We recently connected with Bug Frances and have shared our conversation below.
Bug , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
One of the most unexpected problems I’ve faced as an artist, is finding myself in a state of little or no inspiration to create. When I was younger, I always made time for music. I always had time to write lyrics, practice riffs, or sing my favorite song, over and over until exhaustion. In grade school, I always had the idea in my head that no matter what was thrown at me in life, music was always a safe, and easy place I could put myself in. Looking back, my naivety as a child is clear as day to me. I thought my passion would not and could not ever be shaken by any outside force. Yet I never thought to consider the biggest threat to my art was myself. For those times after a long, grueling day at work, where I was unable to find the discipline to sit down and write or sing a melody, I punished myself. I felt such shame from not holding onto that fire I had when I was younger to create and succeed. But, I learned quickly that you cannot force yourself to create. As you change, your art changes, and so does how it manifests in your world. Adaptation is the best tool I think any artist can have. Adjusting yourself to your environment and making room for the new feelings and experiences you’ve collected as you’ve aged and grown through the years, can be great sources of inspiration. Although it is so frustrating to not be the same person you were, with the same drive and energy you had to pursue your dreams, giving yourself kindness and understanding allows you continue to make the art that means so much. Although this challenge of lacking inspiration has proved difficult to overcome, I believe it has forced me into a new perspective on myself as an artist and challenges me to grow and work to find that inspiration again.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been singing and creating music for about 10 years now. I started really young, at 13, performing in theater, then graduating to rock performances my freshman year of high school, and then started my own band around 17. Prior to covid, I performed live quite frequently in places like Herman’s Hideaway or the bar previously known as the Toad Tavern down on Federal. After covid, I lost my band mates and a lot of the want to continue singing and writing, but thanks to friends and family, I kept trying. I just released my first official single as Bug Frances called “Burn”, and I couldn’t be happier. This song I’ve put out may only reach 10 people, but either way I am proud. That’s 10 more people who get to enjoy my music than there would have been had I given up. I’m currently writing more music and am hoping to release an EP within the next few months. And if all goes well, I am hoping to also play some shows this summer.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think going to shows for local artists , shopping/using services from local vendors, and spreading information to your friends and family about local artists and entrepreneurs can be great for the community and creative environment! I think we can become very reliant on big names and companies for the products or services we need or want, when there are better options in our own community we could be supporting instead.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I would have utilized social media more when I was younger to share my art. I remember being very shy and afraid of what people might’ve thought of my voice, and posting singing videos or songs online terrified me. I wish I would’ve shared my craft more liberally and realized not matter how much I practice or how good I may sound, there will always be someone who won’t like what I’ve put out and that’s ok! A few negative people shouldn’t prevent you from sharing your art to an audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bugfrances?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paytonroybalmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bugfrances2138
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0BvLU3vbIsgdfDGMu9FsWK?si=YJeI8eTRRgKUCexAwmTzCg&dd=1
Image Credits
Elijah Nason, photographer