In this interview, we talk with David Francisco, a Fullerton, California–based singer, songwriter, and producer who blends indie pop, alternative, and singer-songwriter influences. David shares how discovering guitar in high school sparked his love for music, how his personal journey shaped his songwriting, and how producing his own recordings helped him find his sound. He also reflects on the community spirit of Make Music Day, his approach to consistent songwriting, and what’s ahead as he prepares to release his upcoming album White Knuckle Thoughts.
I’ve been listening to your music this morning. It’s amazing. When did you first start getting into music?
Probably high school. I listened to a bunch of John Mayer, and I just fell in love with guitar. I did classical piano in middle school, but John Mayer in high school and the guitar were when I really first started loving music. Then I just kept playing in college. I was in a band and also studied electrical engineering. I would play in the evenings with the band, and we recorded a whole album. That’s when I fell in love with recording music.
So I’ve read a lot about your story online. It’s very inspiring. How has your journey shaped the way you write and perform your music today?
Yeah, I’ve definitely written a lot of songs about the injury, my whole book and album Lionheart. It’s definitely been a big part of my story. But these days, I try to get away from it. I don’t just live in the crash. I’ve also found a lot of other beautiful things in life to write about and talk about, but it’s still a big part of my story.
And other than John Mayer, what artists today would you say shape your sound, or that you take inspiration from?
I would say Jon Bellion is a big one. Still John Mayer a bit. Ryan Beatty is actually a big influence. Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers—indie songwriters, I would say—and then some pop and alternative. I was just listening to James Blake, and that felt super cool. Bon Iver too. Those are some of my go-to’s.
So how did you first hear about Make Music Day?
I don’t remember exactly. I think I saw little signs around our city, Fullerton, and I was like, “What is Make Music Day?” Then I did it and played at like four venues, and it was so fun. It’s great how it brings the community together. You get to hear other local acts. When the whole city has music going on everywhere, it’s like we get to be Nashville for a day—just a ton of live music.
And how is the experience different from a normal gig for you?
It feels more communal. It’s low stakes because it’s not paid, but it’s really beautiful how we get to share with our friends and neighbors. So yeah, it has that localized feel.
And what’s next for you? Any new music projects?
I’ve got a whole album coming. I’ve been releasing a single every month, and it’s been really fun. I feel like I’m finally getting into a sweet spot with my sound, voice, and lyrics. I’m really excited to be putting out an album called White Knuckle Thoughts later this fall.
And are you going to be including the songs you’ve been releasing these past months?
Some of them. Probably not all of them, but definitely a couple.
I find it amazing how you’re able to release one song every month. I think that’s very difficult for some artists. Do you produce it all yourself?
It is tough. I’ve got the drums here, the guitars, the piano—I can pretty much make any sound. I’m primarily a producer, actually. I’d say I’m an artist second to my production, as well as a motivational speaker now. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn production, and I’m getting to the point where I’m proud of how I can make something sound. So it’s a good place to be.
Have you also had the experience of writing for other artists?
I have, and it’s fun. Writing sessions are great in LA. But I’d also say that even if you don’t have other people around, writing alone is still a great challenge and exercise. Just write things, put them out, and keep moving because you need to build momentum. I heard a podcast yesterday with Charlie Puth, and he said being in the music industry is like getting to print free lottery tickets every day just by writing songs. You never know which one will be the winning song. So why wouldn’t you print those tickets every day? Being consistent is huge. Showing up every day and taking the pressure off makes it much more sustainable.
Last question: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a musician or an artist?
I did a songwriting challenge last year—30 songs in 30 days. It was honestly pretty game-changing for me. Basically, you have to let go of perfectionism. The goal isn’t to write a great song; the goal is just to upload something every day. A group of us were doing it together, and that consistency was amazing. It felt like going to the gym every day, but for songwriting. Since then, I’ve written about 69 or 70 songs, and I’m going for 100 by probably May. What’s cool is that you gain perspective and learn so much about yourself when you write that many songs. You start noticing patterns and understanding how you write. It really opened my eyes. I used to not love writing songs, and now I actually do.