|
Francesca Battistelli
Track List
|
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for
us.”—E.M. Forester
So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
It’s a question that takes many people years and years of... |
 “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for
us.”—E.M. Forester
So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
It’s a question that takes many people years and years of trial and error and self-discovery
to figure out. But for singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli, her mind was made up when she
was only six years old. After seeing “The Secret Garden” on Broadway with her parents, the
decision was ultimately a no-brainer. “There was just something about live theater—especially
musical theater—that has always resonated with me,” Francesca says. “So I thought that was it. I
was going to be Mary Lennox in ‘The Secret Garden’.”
Of course for anyone who knew her family, Francesca’s passion for life on the stage
wasn’t all that surprising, given her mom and dad’s extensive theater background. In fact, they
met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” while her
mom played Anna, the show's female lead opposite Yul Brynner.
Like any girl with dreams of grandeur, Francesca knew carving out her own path in the
ultra-competitive arts world wasn’t going to be easy. But with her Broadway aspirations in the
back of her mind and an insatiable work ethic, she stayed focused. Instead of signing up for the
typical extracurriculars like cheerleading or sports, Francesca’s life revolved around dance classes
and musical theater training.
And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop
group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. “We traveled
all over and performed at Hard Rock Live and House of Blues a couple of times,” Francesca
recalls. “It was good for what it was because it tied together two things I loved: singing and
dancing.”
But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to
clear her head. “Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I
absolutely loved,” Francesca shares. “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for
Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the
scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”
Armed with her passion for writing and hope for a hurting world, Francesca put pen to
paper and crafted heartfelt, personal reflections on life and faith for what’s now her major-label
debut, My Paper Heart. Inspired by everyone from the jazz greats her dad introduced her to as a
kid, to contemporaries like John Mayer, Sara Bareilles and Nichole Nordeman, Francesca set out
to write “soulful pop music that someone pops in the morning and says, ‘Now I can start my day,
I feel encouraged.’”
One of the first tracks Francesca wrote upon moving to Nashville, her first single “I’m
Letting Go,” not only highlights Francesca’s expressive vocals but her overarching desire to
encourage her peers not to settle for anything less than what God has for them.
“I’d just moved to Nashville, and I was sort of letting go of everything that someone can
at 22 years old,” Francesca shares. “And it’s far better and different in more ways than I could’ve
expected. There’s a line in the song that says ‘I feel like I’m falling/And that’s what it’s like to
believe.’ Walking in faith is like free-falling, yet that’s the best place to be. But so many of us are
afraid to do that.”
On the title track, Francesca tackles another universal fear—the fragility of the human
heart. “This has been the hardest, scariest, most rewarding year of my life. I have known sorrow,
and I have known joy,” she shares. “God has spoken quietly the words of His heart, and He has
shown me colors in the grayest hues of winter. He has sung songs over me in solitude, and He has
never let go of my fragile, paper heart. He knows every corner of it—the tattered, torn, and
untouched places. He knows the songs that move it, the words that pierce it, and the people He
uses to change it. I am forever safe in His hands.”
And while pouring out your heart doesn’t always come easy for some, the songwriting
process has been both cathartic and fun for Francesca. Describing it as “the most fun she’s ever
had professionally,” Francesca’s enthusiasm can’t help but find its way into her music. In fact,
whether she’s talking about the spirited, funk-laden title track or the buoyant, accept-yourself-asyou-
are anthem “Free to Be Me,” Francesca bookends her commentary with “I really love this
song. It’s so much fun to sing.” And that pervasive joy, along with Francesca’s adventurous
musicianship and relatable songwriting make My Paper Heart an impressive debut.
But even more important to Francesca than offering up a collection of catchy songs for
the masses is speaking a message of truth and purpose.
“Ultimately, I want to be an encouragement as an artist and a fellow believer,” Francesca
says. “The Lord has continually called me to do things that are outside my comfort zone, whether
it was accompanying myself on guitar for the first time in front of seasoned players or packing up
and moving to Nashville last year knowing hardly anybody. Still, He's never left me, and He
constantly shows me that it's worth it. I have parents who pray and encourage me to be bold and
to take bold steps for Christ. I don’t think that’s common enough in the Christian culture. We
have these big dreams, but many aren’t willing to take the steps to go after them. Yet this is the
moment. We’re not promised tomorrow. So today’s the day.”
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
8/12/2009 - Francesca Battistelli's Music Now Reaches the Movies; Hits The Road With Brandon Heath And Leeland This Fall
Fervent/Reprise Records singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli continues to make significant headway with her acclaimed debut, My Paper Heart. From the small screen to now the big screen, Battistelli's top 5 radio hit, "I'm Letting Go," can be heard in the promotions for the just-released "Julie & Julia" movie featuring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, while her current radio single, "It's Your Life," was heard during last week's season finale of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance."
Battistelli is set to perform this fall on the 43-city "Follow You Tour" as special guest to co-headliners Brandon Heath and Leeland. The high-profile touring event kicks off Sept. 23rd in Norfolk, Nebraska and goes through November 22, ending in Birmingham, Alabama. Not one to sit back and relax, Battistelli is confirmed to also perform on Newsong's 2009 Christmas tour and will kick off next spring appearing on the "Rock and Worship Road Show," along with headliner MercyMe. Upcoming dates will be announced shortly.
Appearing earlier this year on the 35-city nationwide 2009 WinterJam tour, Battistelli continues to perform this summer across the country at churches and festivals. She will appear in mid-September at DisneyWorld's famed "Night Of Joy."
|
|
3/31/2009 - Francesca Battistelli's "Free To Be Me" Hits #1 On Four Radio Charts
Nashville, TN - (March 31, 2009) - On the heels of five Dove Award nominations, recent music features on AOL Music's homepage, ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," NBC's "Biggest Loser," and The Style Network's new reality show "Running In Heels," Fervent/Reprise Records artist Francesca Battistelli is at the top of the charts - again! This time, though, she's #1 on four charts!
Battistelli's single, "Free to be Me," reached #1 this week on all three R&R Christian radio charts: AC-Monitored, AC-Indicator, and CHR, as well as on the Mediabase chart, as printed in USA Today. This is the 5th week in the top spot at CHR, and the second week as #1 at AC-Indicator. Additionally, "Free to be Me" is the first #1 single from a female at AC since 2005.
Here's what just a few stations have shared about her and her hit song:
"I think we all saw this day coming. You can't ignore a positive, fresh pop song with stunning vocal talent."
- Sarah Taylor, Spirit 105.3 Seattle
"We could not be prouder of our hometown girl, Franny, for getting to #1 but it is no surprise! We always knew she would be a big success and make a major ministry impact with music! This is just the beginning!"
- Jeff Cruz, Z88.3 Orlando
"How long has it been since a female has been #1? Since this morning! Go Francesca!"
- Mike Prendergast, 94.9 KLTY Dallas
|
|
3/19/2009 - Five-Time Dove Nominee Francesca Battistelli All Over Web, Radio, TV!
Nashville, TN - March 19, 2008 - Five-time Dove Award nominee Francesca Battistelli is having one amazing week. After wrapping up the nationwide 35-city WinterJam tour last Sunday in Nashville, Battistelli continues to be heard everywhere from the world wide web to radio to network television.
Today, Battistelli's music video for "Free to be Me" was chosen to be AOL Music's "Video of the Day" (http://music.aol.com). Adding to the huge coverage, her song "It's Your Life" is currently being featured in the promo for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and also was featured on Tuesday's episode of NBC's "Biggest Loser."
"Free to be Me" continues to capture top airplay on radio stations nationwide, hitting the top spot on both CHR and AC Indicator. Additionally, "Free to be Me" is the first #1 single from a female at AC since 2005.
This New York City-born singer and songwriter is now readying for the upcoming Dove Awards. She is nominated for Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, while her Top 5 hit single "I'm Letting Go" has received Dove Award nominations for Song of the Year as well as Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year. Her summer 2008 debut CD, My Paper Heart, is nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.
For the first time, fans have the opportunity to cast their vote for the upcoming Dove Awards with the ability to help choose Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Fan voting is being conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com. The cumulative fan vote, which is open now and will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in these two categories. Visit both sites for more information and most of all, don't forget to vote for Francesca for New Artist of the Year!
Visit www.Francescamusic.com for her blogs, current tour information, and more.
|
|
2/20/2009 - Francesca Battistelli Makes History with Five Nominations for 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards, Including Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year
(NASHVILLE, TN) February 20, 2009 –Today Word Entertainment, through its artists, projects and other contributors, garnered 56 GMA Dove Award nominations, with Fervent/Reprise Records’ new singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli leading the way with five nominations, including “Song of the Year” (“I’m Letting Go”), “Female Vocalist of the Year,” and “New Artist of the Year,” the most for any new female artist in the history of the Gospel Music Awards.
“I am thrilled and honored to just be nominated!” says Battistelli. “It’s humbling to be among such great company, especially as a new artist, and being nominated for Song of the Year is a dream come true. I’m still soaking it all in!”
Word Records’ rock newcomers Remedy Drive were also honored in this year’s “New Artist” category, in addition to nods for “Rock/Contemporary Album” (Daylight Is Coming), and “Short Form Music Video” (“Daylight”). Fervent Records’ Dove-award winning hip hop trio Group 1 Crew were also honored in three categories this year, including “Rock/Contemporary Song” (“Keys To The Kingdom”), “Rap/Hip Hop Album” (Ordinary Dreamers), and “Short Form Music Video” (“Movin’”). Word Records’ powerhouse vocalist David Phelps received “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Long Form Music Video” (“O Holy Night”) nominations, while Word Records’ new worship artist Meredith Andrews garnered two nominations for “Worship Song” (“You’re Not Alone”) and “Praise & Worship Album” (The Invitation). Canaan Records’ legendary Kim Hopper also received two GMA Dove Award nominations including “Bluegrass Recorded Song” (“What Will I Wear”) and “Southern Gospel Album” (I Just Wanted You To Know).
Word Label Group (a division of Word Entertainment comprised of Word Records, Fervent Records, Myrrh Records, Canaan Records and Word Music Publishing) garnered 38 nominations, including top categories “Song,” “Male Vocalist” (David Phelps), “Female Vocalist” (Francesca Battistelli) as well as “New Artist” (Francesca Battistelli and Remedy Drive).
Word Distribution, another division of Word Entertainment, collected an additional 17 nominations including two nominations for “Song of the Year” (Chris Sligh and Natalie Grant), “Female Vocalist of the Year” (Natalie Grant), and “New Artist of the Year” (Chris Sligh).
Word Music was represented with five nominations, including two for “Musical of the Year,” one for “Youth/Children’s Musical of the Year,” and two for “Choral Collection of the Year.”
Encompassing distributed labels, artists, affiliated producers, published writers and printed collections, Word Entertainment has representation in 31 of 43 total nomination categories.
A full list of Word Entertainment and Word Label Group finalists are below. The GMA Dove Awards event will be held April 23, 2009 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
|
|
12/10/2008 - Francesca Battistelli Named iTunes' "One of 2008's "Best"
Nashville, TN - (December 10, 2008) - Fervent Records'/Reprise singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli hasn't stopped since the release of her debut project, MY PAPER HEART, released July 22nd. With the success of her first radio single, the hit "I'm Letting Go," which nabbed the #3 spot on the radio charts, to numerous appearances and touring non-stop this past summer and fall, Battistelli is more than excited for what's ahead in 2009. Set to follow up with her next radio single "Free To Be Me" hitting the airwaves next month, Battistelli has joined the 35-date "Winter Jam" tour, performing in markets all over the country starting in January and going through March. She'll be sharing the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Brandon Heath, and Hawk Nelson, among many other special guests. For the most updated tour dates and information, please visit www.jamtour.com.
FRANCESCA TOPS AT iTUNES!
The music of Francesca Battistelli has been recognized by being named one of iTunes' best new artists of 2008 within the Christian/Gospel Category. In addition, she received accolades for "I'm Letting Go" as the #3 "Best iTunes Song" of the year, following Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns, respectively.
CHRISTMAS TIME
Garnering even more radio airplay, Battistelli's two newly recorded Christmas songs - "You're Here" (written by Battistelli) and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - are currently being played on stations nationwide. In fact, both songs are so popular that "You're Here" was the most added Christmas single for the first week of December, while "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" was the 4th highest add, according to Radio & Records (chart below). Not shy to radio charts, Battistelli's "You're Here" also debuted at #25 on AC Monitored and #27 at AC Indicator this week. Both Christmas singles are available exclusively on iTunes.
Did we mention that radio loves Francesca?
"I was blown away by Francesca's debut single "I'm Letting Go." Uptempo, fresh and fun - that actually describes her whole album My Paper Heart. And then, on top of that, she surprises us all with the touching (original) "You're Here" for Christmas. This girl is the real deal." - Sarah Taylor, Spirit 105.3 KCMS Seattle
"Francesca is one of those artists that you just kind marvel at...she can live life, write an amazing song, and connect with our audience every single time. I have no doubt she'll be around for years to come, and I'm grateful to share her unique sound and perspective with our audience at WAY-FM Colorado." - Jeff Connell, WAY-FM Denver
"Bold. Fresh. Sincere. Compelling. Us." - Chris Lemke, WCSG-FM/Grand Rapids
"Francesca delivers a fresh, new sound to Christian music....it's a car windows down, hair blowing in the wind on a bright, warm sunny day style of music that definitely strikes a chord with listeners out there. " - Mike Prendergast, 94.9 KLTY Dallas
ABOUT FRANCESCA
Songs from Francesca Battistelli's My Paper Heart have appeared on two episodes of MTV's "The Hills." She has also appeared on the homepage of YouTube.com with a video featuring her breakout voting song, "It's Your Life," which encouraged listeners to use their voice by voting in the recent Presidential election.
|
|
|
|
http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg http://media.hearitfirst.com/images/covers/080688737825/coverart.jpg
http://media.hearitfirst.com/audio/080688737825/mp3/101.mp3
Nada
0
1

|