Francis Baptiste is an Indigenous songwriter who covers topics of cultural reclamation, addiction, and fatherhood. CBC has said, “Francis Baptiste is unsparingly candid.” Of the single Lazy Lake, CBC called it “lushly hypnotic.”
Baptiste currently has two full-length albums out on all platforms, with a third coming out in Summer 2025. In February he is releasing Senklip, the Trickster on vinyl.
The Georgia Straight says: “Baptiste packs a lot of perspective into his music, sung in a mix of English and Nsyilxcən. His vulnerable folk-rock songs about addiction and self-discovery are bluesy, bruised, and blossoming.”
Name:
Francis Baptiste
Genre:
Indie Folk
Founded:
2020 is when I started performing as a solo artist using just my name.
# of Albums:
2
Latest Album:
Senklip, the Trickster
Latest Single:
Work in Progress
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Alice in Chains
Favourite musician now:
Andy Shauf
Guilty pleasure song:
Motley Crue – Looks That Kill. I used to play in a Motley Crue cover band, a few years back. It’s very cheesy 80s rock that nobody in my life is into. It’s also incredibly misogynistic. Really hasn’t aged well in that respect. The Looks That Kill music video sums it all up. There’s a scene where they’re literally herding women like cattle. Not such a good look these days. But I grew up on it, and can’t deny I love the song.
Live show ritual:
I try to refrain from drinking too many diet cokes so I’m not all burpy on stage. Addicted to Diet Coke. But I used to be addicted to coke (cocaine) and that was my old pre-show ritual. So much happier to be struggling with Diet Coke these days.
Favourite local musician:
Devours
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird. Used to be a night owl but after I quit drinking it flipped. And now I’m up 6 am every day.
Road or studio?
Studio. Love the road but I have sole custody of my son, so I haven’t been able to spend much time on the road.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Senklip, the Trickster The vinyl of this album just came out in February, half a year after it was released on streaming services, and is now available in Vancouver at Neptoon Records, Zulu Records, Red Cat Records, Audiopile and Highlife Records.
Where can we follow you?
***
Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Nuba
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Commercial Street (not Drive) because I walk there every week to go to the Flourist for coffee and little treats.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
John Hendry Park, because that’s where I run and walk.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Fox Cabaret because I love everything about it. Perfect size. So many good shows there every month.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Neptoon Records.
