You know you’re in the
presence of a force when someone plays upright bass, harmonica, keys,
and cigar box guitar and that’s *before* they open their mouth.
Angelique Francis isn’t just the future of blues, roots, and soul;
she’s the freight train pulling the whole genre into a new dimension.
With her third studio album, Not Defeated, out now, the Ottawa-born
powerhouse is delivering a rallying cry for resilience, packing soul
anthems, gospel grooves, and barn-burning guitar solos into one of the
most exciting Canadian releases of the year.
Born
in Ottawa and raised in a household where music was both language and
lifeline, Angelique first hit the stage at age seven and was playing
festivals by thirteen. By 14, she was already playing with music icons
like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland. She has since shared the
stage with music legends: Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Gary Clark Jr, and many
more. Her musical DNA includes Aretha Franklin on keys, Willie Dixon on
bass, Big Mama Thornton on harp, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe on guitar;
and somehow, she plays them all. This multi-instrumentalist charts her
own path: rocking stages across the globe, serenading audiences with her
upright bass, harmonica, and powerful voice; all at the same time.
After
winning the 2023 JUNO for Blues Album of the Year with Long River,
Francis was declared Performer of the Year by Folk Canada in 2024, swept
multiple Canadian Blues Music Awards, and landed a 2025 Canadian Folk
Music Award nod for Song of the Year. But more than the accolades, it's
her ability to unify joy and struggle that sets her apart. “Music has
always been about healing for me,” Angelique shares. “It’s how I process
the world and how I imagine a better one. One of my main goals as a
musician is to spread joy amongst my listeners. To give people hope in
times of struggle.”
On
Not Defeated, she goes all in. “I may be down / but I’m not defeated,”
she howls on the album’s title track. This high-powered soul-blues
infused number highlights the analogy connecting the album’s tracks. “My
album is a collection of songs and stories about the hardships and
challenges of our past, present, and future, and the strength that lies
within us all to overcome them”. The overarching theme is linked across
every song, spinning a variety of tales that range from sensual,
introspective, to comical.
From
the sultry celebration of “Sugarcane Jukejoint” to the explosive
funk-blues grooves of “Do That Work,” every track is steeped in soul and
purpose. This album of completely original tunes was crafted in the
signature Francis style; a fusion of Blues and Blues influenced genres
(roots, folk, soul, rock, gospel, Americana, funk, jazz, classic
R&B, and many more). She takes her listeners on a journey through a
diverse mix of styles; from upbeat and exciting, to intimate and
profound.
A
featured track, “Escape” (ft. Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish”
Ingram), is an electrifying spiritual gut-punch. “I just can't escape…
my fears… / but I can stand / I will face it and give it all I can,”
Francis belts with raw intensity, her voice swirling with Kingfish’s
molten guitar. This timeless uplifting anthem encourages listeners to
create their own light in the face of darkness.
Then
there’s “Watch Me Grow,” a compelling tune that marries blues riffs
with swagger, slick spoken word poetry, and New Orleans horns. It’s a
song that declares: “Our path may be challenging, but onwards we fight /
Watch me grow, watch us grow.”
Francis
says: “Each one of us has the power to create positive change within
this world. When people come together, support one another, and love
each other, we can accomplish wonders.”
The
album also features another sonic firestorm in “Train Coming” with
Grammy Nominee Eric Gales, a blues-rock juggernaut that flawlessly
electrifies listeners with its power and sizzle; a multifaceted metaphor
about shedding one’s burdens and charging ahead towards a brighter
future.
For
Francis, music is her life, love, and family (quite literally). Her
band includes sisters Kharincia Francis (sax), Kira Francis (trombone),
Kayla Francis (vocals), and Father Kiran Francis (drums). “I am so lucky
to have my family by my side,” she says. “It feels like a dream come
true! They are fantastic musicians, and together our music is a
reflection of who we are and the values we were raised on. That Love can
conquer all.” Other talented members of The Angelique Francis Band on
this album include Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric
guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet).
Coming
off a whirlwind summer with performances at Winthrop Rhythm & Blues
Festival (USA), Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival (QC),
Niagara Jazz Festival (ON), Fort Langley Jazz Festival (BC), etc.,
Angelique and the band will board the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea
cruise this September, performing from Seattle to Alaska alongside some
of the biggest names in Blues (such as Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King,
Little Feat, and many others). “I can’t wait to bring this new music to
people,” she beams. “Every show feels like a homecoming, whether we’re
in Toronto or Romania.”
As
for what’s next? Francis is set to tour in the fall (including Massey
Hall, the Prismatic Arts Festival in Halifax, and Aeolian Hall in
London) and is already working on her tour for 2026.
With
Not Defeated, Angelique Francis has delivered more than just a record.
She’s offered a soundtrack for anyone who's ever fallen and got back up
anyway. “Failure, fear, and pain may come; but as long as we have hope,
we will not be defeated.”
