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Pete Francis is a songwriter based in New York City. Appreciated often for his poetic lyrical content even more than his expressive vocals and diverse arrangements, Francis’ tunes create a dream-like existence that allows the listener to make their own interpretation. Known most readily as one-third of the indie monolith DISPATCH, he released his 4th proper full length solo album, Iron Sea and the Cavalry, on Scrapper Records on March 18th. With the release of Iron Sea, Francis expands on hi...

Pete Francis is a songwriter based in New York City. Appreciated often for his poetic lyrical content even more than his expressive vocals and diverse arrangements, Francis’ tunes create a dream-like existence that allows the listener to make their own interpretation. Known most readily as one-third of the indie monolith DISPATCH, he released his 4th proper full length solo album, Iron Sea and the Cavalry, on Scrapper Records on March 18th. With the release of Iron Sea, Francis expands on his already diverse catalog of classic tracks. In his songs a poetic tension exists between textured imagery and pure improvised rock and roll, resulting in a dynamic, Americana sound that is entirely his own. From the pulsing single ‘Shooting Star and the Ambulance’ to the dream-like journey of ‘Heavenly Boat,’ the album represents the work of a true craftsman. Francis’ lyrics and melodies evoke introspective reflections that grow deeper the more one listens. The record references soulful rock, folk and blues influences, with layered instrumentation that includes B-3 organ, lap-steel guitar, mandolin, and a driving rhythm sectionFrancis’ newest outfit, the recently formed Pete Francis and the Flyers, provides a unique listening experience with enhanced energy and instrumentation. Featuring multiple guitars, saxophone, B-3 organ, bass, and drums, Francis and his band are blazing through 2008 with high-energy performances that keep audiences moving, while not relinquishing the ability to slow it down and let Francis’ soulful, folk vocal chops shine from time to time. The current lineup gives Francis his most flexible unit to date, able to show off his entire catalog; ranging from folk to jam to rock to pop to reggae.Pete Francis began his career with the band DISPATCH. The trio gained dedicated fans without the assistance of a major record company and became pioneers in the music industry, playing to capacity crowds and selling more than 600,000 albums on their own. In 2004 Dispatch performed a farewell show in Boston, MA. Over 110,000 fans were in attendance, making it the largest independent music event in history. Three years later, the band reunited at Madison Square Garden in New York City, playing three sold-out nights to combat famine, disease, and social injustice in Zimbabwe. They made history once again as the first independent band to headline the Garden. Don’t look for things to slow down any time soon for Pete Francis. With a renewed fire fueling his creative juices and a dynamic ensemble that allows for each tune to be explored with the necessary depth, the biggest achievements are yet to come.