When did you decide that a career in music was for you?
Well, I always loved to sing but really didn’t have an outlet until I moved to Florida at around 8 years old and got involved with musical theatre. That gave me a taste for the stage and performing but I was unsure if I wanted to pursue an acting career or just music.  Then in December 2020 I joined an artist development program (DME Orlando) where I started taking guitar lessons and learned how to write music and lyrics. Once I learned how to sing and play guitar at the same time, and write my own music, it really clicked for me. I love rock music and to be able to perform rock songs is a dream come true for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else now. 

 

Who are your musical inspirations and why?
I absolutely love and admire both Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart. Ann’s voice is just amazing and Nancy’s guitar work is incredible. I really look up to both of them and want to emulate them as much as I can. I also love Paramore. I love the way Hayley Williams (lead singer) performs. She is such a great singer but also her performance skills are so awesome! I love watching her and not to mention how unique Paramore‘s music is.

 

Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know? 
That’s a great but hard question. I feel like everyone knows everything about me now. I guess some people might not know that I’m a huge KISS fan. Got to see them twice in concert and actually wanted to play the bass at one point to be like Gene Simmons. I like to fish even though I don’t go often I do like to fish very much, not a lot of people know that. Oh and I’m afraid of spiders. Haha. 

 

 

What song of yours best describes you and why?
Oooh good question! I guess I’d have to say my latest single, “Truth Cannot Hide.” The song is about loyalty and breaking trust. I’m a very loyal person and I expect loyalty in return, so once someone shows me who they really are or breaks my trust, it’s hard for me to see them the way I used to. I’m a very authentic person and really can’t handle lies and deception very well. 

 

What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?
Oh this is so cool to talk about because I actually just got back from performing at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio! It was actually my second time performing there as part of a high school rock competition. It was insane! I made it to the finals and won second place out of 12 acts, 10 of which were bands. To be on that stage in front of about 1200 people while being surrounded by so much cool memorabilia and music legends was just unreal. A night I will never forget for sure.  

 

 

If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?
I’d love to perform one day at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. It would be cool to have an intimate show just me and my guitar.  I have memories of being there when I was very young and always wanted to be up on that stage one day. 

 

What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?
I always love to sing the National Anthem. I got to sing it at two Miami Marlins games (MLB), an Orlando Solar Bears game (minor league hockey), and at the Orlando Magic (NBA) game. 

But for me, my best achievement has been singing our National Anthem in front of military veterans at a Veterans Day celebration and then to be asked back by them to sing it again at another one of their events.  That is truly an honor and something I’m very proud of.  I’d like to just keep going and making more music and hope to get to play that music every where I possibly can. 

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Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?
I don’t have any good backstage stories but I do have one that happened in the middle of a gig. Right as I was in the middle of a song, my guitar strap just came loose and down goes my guitar. Luckily I caught it, but I had to start the song over. It was funny but scary at the same time. 

 

What do you like best about being a musician and why?
I love meeting other musicians and listening to them tell their stories.  I love meeting people who support me or listen to my music. It’s weird for me to say fans, but to have fans is crazy! I love the way people get happy when I play certain songs. I love watching them sing along and be happy, it makes me happy! 

 

If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?
I’d just be a typical high schooler finishing 10th grade. 

 

What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it?
Ohhhhh!! Absolutely my very first KISS show! It was the best night of my life! I had my face painted like Gene Simmons (the Demon) and it was just an amazing night! When they took the stage I was in awe! I remember singing and yelling and just amazed at what I was experiencing! Nothing like a KISS show!

 

What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? 
To be myself. To be authentic. To not compare myself to others. And to never ever give up! 

 

What things make you happy and what things annoy you? 
Hanging with my family and friends makes me happy. Real friends.  Dogs make me happy.  Music makes me very happy. The beach and being outside make me happy.  Fake people annoy me.  People who appear to be sweet, but talk about people behind their backs really annoys me. 

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What things do you like to do when you are away from music?
I love to hang out with my friends. I love going shopping, riding bikes, watching movies, playing video games, and I love going to the beach. I love going to amusement parks too especially Universal Orlando and especially Halloween Horror Nights. 

 

Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?
I do. Being an independent artist, it’s needed to be able to get my music out there and to market myself.  I mean of course there are bad aspects to it and it’s easy to get sucked into it too much.  Have to find a balance and not let some of the criticism get to you. 

 

How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?

Well I’ve been told it matters and actually have been told that I have to brand myself better. Haha. I guess I just want to be me and be who I am and not some fake image.  I think it’s most important to be real! People can tell when you’re not authentic. 

 

Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?

I do not have any tattoos. 

 

If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?

I’d make music available to everyone at every age. I think music is so important and can help people in so many ways! I’d make sure that everyone had access to learning it, listening to it, and seeing it live! 

 

What would your ideal day consist of?

Music, friends, beach, good food, live show, comfy bed. 

 

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

I want to say THANK YOU so much for being here!! For a person to follow me and take the time to listen, watch, and comment is so appreciated that words don’t seem to be enough. I’m grateful for everyone who has listened to my music, who has come to a show, who has followed on my socials, and who has sent such beautiful and encouraging messages.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It really means a lot! 

 

How would you answer the question Who is Francesca Tarantino and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?

Francesca is girl who loves music especially rock music! She’s funny and sill,  a  hard worker, and a good friend. There really aren’t any differences. What you see is what you get. And I’m never away from music! 

 

What was the first record or song you purchased and why?

I honestly don’t remember but I bet it was  a KISS song. 

 

What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

I’d say never give up! And have fun! If you’re not having fun, stop. 

 

If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?

I’d have to say Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. I would love to do a duet with him. His voice is sooooo good! The way he sings a song gives me chills.  And I’d love to learn from him. 

 

If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?

Hotel California! 

I think it’s such a masterpiece and has great lyrics with great music but that guitar solo! Wow! Would have loved to be a part of writing that! 

 

What things make you uncomfortable?

Close talkers. People who complain all the time. 

 

If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?

Definitely my family and stories of growing up. My influences and my musical journey. 

 

What has the rest of the year got in store for you?

Well, I have at least one more song coming out, maybe even two by end of year.  Lots more gigging and live shows in different cities and states.  Lots more writing! Will be working on EP and eventually an album. And of course lots of  practicing and getting better!!