Lexie Boardman

Brighton-based singer-songwriter and producer, frances mistry, is a young juggernaut in possession of the talent that the bedroom dream-pop genre has been craving – each of their tracks is an embodiment of a lower-case antidote to the chaos of the modern world. mistry’s endearing indie-pop melodies are a dreamy, captivating experience: you will find yourself instantly hooked. Refreshing and enchanting bedroom pop is something mistry produces so naturally – their music is the sound morning birds after a dreary, stormy night.

The 20-year-old embarked on a career in music just a few years ago, and has now accumulated thousands of streams. With plays on local and national radio and even featuring on Clairo’s NTS radio show, mistry is a force to be reckoned with. Industry plants and artists from positions of privilege are ever dominant in the music scene, but artists like mistry have the power to produce great change and take over the industry. “I decided to pursue a career in music after discovering Clairo a few years ago and finding other small artists through her. I always thought you had to have a label to release music”.

An enchanting, nostalgic record, ‘like souvenirs’ is one of mistry’s favourites: “I feel it was one of my more creative songs and I really love the percussions and vibes of it.” The track features drums from popular 80s rock band Shriekback’s Martyn Barker. It draws in on inspirations from the likes of Arlo Parks and yet the signature frances mistry sound comes through beautifully. A powerful, yet sweet and relaxing track, it follows the tale of an old childhood friendship and provides a sense of familiarity: “It still feels like I last saw you yesterday/Even though it’s been years I treat our memories like souvenirs”. The track’s artwork was produced by the friend depicted throughout the song’s narrative, and it feels as though it ties together the picturesque nature of the track. It encapsulates the discography and capabilities of frances mistry beautifully, capturing the pure talent she possesses. mistry writes, performs, and produces all of her own music, and the passion that goes into their delicately handcrafted music is clear.

As we are all aware, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the course of the world. The fallout of the world locking down over the past 18 months has had an impact which has hurt the music industry in a multitude of ways, and it will be recovering for some time. It has seen musicians fall through the cracks more than ever, but in a year where the industry has faced a range of struggles, the restrictions seem to have only boosted frances mistry – they have defied the odds and are growing more than ever. Despite this, they said: “The pandemic has impacted me […] I haven’t been able to perform as I was hoping in 2020[;] to start gigging and performing more than I had.” A feeling that is all too familiar amongst musicians this year, they had wished to have played a few gigs by now, but this did not hold back the development of the frances mistry brand.

With the spare time that many of us found in the pandemic, mistry was able to focus on furthering her musical career: “I’ve had more time to write music and focus only on music from being inside all the time.” Throughout 2021 she saw over 23,000 streams from over 5,000 listeners worldwide: the sky is the limit for mistry. Following toned-down restrictions, mistry has intentions to finally be able to get out and perform her music, after what has been a joyous year for her musical progress: “I’d love to be able to maybe support some other artists as their opening act or collaborate with some other artists too.” mistry has collaborated with other musicians such as the aforementioned drummer for 80s band Shreikback, and also her university’s house band on ‘they wanted more’.

A popular piece from the frances mistry discography, ‘they wanted more’ is a melancholic reflection following the UK government’s dismissal of the creative arts industry. After a disappointing period of dismissal for the arts throughout the pandemic when support was needed most, ‘they wanted more’ personifies the fear and defeat that is instilled in young people in the creative arts industries. Incredibly moving lines run through the song: “A new thing each day, that’s what I do, the one thing that they say is there’s no future for you”. Written and produced by mistry, it creatively challenges the stance that, as stated in some of the government’s 2020 advert campaigns, people in creative arts should ‘retrain’ into ‘more skilled’ fields. The use of extra instruments give the song the ability to become a weapon against the silencing of the creative arts industry; the entire track creates a beautiful tone of anger directed at the government for depriving industries that need support.

Image from @francesmistryy on Twitter. Permission granted by owner of image.

Just over three years ago, a then 16-year-old mistry began chasing their dream career in music. Since then, they have been lucky enough to feature on Clairo’s NTS radio show, BBC Introducing South and BBC Radio One. Many young artists would only ever dream of getting this type of consistent coverage – a promising future is on the horizon. For those hoping to follow in the footsteps of this independent talent to reach their career dreams, mistry said: “my advice is to write music how you want, and just release it. You’ll continue to improve your writing and over time more and more people will listen and it’s always rewarding when you have even the smallest breakthrough.”

Whether it’s the impressive songwriting, vocals, production or even just her beloved cats, frances mistry is the truly enchanting artist that your playlists are crying out for. An immensely talented, self-made, organic musician can be found in mistry and throughout her entire discography. The future is more than bright for mistry, and one cannot help but feel an intense level of excitement when evaluating the prospects awaiting the young talent. You can listen to the pastel daydream that is frances mistry’s addictive, lullaby-esque discography on all major streaming services, and her latest release ‘where’s a good place to be alone?’

Featured image from @alicenorthh on Instagram. Permission granted by owner of image.

I am a 21-year-old journalism graduate studying MSc Media Psychology, passionate about music, sports (especially motorsport), sustainability and wellbeing.

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