Exclusive: Francesco Yates Discusses His Debut EP, Working With Pharrell & More!

Produced by Pharrell Williams and Robin Hannibal (Kendrick Lamar, Jessie Ware), Francesco Yates is back with his self titled debut EP releasing September 11 . The six title tracklist consists of refreshing up-tempo, yet calming sounds.

The Knockturnal had the chance to talk to the upcoming star to discuss his songwriting, forthcoming EP, upcoming US tour dates and more.

Tell us about the album.

Well the album is based on my long journey and the whole developmental process. The inspiration is the music itself, I think that’s what it comes down to. I love music and looking forward to continue doing it. I’m at a place now where I think the world is ready to hear (my music).

Tell us about the songs.

“Something Different” was a song that was produced by me back in 2011 and I just kind of rehashed it. It speaks seeing something different when I was new on the scene at the time, I was excited to see what was going on and being around the high-profile people like Pharrell. It was just a pretty autobiographical song.

“Call” was the first one we put out back in 2014. It’s just about listening to your significant other.

“Better To Be Loved” is also on there, it’s just about feeling the jams of the 70’s, you know Michael Jackson.

“When I Found You” kind of falls on the same lines as “Call.

“Change The Channel” is just a straight up rock jam.

Talk about Pharrell’s influence on you.

Well Pharrell taught me basically to let go. I always think a lot as a musician. When we first did the song, “Change the Channel,” he kind of encouraged me to come into my musicianship. I kind of left the guitar out for a little while, I always played it at home pretending to be a rockstar. He’s been very liberating through the whole process. I was also introduced to the electronics and going with an organic approach, which is a kind of a blend between old and new and modern and is what I think I would call my sound.

Speak about your songwriting process.

I think my songwriting process always changes, I truly wish I could one set process where it’s all the same and I could just pump out masterpieces like crazy. But for me, I just have to let it come and little intricate things have changed but in the end I think it’s been good.

Tell us about your upcoming tour.

So I think I’m just trying to speak to my age and generation. I think my music relates to them. I’m really excited for the tour because I once did a tour with SoMo on his Wide Awake tour and I hope to see some reoccurring people that saw me during that show.

1. Honey, I’m Home