Francis Arevalo is first and foremost a Filipino rapper based in Vancouver, BC. Having grown up listening to thoughtful lyricists and developing in the local poetry slam scene, he is a wordsmith weaving together personal storytelling, thoughtful messages, and clever lyricism. Francis’ primary aims as a hip-hop artist are to energize, gather, learn, share and empower. As a producer, his creations are colourful, lush, and hard-hitting, shaped into the right backdrops for his lyricism to shine. He is equally at home performing solo or with his band, from living rooms and coffee shops, to theatres and festival stages; he crafts passionate performances for any venue he is given, shaping his offerings to meet the audience where they’re at.
Off-stage, Francis Arevalo is a multi-hyphenate creative wearing various hats in the music community and industry. He dedicates himself to mental health advocacy, community gatherings, entrepreneurship, and fellow independent artists. He has been an artist, producer, speaker, facilitator, Creative BC Music Program Coordinator, Blue Crane Agency Operations Lead, and Music BC Board Director; all of these roles and more now inform his work as founder and manager of UWIDO, an artist support company by, with and for BIPOC creators.
After years developing his writing, voice and production, and now being supported by UWIDO, Francis Arevalo is now ready to release his debut LP in April 2023, entitled HEATCHECK! The first single “I Can’t Wait” was released on February 10, 2023.
Name:
Francis Arevalo
Genre:
Hip-Hop
Founded:
2016
# of Albums:
(Upcoming) 1
Latest Album:
(Upcoming) HEATCHECK!
Latest Single:
I Can’t Wait
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Shad
Favourite musician now:
Depending on what mood I’m in – Shad or Brasstracks
Guilty pleasure song:
Live show ritual:
Usually, about an hour before my set, I leave my bandmates and I go somewhere quiet to run through my set by myself, acapella or while listening to music headphones with the beats running through my SP-404A. I’ll often jump a lot or jog through the hallways to get warmed up. I always wear a hat for live shows and bring sour candies.
Favourite local musician:
Today I want to give a shoutout to Amanda Sum and her New Age Attitudes album. It’s my favourite release by a local musician in the last year. The incredible music video for “Different Than Before” was nominated for a JUNO; she deserves all the love and recognition!
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
Debut LP in April 2023, entitled HEATCHECK!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook | Linkedin | Website
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Rapid Fire Vancouver Qs
What is your favourite local restaurant?
This was a hard one, but I’m going with the place that has my favourite dish on Main Street. Pho Goodness because of its Pho Saté with Lemongrass Chicken.
Favourite street in your city:
Main Street in Mount Pleasant. This is where I spend most of my time, whether it’s work, play, music, going out to eat or sharing time with friends. My music career started at Cascade Water on Main Street, so I have a special fondness for this area. And I grew up with my cousins at the house just the next major street over on Fraser.
Favourite park in your city:
Central Park. I go on long walks at sunrise most mornings and Central Park is the halfway point of the walk. There’s a calmness in the place itself and grounding energy in the routine of going to visit it regularly. I don’t take it for granted having such a lush green space in the city.
Favourite music venue in your city:
Fortune Sound Club. I’ve played and seen my favourite shows here.
Favourite music store in your city:
Long & McQuade on Terminal.
