f54 presents
Hannah Frances
Cluny 2
26.08.25
+ Support from Rivkala
Hannah Frances (b. 1997) is a vocalist, guitarist, composer, dancer and poet. Her work is centered at the intersection of grief and nature, exploring the pathways of healing through cathartic process and land connection.
NPR's Ann Powers calls Frances a stunning vocalist and songwriter, making monumental and mythic freak folk, and she was awarded Pitchfork's Best New Music for her triumphant new album Keeper of the Shepherd, as well as nods for Best Albums of 2024 from Pitchfork, Paste Magazine, and Bandcamp, and a full feature in the Chicago Tribune.
A classically trained vocalist and self-taught guitarist with virtuosic dynamism, there is no singular way Hannah grips us with her complex open-tuned guitar work and storytelling. Through profoundly cutting lyricism, percussive polyrhythmic fingerpicking, and a prodigious voice, Frances’ unorthodox sound melds avant-folk, progressive rock, and jazz.
A persistent troubadour, Frances lives in Vermont with roots in Chicago, though she is most often touring internationally and nationally, opening for artists such as Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Weather Station, Hiss Golden Messenger, Billie Marten, Whitney, and Damien Jurado, among others. Whether performing as a solo act or leading her full seven-piece ensemble, her mythology spellbinds with an insistent gravity.
"One to Watch for 2025" by BBC Introducing, Rivkala is a showgirl, sinner and storyteller. Winner of Drake Music's Emergent Artist of 2023, this rising Manchester-born, Newcastle-based jazz artist is inspired by the raw, emotive and irreverent social commentary of Nina Simone, Carole King and Amy Winehouse. After supporting Jordan Rakei with her band at BBC Proms 2024, she’s returning for a live taping on Radio 3’s Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch at Proms 2025. Fresh off her debut TV performance for BBC Look North in connection with the MOBO Fringe festival, she has since been awarded Youth Music funding for her next project. With her debut EP releasing June 6th 2025, she lures us down the rabbit hole for a night at the Crushed Velvet cabaret bar.
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