Francine Magee’s voice has a powerful vulnerability and her upcoming album, Francine is Her Name, shows the many faces of a powerful woman in a way that makes you want to sing along. You can hear her live on July 10, 2025 at the Icehouse.
Please tell us about how you got involved in music. I hear you have a music family.
Yes! I grew up in a big musical family. My parents are trained singers/players as well as pastors, so I grew up singing in their church and putting on seasonal musical productions with them. It was truly one of my favorite parts of childhood. All of my siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles on both sides of my family sing and play. What a gift to be surrounded by a great love a music and have it be such an integral part of my life. It made me the singer and writer I am today.
Do you think your time in Minneapolis (and/or connections here) has influenced your debut album, Francine is Her Name. If so, how?
Oh absolutely! Growing up in Minnesota, there is so much love, and support for the arts from the ground up, it’s part of the fabric of the community. From great local bands, community theater companies, choral groups – you name it, it’s happening here. Growing up in a space where people champion the arts made me feel empowered to write my own music and put myself out there. Despite living in Los Angeles now, my community here in MN is still my biggest support system, and for that I am incredibly grateful.
Coming Back to Life feels like such a personal song and paints a picture of actions we’ve all robotically muscled through. What was the inspiration for the song and sharing the song? If feels like a real sister song to Girl Affirmations.
Yeah, that song is a raw one. I think women throughout history have been taught to abandon ourselves, especially in romantic
relationships, for the good of the relationship. It was a very rude awakening when I looked in the mirror one day and realized I
didn’t recognize who was looking back at me. This song is me picking up the pieces of myself I had lost through the hardships in
my romantic, friend, and work relationships. Realizing I had abandoned myself was so painful, but a necessary acknowledgement for growth. You nailed it with Girl Affirmations btw… Imagine me singing that to myself whilst looking in the mirror at the girl in Coming Back To Life reminding her who she is.
In the same vein thematically but more of an anthem, is Higher. Ooh, I love that one. Your voice reminds me of Lisa Stansfield (blast from the 1990s). The video makes the song even more powerful because (minus a couple of arms) it’s just you. Emphasizing that the power is you/me/us. Can you tell me about the song and the video?
HIGHER was me truly writing affirmations to myself, my friends, and anyone who needs to hear that outgrowing a situation,
person, job, ideology, hell, even your pants size is OKAY and should be celebrated! We’re growing, we’re maturing, we’re
vibrating on a new plane; don’t be afraid. Lucky for me I am surrounded by brave people who see me and make me feel brave
too. This song was for all of us!
The music video specifically was the first look at me as an artist and I wanted viewers to see my face and feel like they could trust the person on the other side of the screen. I have lived and had to say these things to myself, and wanted viewers to feel comfort in singing along to this song with me. It will be fun to have that piece of work to look back on in the coming years for sure.
By the way, while it’s definitely not the first time I have heard the Lisa Stansfield reference (which is cool cause she has some
certified HITS); don’t be fooled, I might be fluorescent beige, but us mixed kids come in all shapes, sizes, and colors:)
Please tell us about the upcoming show in the Twin Cities.
This is my first show I am playing at home as a solo artist and could not be more thrilled! Before moving to LA, I sang backup for
a few local artists, sang with 3 different jazz bands, and basically supported others musical journeys. This is truly my first time
singing my own songs in my hometown and I cannot wait to have this moment with my family, friends, and hopefully some new fans!
Looking forward to seeing y’all there!
Mostly Minnesota 