Swiss alternative rocker Francis Balmer released his debut single Dear Hillary this month. The brooding new single is lifted from his recently released debut EP Farewell Transmission and combines dark melodies with pounding grunge rock energy. The small town of St. Moritz in the Swiss mountains is an unlikely place for a rock to musician to come from, but Francis Balmer has always done things a little differently to most. After years spent playing in rock bands and learning his craft, he took time out to expand his horizons and travel the world as a backpacker. It was on these adventures that a chance meeting led to a friendship with The Cure producer/sound engineer Steve Whitfield, who offered to produce his new songs when Francis returned to music. Listen to Dear Hillary below now!
Tell us a little about yourself, what’s your music background?
I’m heavily influenced by the whole 90’s Seattle rock scene. Soaked it up like a sponge. And in my early twenties I spent some time in the BC/Vancouver area, went to many live shows and hung out with bands. Over the years I started to discover more and more true artists that inspired me. For example I’m totally into John Frusciante’s solo stuff. His guitar sound is quite unique. That also inspired me on some of the songs of my EP. Another big influence are definitely The Pixies.
How has the response to Dear Hillary been so far?
In Switzerland the song has already enjoyed airplay on alternative shows such as the national station SRF3 on it’s ‘Rock Special’ show, as well as numerous German rock stations. The track also made it onto the onboard flight program of every long-distance flight of SWISS Airlines. And now some radio stations in the UK are getting interested in the track as well, so it’s been great!
How was it working with Steve Whitefield?
It is actually quite a funny story how it all started. I was travelling the world and somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Mexico I met Steve at a bar. The rest is history. I quite like his musical sensibility and ideas on adding all those little extra guitars and noises. I also really dig his band Klammer. The editing, mixing and mastering of my EP went really well. It was a really nice opportunity and experience to work with him – what an honour!
Any plans to release more tracks from the Farewell Transmission EP?
In Switzerland I’ve just released a second single called “YOLO”. The song is more calm than “Dear Hillary”. It’s about that feeling you get when you hit the road and travel. like a nice memory from a road trip. Sitting in the car, holding the wheel in your hand and feeling the sun on your skin. It just makes wanna go travelling all over again! The guitar solo part on there reminds me of Californication by the Chili Peppers – so go check that song out too.
What would say to your fans and how much do they mean to you?
Thanks everyone for listening! Hope you guys enjoy my piece of art.
What is rock scene like in Switzerland?
It’s a small country but there are many great bands. So support your local bands!
Is there tour news on the way?
I’m quite busy with many different projects, writing new tunes, work, and travelling at the moment. But I’ll keep you guys posted!
If you could work or perform with any artist, who would it be and why?
John Frusciante, because he is a great songwriter and very talented guitar player. And since I was a little I liked Linda Perry – such a good Songwriter and man, those vocals! Or the band Sebadoh – Bake Sale is one of the greatest albums ever written.