“I think it’s very important to spread the Blues, and as a living and breathing thing it’s important that it also continues to evolve while being informed of its past. It is the bedrock and foundation of all modern North American genres, and its influence permeates through many aspects of our lives. It is also so significant because it is a storytelling medium, in which we can learn from the lessons of the past, but also teach the generations of the future.”

Angelique Francis:

Not Defeated, The Blues is Alright

You know you’re in the presence of a force when someone plays upright bass, harmonica, keys, and cigar box guitar and that’s *before* they open their mouth. Angelique Francis isn’t just the future of blues, roots, and soul; she’s the freight train pulling the whole genre into a new dimension. With her third studio 15-tracks album, Not Defeated (2025), the Ottawa-born powerhouse is delivering a rallying cry for resilience, packing soul anthems, gospel grooves, and barn-burning guitar solos into one of the most exciting Canadian releases of the year. Born in Ottawa and raised in a household where music was both language and lifeline, Angelique first hit the stage at age seven and was playing festivals by thirteen. By 14, she was already playing with music icons like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland. She has sinceshared the stage with music legends: Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Gary Clark Jr, and many more.

(Angelique Francis, 2025 / Photo © by Kiran Francis/Angelique Francis)

Her musical DNA includes Aretha Franklin on keys, Willie Dixon on bass, Big Mama Thornton on harp, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe on guitar; and somehow, she plays them all. This multi-instrumentalist charts her own path: rocking stages across the globe, serenading audiences with her upright bass, harmonica, and powerful voice; all at the same time. For Francis, music is her life, love, and family (quite literally). Her band includes sisters Kharincia Francis (sax), Kira Francis (trombone), Kayla Francis (vocals), and Father Kiran Francis (drums). Other talented members of The Angelique Francis Band on this album include Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet).

Interview by Michael Limnios            Special Thanks: Angelique Francis & Eric Alper

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has influenced my views of the world by teaching me stories of the past and has been my vehicle to process experiences through it. It’s such a powerful thing, especially in the way that it brings people together. It breaks down barriers, and spreads so much love in the joy that it creates. I experienced that beautiful power for the first time at the age of 7 during my first performance, and knew from that moment on that it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I would describe my sound as Blues, and Blues influenced roots music. I love to combine Blues music with the genres that it helped to inspire and create; such as Folk, Americana, classic Rhythm and Blues, soul, funk, jazz, gospel, rock, and so on. I believe that my creative drive stems from an unexplainable passion that I have for this music. I take great pleasure in sharing that joy with other people. I am inspired by everything, and anything that I experience in my life, be it my personal experiences, to things that I read about; anything is up for grabs.

I’m inspired by many different musicians for different aspects of my musicality. Willie Dixon for upright bass, Sister Rosetta Tharpe for guitar, Sonny Boy Williamson for harmonica, and many other greats such as Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and so on.

“I think one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is to be true to yourself. Sometimes that will require you to take a path that is longer, and harder. But in the end it will be more rewarding because you’ve built something that is a true reflection of your artistic expression, and goals.” (Angelique Francis, 2025 / Photo © by Kiran Francis/Angelique Francis)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

My band and I (The Angelique Francis Band) were very honoured to receive a Juno award (like the Canadian Grammy) for Blues album of the year, and we have had amazing experiences touring around the world. We have had the honour of sharing the stage and making music with incredible musicians such as Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Keb’ Mo’ etc. Some of the farthest festivals that we have played include the Grolsch Blues Festival Schöppingen (Germany), Sighisoara Blues Festival (Romania), and the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea festival in both the Caribbean, and Alaska.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

In terms of style, I think that everything that existed in the past for music still exists today. There’s just a lot more of it and sometimes it could be more difficult to find. But it’s still there. And I think that’s one of the most exciting things about what I do as a Blues musician, having this dual role as an artist and an educator; informing people about music that they are not aware that exists, or showcasing to them the origins that reside within other genres that they know and love. In a space and time where people are more connected than ever, but also more isolated on a personal level, one of my fears is that people will not be able to experience the amazing communities that live performances can create. I hope that music can bring people closer together in a similar way that it did in the past.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

It’s great! I feel very fortunate to be active in a time where more and more women are making strides, playing instruments, and leading bands. I am grateful for all the women that have come before me and made it possible for me to do what I do today, and I hope that I can carry on these traditions for the future women musicians of tomorrow.

“Music has influenced my views of the world by teaching me stories of the past and has been my vehicle to process experiences through it. It’s such a powerful thing, especially in the way that it brings people together. It breaks down barriers, and spreads so much love in the joy that it creates.” (Angelique Francis, 2025 / Photo © by Kiran Francis/Angelique Francis) 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I think one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is to be true to yourself. Sometimes that will require you to take a path that is longer, and harder. But in the end it will be more rewarding because you’ve built something that is a true reflection of your artistic expression, and goals.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

The Blues has never stopped being relevant, some people in the new generation just don’t know about it yet. Opening up their eyes to this is such an amazing experience! As previously mentioned, I do this by combining the Blues with other genres that they may be more familiar with (that the Blues has helped to create), but I also showcase many different genres of the Blues that may not be as widely represented. There are so many beautiful dimensions to this music, such as delta Blues, soul Blues, field haulers, gospel blues, and so on! I have also done teaching and workshops for the youth.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

I think it’s very important to spread the Blues, and as a living and breathing thing it’s important that it also continues to evolve while being informed of its past. It is the bedrock and foundation of all modern North American genres, and its influence permeates through many aspects of our lives. It is also so significant because it is a storytelling medium, in which we can learn from the lessons of the past, but also teach the generations of the future.

Angelique Francis - Home

(Angelique Francis, 2025 / Photo © by Kiran Francis/Angelique Francis)