Francisco Martin – Swollen

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) Tell us the story behind the song “Swollen.”

A) “Swollen” is about a girl I met. We only had one day together, but I really fell in love with the idea of her throughout that day and throughout the following days, which left me in this kinda interesting/lonely headspace.

Q) You also did two videos for “Swollen” called Part 1 & Part 2 which take place in such a beautiful landscape! Why did you create two different videos for the song? 

A) Yes, well, the real answer is that we wanted to release a visual on the day the record came out but knew our official music video wasn’t going to be ready yet, so we decided to create a video that set the tone for what was to come. It turned out really beautifully and truly captured that gorgeous forest/landscape so once I saw it, I realized it was perfect. By the way (and this is a total secret), there’s more coming…

Q) How did the concept for both videos correlate and play off of one another? 

A) As I just mentioned, Part 1 really set the tone for the official music video. That scene is an integral part of the official video, but the official music video has a lot more going on, storyline-wise. What’s interesting about Part 1 is that it’s kind of a visual representation of that lonely feeling that comes once a relationship ends or once you realize a relationship isn’t going to happen. It’s this long lonely shot of me walking down this path, by myself, in the middle of nowhere. In the official video my love interest comes into the picture and that scene becomes more about the connection we had and how that connection then ended, leaving us both walking in our own directions, away from each other.

Q) As “Swollen” is your debut single and you have short videos of some of your original works on YouTube, can fans expect an LP or album soon? 

A) Fans can definitely expect more music.

Q) Your YouTube has quite the collection of original songs that you uploaded in the past few months. How has utilizing social media helped you during this time in furthering the message of your music? 

A) I am constantly writing and creating music, so being able to share that music in any capacity is really inspiring. I connect with my fans through my music, so all I want to do is keep creating and keep releasing those songs. Up until I got signed, I felt like I just wanted to show my fans what I was working on as I was creating it. Now it’s probably going to be a bit more curated, but when I feel the whim, more original clips and/or songs may pop up.

Q) With live shows on hold, have you done any virtual shows during this time? 

A) I’ve done some livestreams via my IG live, but we’re trying to figure out how and when to do something bigger. So, stay tuned on that front!

Q) The musical influence from your family is quite profound! What was their advice to you when you decided to pursue a career in music? 

A) My family’s advice when I decided to pursue a music career was to always stay grounded. To never change who I am and to always work to the best of my abilities.

Q) In your journey on “American Idol” you managed to make it to the Top 5. How did your experience on the show help you in your career? 

A) Well, because I did Idol I was able to meet people who believed in me and because of that, I got a record deal. So, that’s a big win for my career. Overall though, the Idol journey was really special for me. I look back at my audition and I see myself as this terrified kid. Music has always been in my soul, but I wasn’t sure I was good enough, or that it was my “path” to do music full time. Going through the Idol process and performing for fans was so inspiring. And, as people started following me and voting for me, I was able to gain a bit more of a perspective on being an artist. It helped me realize maybe I could do this. The other amazing part of Idol is that it really sparked this need in me to write and create. I was a bit “new” to writing and producing as the show began, and now, I do it almost daily. I feel incredibly blessed to be in the position that I’m in now and I’m thankful that I took the chance on the show.

Q) What was one of your favorite moments from being on “American Idol?” 

A) My favorite moment was probably performing in Hawaii. I loved the adrenaline of being on stage in front of people. Obviously, our season was a bit odd as we didn’t get more of those experiences, but I’m thankful I at least got that moment.

Q) In no particular order, which five albums would you say heavily influenced your musical style? 

A) James Bays’ Chaos and the Calm, Maggie Rogers’ Now That the Light Is Fading, The National’s Boxer, John Mayer’s Battle Studies and Room for Squares

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a future project? 

A) I have a list, but if I had to just name two it would be John Mayer and Jack Antonoff.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans & supporters of your music? 

A) Thank you. Truly. Without you all, I wouldn’t be in the position to do what I love every day and I feel incredibly blessed to have you all in my life.