Event Information

Foggy Notions Presents: Hannah Frances.

Irish debut of American vocalist, guitarist, composer, dancer and poet, Hannah Frances. 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.

Hannah Frances Signs to Fire Talk & Presents

“Bronwyn - Demo” and “Keeper of the Shepherd - Demo”

Hannah Frances - Bronwyn (Demo) [Official Audio]

Hannah Frances - Bronwyn (Demo) [Official Audio]

Keeper of the Shepherd (Deluxe Edition) Out Now Digitally

Keeper of the Shepherd Available In Record Stores Beginning July 11

“Keeper of the Shepherd is an arrival, not only of a transfixing singer-songwriter who  has made a stunning record but also of a person realizing they are more than the pain  of their past.”  — Pitchfork, Best New Music

“[Hannah Francesʼ] songwriting sticks to you like glue [...] so pensive and full of solemn  conviction that youʼd be remiss to not engage with it at every waking moment.”  — Paste, The Best Albums of 2024

“think Joni Mitchell by way of Henry Thoreau, all spiraling acoustic figures and earthy  romanticism” — Bandcamp, Best Albums of Winter 2024

“Hannah Frances, an inventive instrumentalist, sets a propulsive, outlaw country-tinged guitar riff galloping under her rich, sailing vocals.” — Slant, The 50 Best Songs of 2024

Today, Hannah Frances announces her signing to Fire Talk Records, and digitally releases Keeper of the Shepherd (Deluxe Edition). Alongside its 7 “intricate yet craggy” (Chicago Tribune) original songs, the deluxe edition of Keeper of the Shepherd  presents two early sketches: “Bronwyn - Demo” and “Keeper of the Shepherd - Demo.” Alongside the deluxe reissue, Frances announces a new pressing of Keeper of the Shepherd on Birch White vinyl, out physically on July 11th, marking the recordʼs first-ever widespread physical release.

Of the demos and her signing: “I feel very grateful for this uplifting new partnership with Fire Talk, and for Keeper of the Shepherd to reach more listeners. These demos are a peek into the arrangement and production process, as they're the most stripped back version of the songs as I wrote them. They capture, for me, the intimacy of writing alone in my cabin. I love that the intricacies shine through on these versions, and the emotional impact is just as moving as the fully arranged production."

Keeper of the Shepherd was quietly released to rapturous acclaim. Anointed as Pitchforkʼs Best New Music, Frances collected additional praise from FADER, KEXP, NPR Music and more, as well as a wealth of Best of 2024 nods. The reception was oversized and welcomed, following years of fine-tuning that led to Francesʼ magnificent breakthrough. A persistent troubadour, Frances lives in the woods of Vermont with roots in Chicago, though she is most often touring internationally and nationally. In support of Keeper of the Shepherd, Frances nabbed opening performance slots for the likes of Fleet Foxesʼ Robin Pecknold, The Weather Station, Hurray for the Riff Raff and more.

Todayʼs demos mark Francesʼ debut releases on Fire Talk Records (Kassie Krut, Wild Pink, Bnny), and presents a glimpse into her singular craft. A classically trained vocalist and self-taught guitarist with virtuosic dynamism, there are countless ways Frances grips us with her complex guitar work and storytelling. Through profoundly cutting lyricism, masterful fingerpicked polyrhythms, and a colossal voice, Francesʼ unorthodox sound melds avant-folk, progressive rock, and jazz. Whether performing as a solo act or leading her full seven-piece ensemble, her mythology spellbinds with an insistent gravity.

Pre-order Keeper of the Shepherd on Birch White Vinyl Hannah Frances - Keeper of the Shepherd — Fire Talk

Next month, Frances will perform a coveted slot at Kilby Block Party, as well as an aftershow alongside SPELLLING and Barrie, followed by a hometown performance at Brattleboroʼs Stone Church. A full list of tour dates are below, and tickets are on sale now. Be on the lookout for more from Hannah Frances in the coming months.

Praise for Hannah Frances & Keeper of the Shepherd:

“Hannah Francesʼs Keeper of the Shepherd fearlessly confronts themes of grief, religious trauma, and personal reflection.” — Pop Matters, The 10 Best Folk Albums of 2024

“[Hannah Francesʼ] latest record finds her once again evoking the progressive and avant-garde strains of folk, crafting tracks that churn with hypnotic acoustics, densely layered arrangements, and a wondrous lyrical voice.” — Under The Radar

“[Keeper of the Shepherd] is a breakout set of sprawling, sweeping, arty folk-pop that confidently blends poetic storytelling, magnetic vocals, and lush, shapeshifting backdrops to dramatic effect” — KEXP

“[Hannah Frances is] a stunning vocalist and songwriter, making monumental and mythic freak folk” — Ann Powers, NPR Music

“[Hannah Frances] has an unorthodox and enthralling approach to songwriting: her songs oscillate between folk, jazz, and indie rock and unfold in ways that are so distinctly her own. Keeper of the Shepherd is transcendentally good.” — Josh Terry, No Expectations

“Keeper of the Shepherd reveals its truths slowly with patience and insight. Simply put — it contains multitudes.” — Ugly Hug

“[Hannah Francesʼ] images from the natural world and crushing phrases [...] cut right through the music and straight through everyone within earshot. No genre tag need apply.” — Willamette Week 

Ticket Information:

General Admission: €20.00(Incl. Booking Fee)