10 Questions with ... Francesca Battistelli

NAME:Francesca Battistelli TITLE:Musician WEB:www.Myspace.com/francescabattistelli

Label:
Fervent Records

Discography:
My Paper Heart (2008)

1) How did you get connected with Fervent Records?

Manwell Reyes from Group 1 Crew is an old friend of mine from church in Orlando. He introduced me to the folks at Fervent back in February 2007 and we hit it off right away. Before that I had recorded an indie record in college and done some shows regionally while finishing my English degree.

2) Do you have any interesting or funny stories yet from your visits with radio folks? Or what were your first thoughts when you heard about the out-of-the-box success of your first single?

No funny stories yet unfortunately! [Smile] But when the news started coming in about the early adds, I was so thrilled. It was like walking into a surprise party over and over again! I love good surprises!

3) What's the story behind the single "I'm Letting Go"?

I wrote "I'm Letting Go" last year with my producer Ian Eskelin (before he was my producer) and another great writer named Tony Wood. All I had when I went in was the title. I wanted to write a song about letting go because God was taking me through a season where it was necessary for me to let go of the way I thought my life would unfold. I had dreams and plans that were different than his, and I was really walking through a time of learning to trust him. So that's where the song started.

4) Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

Ooh, I love playing "Beautiful, Beautiful" live because it's so intense and people seem to respond to it the most. I've seen grown men on their knees before the Lord during that song. It's powerful.

5) Which do you enjoy more the process or the performance?

I love it all! Writing comes so naturally to me and I love seeing the immediate results of sitting down with nothing and a few hours later coming out with a song. Recording is a whirlwind process where you get to see songs come to life and I love that. But performing is where you connect with people.

6) What is the message you hope to convey through the album "My Paper Heart"?

"My Paper Heart" is about the vulnerability of our hearts, and our need for Christ at the center of our lives. It's about seeing others and ourselves as God sees us and trusting him to write our stories.

7) What's your favorite song on the new record?

Don't make me choose! I love them all!

8) As you're in the studio working on this new album, was there a moment where you thought, "Wow, now we have a record"?

I think it was our first day. All the players were tracking at once and I could hear arrangements coming together for the first time. I realized it was really happening and just sat back and enjoyed!

9) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?

I try to as much as I can. Right now I'm digging the Gabe Dixon Band and I can't wait for the new Coldplay record!

10) Are you OK with the fact that Derek Jones & Co. refers to you as "Franny"?

As long as they call me Queen Francesca in front of me. Kidding! Of course it's cool. Most people end up calling me Franny anyway.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with and why?

John Mayer, he's a huge inspiration to me as far as songwriters go.

2) Favorite city to visit:

New York City

3) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

Broadway musicals!

4) Favorite book that you've read recently:

The Shack by William Young

5) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you and why?

A journal, a Bible and coffee ice cream?