; Return to Zero was made during the quarantine and Changes was my first record so there was fundamentally no deadline. It was challenging for me to manage my time in between tours and remain productive in the studio. As a result the stylistic cohesion of the record isn’t as strong as it might’ve been. Despite that, I think people have generally felt that it feels cohesive in terms of the production, which is pretty consistent across the entire record. Most of the recordings were produced by Sergio Rios, who I’ve worked with on my two previous studio albums. Blake Rhein (of Durand and the Indications) produced the penultimate track, “Can’t Get Enough.” The last (title) track was a solo effort on my part.
In reading up on the album, it was stated that you faced countless moments of creative frustration and that inspired the title of the record. Can you go into greater detail about these frustrations and how it inspired the title of the album?
Frustration was abundant as in any creative project but the main point of the title is a reference to pause. Specifically, the pause afforded by the rewinding of the tape machine between takes. The 16 track tape machine I recorded vocals on has a button labeled “RTZ” that will take you back to 0:00 on the tape, and I was hitting that over and over. That brief moment, not staring at a screen, not doing anything, afforded me time to reflect, and begin again.
You had a great quote in your press release and I’d love to dive into this — “What I’ve learned in my meditation practice: no matter how frustrated you get, just remain calm and take inventory and then begin again.” How important has meditation been to your creative process?
I wish I could employ this technique more consistently. I try to meditate every day, although commitment to this discipline has ebbed and flowed over the years. I was first introduced to meditation in recovery and through former bandmates. After a painful and traumatic breakup over five years ago I began a more rigorous practice and it has benefited me in every area of life. If I am consistently practicing I have access to an infinite well of peace, but first I have to realize I am suffering and make a conscious decision to use the tools.
Can you talk about how a DJ set from Derrick Carter inspired your single “Need You Again?”
I watched Derek spin at Queen and I was at the club until around 3 a.m. Later that morning I was back at the studio with Elliot [Bergman], with a lack of sleep and overdose of caffeine/nicotine, still high from the vibe in the club.
The single also features one of my favorite guitarists, Eric Krasno. Can you talk about why you tapped him for this song?
“Need You Again” had one of the strongest demos of the record, and I chased the magic of the demos, despite knowing the folly of that endeavor. The track we came up with in the studio was lacking an aspect of the groove in the second guitar part, and I wanted it in there to drive the song better. I had connected with Eric over the years and this was finally an opportunity to collaborate, he graciously made changes to whatever I asked and just nailed the part. We also nerd-ed out over The Headhunters on one of our calls. He, at one time, filled the Wah Wah Watson role in that group, so he added some of those ornaments to the song.
Say She She is featured on a few songs on the album, talk about why you made the call to include throughout the record?
Say She She is very special, their vocal blend is really incredible and they’re just amazing people too. Their records are also powered by the mighty groove of Orgone, which is one of the all time great bands.
Sergio Rios, who produces my records, also produces theirs. It was a no-brainer to invite them, and they graciously accepted. I put them through a marathon one day session and they were so professional. I hope to collaborate with them more.
You were just announced for Sea.Hear.Now 2025 — a festival that takes place right in our backyard of Asbury Park, NJ. Do you have a different approach to performing at big outdoor festivals than playing headlining shows like Webster Hall? Do you feel you have to work harder to capture a sprawling audience of 10s of thousands who are wandering about?
The audience plays a huge factor in my energy level during the show. Sometimes, I feel like it’s easier to connect in a smaller room, but there is an electric high stepping out on stage to see a huge field of people. Perhaps it’s akin to how athletes perform, knowing it’s all on the line and everyone is watching. More and more I’m able to tune out my surroundings and become more focused on what the band is playing, and my enjoyment of that feeds the audience, which usually they enjoy and reciprocate the energy back to us. It can be an energy loop with the crowd.
What are 5 things you’re excited about for you and the band in 2025?
- Going to Japan
- Going to Australia for the first time
- Sea Hear Now Fest! Woo!
- Spending time with my buds in the van
- Finding lakes, rivers and streams to swim in with the guys over the summer!
