Insanely talented up-and-comer Francesco Yates stole our hearts last summer with his critically acclaimed single, “Call.” He’s received praise from Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake alike, not to mention that Yates has the best hair we’ve seen in a long time (his fans started the hashtag #TeamAfro). REAL stole a moment of his time to discover his creative process and inspirations. 

 

 

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

 

Francesco Yates: I wish it looked like something, but as far as I know I can’t really explain the anatomy of how it all happens, because it happens very differently every time. I just know that when a song is coming to me, I make sure I’m ready.

 

RM: What makes you come most alive?

 

FY: The feeling I get when I know a song is beginning to come together, and being with people who are on the same page and want to help me bring it to life. The feeling is like a sense of wholeness, it’s the same thing with the adrenaline I feel from a live performance. It’s a rush.

 

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

 

FY: Anything can inspire me, really, from reading a book to a car ride or a quote from a conversation I’ve had. Coincidence has a funny way of doing things like that. No one thing inspires me—I open myself to all experiences to be inspired.

 

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

 

FY: Be yourself but first know yourself, because you cannot be yourself if you don’t know yourself. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve realized recording my debut album. I began to know myself during that process and it allows me to now be myself.

 

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

FY: I support music education in general because it can be therapy when used in the right way.

 

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

 

FY: My debut single, “Call,” is available now on iTunes and the music video is live on YouTube. I’m excited to share that with new ears and eyes. Find me in a city near you—visit francescoyates.com or follow me @FrancescoYates on Twitter and Instagram. I follow back!