Biography
Franka De Mille is a London, UK, singer-songwriter. Her début album, Bridge The Roads (2010), has received critical acclaim and international radio airplay.
"… rootsy, lyrical chamber-folk, devastating vocals and refined arrangements …" ★★★★ (Mojo)
Emotionally raw, truly original and with sophisticated arrangements Mille’s music has an elegant blend of Americana, chamber music and alternative folk.
Mille’s focus on strong melodies really underline the powerful emotional charge of her unique voice and deeply personal lyrics. Her deliberate use of violin, cello, accordion, mandolin and flute as ‘second voices’ add an awesome depth to her compositions.
From the harrowing experience documented in "So Long", to the mourning of her father in "Birds" and the poignant confession to her sister in "Gare du Nord", she bravely reveals her deepest emotions, and yet, through the messages of hope in "You'll Never Know" and "Come on" her strength in adversity transcends toward the ultimate redemption song, "Bridge the Roads".
Although she has been compared to Patti Smith, Tori Amos, Kate Bush and PJ Harvey, the only real comparison with them is a shared creative clarity in the expression of their music. Mille remains uncompromisingly herself, both musically and vocally.
She is the first, and only, independent artist to be selected for the British Phonographic Industry’s ‘Why Music Matters’ campaign (alongside Nina Simone, The Beatles, Kate Bush, Louie Armstrong, John Martyn and Nick Cave).
Her touring band regularly features some of the best musicians from across Europe, lead by musical director and guitarist Kevin Armstrong (who has worked with David Bowie, Sinéad O'Connor, Morrissey and Iggy Pop).
Sites: YouTube, Discogs, Facebook, MySpace and www.FrankadeMille.com (official)
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