Dominica-born singer and guitarist Heston Francis, known simply as Heston to his fans, says his latest album, ‘Warm Human, Cold World,’ was influenced by DBS Radio, the only radio station in Dominica when he was growing up.
Heston left Dominica when he was 10 years old and in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) radio said he gained appreciation for singing and songwriting after years of listening to the island’s one and only radio station.
“For me, growing up, there was DBS Radio which was one station,” he explained to VOA. “Now they have a few others. We didn’t have much choice as far as selecting whether we wanted to listen to a jazz station or a rock station. It was everything playing from Barbra Streisand to Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees to Paul McCartney. [McCartney’s] ‘Say, Say, Say’ was a big influence of mine; Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, Al Green’s gospel. Everything played. Bob Marley was played on that one radio station, Kenny Rogers. So my influences are vast as far as the music that I grew up listening to on that one station.”
He continued, “Musically, my influence stayed with me as a kid, because even today, I’m still very much open.”
After moving to the US at 10, Heston settled in Atlanta, Georgia. A self-taught musician who says writing music comes to him naturally, he began performing live in his twenties.
He told VOA, “Everything that I’ve written has come from real-life experiences or something that I’ve been connected or close to. And I’m able to fortunately be able to put it on paper and put it to music. So they’re just stories, my stories.”
In the VOA interview he said the new album reflects the age-old theme that love conquers all. “That album stems from a relationship that I experienced, which was magnificent at times and tough at times,” explains Heston. “But, it just told me how valuable navigating life with someone else would be better than doing it on your own. I think this place is a very cold place; it’s a concrete jungle. I think it’s just an easier way to navigate life with someone who actually cares.”
I listen to his mucic on Music Choice. He sounds really great. Keep them Albumns coming.
Hey Heston, when will you be performing at Center Stage?
It’s nice to say good things but let’s show our support by purchasing his CD. I’m gonna do that today!
Awesome job Heston, you make us all proud. We’re cheering for you, so go get ’em.
Great Job Heston! You have fans you don’t even know of, but we are watching and listening. We hope for the very best for you.
i love this new trend of young artist arising,of dominican ofspring,now this tells a lot that dominicas youth are not all drugs and crime,there are some strays yes,but i always know and believe that DA youth are different,some might be getting caught up right now,but there was a time when all DA youth wanted was football,basketball,criket,yes our feet used to live patches clear in botanical gardens,windsor park,technical grounds, even SMA basketball court,not forgeting goodwill savanna and lindo park,but it is all good,DA youth will find their way.
That would be nice to see him performing in DA for a creole event. Maybe creole in the park ?
california dreaming/ thts a pop pop pop, great regae song with an international and original flavour.
Nuff blessings to another one of our soil brothers…keep up the good work..keep making us proud…
Nice to see so many young ones doing well in the music business. Let’s support them.
Great Work and excellent music. To those concerned, let’s try to get Heston performing at the next Creole Jazz event (cabrits) or the WCMF.
congratulation
Heston left DA at 10 ? Really ? Looks like you are doing great things, congrats.
No he didnt leave at 10 because he was in SMA when he left…
Excellent work Heston Francis it doesn’t matter wht age you left the beautiful isle we are very proud and appreciative of you keep up the good works may god continue blessing you as you continue your journey to success
You are correct. I attended SMA with Heston, we were in the same form. His brother Kelvin Attended one form before him..
Great Job Heston…
He went to High School (SMA)together with me so how did he leave Dominica at age ten
Welll done Heston… I appreciate you!
I discovered Heston’s Cd by accident And it has become my greatest listening pleasure Everyone thst has heard it just loves it I am a dominican leaving in Atlanta ga and I am interested in seeing heston in concert If anyone has any idea as to his next performance please let me know
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