Robyn Francis profile picture

Robyn Francis

About Me

Better known as an international permaculture designer, presenter and educator, music has always played a central role in my busy life. Aspirations to make a career as a singer/songwriter/composer gave way to my commitment to creating a more sustainable world through my permaculture work -- into which i weave my creativity as a performer, communicator, musician, artist, poet and writer.

I live in a place of exceptional natural beauty which is a constant source of inspiration and there's nothing I enjoy more than finding time to chill in the hammock at sunset or under the full moon, writing music on my laptop in between turning the compost, feeding the chickens and traveling the world teaching permaculture...

Starting out as a folksinger/songwriter in Sydney and Europe during the '70's, I released my first album in 1993 (3 Dolphin Music Award nominations) and then work took over my life for quite a few years. These early songs are a diverse collection of folk, folk-rock, reggae, ska, rock, and lyrical ballads.
I have never been one for sticking to a specific form or genre of music, each creation unfolds in its own way and my music changes as i continue my path of creative discovery.

Some years ago a friend introduced me to Reason which has opened a world of possibilities for a frustrated composer... it's such a joy now to be able to compose the music i hear in my head, whispering in the wind, soaring over the pulsing frog and cicada pads of summer nights... Have now composed 3 albums of instrumental soundscapes and recently started writing songs again and exploring the spoken word - poetry in sound.

Released Dancing the Windstreams in 2007 and have put up a selection of songs here for you to enjoy. Have also put up the lyrics for you to appreciate the poetry. The other tracks on Dancing the Windstreams include some of my ambient (and up-tempo) chill soundscapes, and perhaps what could be best described as Celtic-influenced ambient ballads. Have also included a recent 'works in progress', Monsoon Rains, which is still to have final vox recorded, mix and mastering.

Based in Nimbin NSW, I'm working on a multimedia performance integrating visual images, music, song and spoken word as a journey of hope, despair, joy -- refections and insights into human nature and our relationship with the earth.

For me music is a vital medium for creative expression to communicate my deep love of nature, feelings about life and my concern for our beautiful planet and the need for change. Writing music balances my busy life, nurtures my soul and uplifts my spirit - hope you find it inspirational and will appreciate your feedback/comments.

I'm here on myspace to discover good music, meet other composers and songwriters and share my creations with you.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/15/2008
Band Website: www.permaculture.com.au
Band Members: Robyn Francis

Influences:

Discovered Wagner, The Beatles and Beethoven when I was 13 and it changed my life!!!

Have a solid background in classical music - favourites include Debussy, Ravel, Grieg and Sibelius. Contemporary influences include folk, folk rock and acid rock of the late 60’s, ’70’s and ’80’s; Dylan, Joan Baez, Peggy Seeger, Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Incredible String Band, Cream, Pink Floyd, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Band, Cream, Sting, Gondwana, Genesis, to mention a few; and diverse forms of folk and world music especially Celtic, Middle Eastern, Indian and Balinese. Also inspired by film scores, contemporary chill, ambient electronic and new ages sounds.

I don’t try to emulate any particular genre or sound - I simply write what moves me in the moment of creation, sounds good and has some kind of deeper meaning in terms of lyrics.


Sounds Like: Me...
Music videos by Robyn Francis - soundscapes and evocative images, these videos feature tracks from 'Dancing the Windstreams' and 'EarthSong' albums not otherwise included on the MySpace music playlists

'SUPPLICATION TO GAIA' - an evocative journey of hope, despair and renewal exploring our relationshp with the earth interweaves luscious sounds, spoken word and powerful imagery

'THINKING LIKE A MOUNTAIN' - a meditation in images and sound....

WIND DANCE - inspirational ambient video integratin music, poetry song and nature images by Robyn Francis

Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

Supplication to Gaia + Lyrics

The release of the 'Supplicationto Gaia' video on YouTube in January 2009 signifies the completion ofthis work, integrating the visual with the music and poetry. I haveposted the lyrics here. This son...
Posted by on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:25:00 GMT

Dolphin Music Award Finalist - Freedom to Fly

Just received word that "Freedom to Fly" has been nominated as a finalist in the 2007 Dolphin Music Awards for Best Contemporary Ballad.The song was commended for its composition, performance, structu...
Posted by on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:10:00 GMT