Karima Francis Sings From Her Soul For The Homeless
As you maybe aware, there is a massive homeless crisis in the United States, but it really smacks you in the face in LA. LA has Tent Cities and Skid Row, but the problem does not seem to be getting better. This is why Karima Francis’s song “Shelf Life”, which is about the LA homeless crisis, and follows around a homeless man in the beautifully shot video, is so powerful. Her soulful heartfelt melodies of introspection explores the perfect combination of laid back west coat with sultry purpose. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview below with Karima.
Where are you based?
I’m based in West London.
Being self-taught in both drums and guitars, where did your love of music originate? Do you have a favorite instrument?
My favourite instrument is actually the pedal steel guitar. My love for music came from learning to drum and play in punk bands from a young age.
When you first moved to LA, you sold a few of your guitars to buy your ticket. How hard was that?
I haven’t moved to LA yet but I plan to in the future! It’s always difficult letting go of something sentimental, but I wanted to go and put myself in the music scene out in LA so I sold up so I could go and be out there for a few months.
How has living in LA influenced your music?
It’s made me want to be a better musician, want to better my craft, and I’ve also been influenced a lot by the people I have met and the attitude towards their art. It’s so inspiring.
Jejune loves your new single “Shelf Life”. Can you tell us a little bit about it, and what inspired it?
Shelf Life is a song I wrote in LA one morning on the way to a studio. I was looking into the growing homelessness epidemic in LA and feeling extremely uncomfortable to see the amount of people who are helpless on the streets in a place of luxury. I guess it just messed with my head, and I just felt a natural pull to write about it.
What does “Shelf Life” mean to you?
Shelf Life means to me, “A life living, but not being seen”
Your music video for “Shelf Life” is beautiful. Can you tell us a little bit about the homeless man you decided to feature and why you choose to spend the day with him?
I had the idea to make the video out in LA after doing the recording of the song and listening back to it in my apartment. I happened to have my photographer out with me who had his super 8. So I wanted to film the day in the life of a homeless man or woman. Obviously we needed to find someone who we could communicate our ideas to, so my manager found Terry sitting on a bench and once we saw his beautiful blue eyes we knew he was the right person for the film. Obviously he was paid for his time and we accommodated him for a few days.
What was it like for him to be featured in your film?
Terry was emotional throughout the day when filming the video. He was actually a big country music star in Nashville in the 70’s. When you see him singing at the McDonalds drive through and writing in the restaurant, he is writing lyrics that he sings to the people buying food. He mainly gets ignored, it’s just awful.
Are you still in communication with him? How is he doing?
The last couple of times I've visited LA I have looked for Terry but have not found him, I really wanted to show him the video. I remember him mentioning that he was waiting for a payment from the state for the past three years so he could get housing. I pray that this is the reason why I have not seen him and I hope he is happy and safe wherever he is.
Are you working with any organizations to help the homeless population in LA?
I have reached out to many and they have not yet been in contact with me. I have offered my services if needed.
LA is basically an example of where income inequality is headed in our country, with there being a glamorous wealthy class and an increasingly growing lower class. Can you please share your thoughts on this?
It’s a very difficult time for our country. With housing costs rising and costs for childcare, people are struggling to survive and support their families. Poverty is at its highest and will continue to grow under a tory government. It breaks my heart to see the inequality growing in our country.
What do you think should be done to help aid the homelessness issue in L.A.?
I recently read in the LA times that there are 39,000 people living on the streets across Los Angeles and 41,000 empty homes. I think the authorities should make it illegal to keep homes unoccupied and obviously give them to the homeless. No one wants to go to LA, the city of dreams, and be slapped in the face by the people living on every street corner. I can't understand how LA residents, especially the most wealthy ones, sleep at night, knowing there’s thousands of people out on the street and they could help change it.
You mentioned being inspired by organic sound of analogue audio. What and who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and why?
Well, I’m influenced by everyone from the Beatles, Tim Buckley, Marvin Gaye, to Sharon Van Etten, The National, Wilco, The War on Drugs. I just like organic sounding records made with old equipment.
What is your motto in life?
When you’re going through hell, Keep going….
Please list any websites and social media you would like Jejune to promote:
YouTube: Karima Francis
YouTube: Music Video
Spotify
Instagram: @karimafrancis
karimafrancismusic.com
All photography by Joseph Calhoun.
