Bio

"Nina Francis has a searchlight in her head, a poem in her pocket and a dagger in her boot. She will go far."

-David Poe, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, composer, and USC Songwriting Professor

San Diego Music Awards 2017 "Best Singer-Songwriter" nominee Nina Francis is a versatile singer and an accomplished guitarist. Laced with undertones of pop, folk, and jazz, Nina’s music blends timeless songwriting craft with modern sensibilities to create a voice all her own. She is indeed "an artist to watch" (Bart Mendoza, Beach & Bay Press).

In May 2014, the "promising young singer-songwriter" (George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune) received her B.M. degree in Popular Music Performance from the University of Southern California. She was one of just under thirty students out of an audition pool of hundreds to be accepted into the elite Thornton School of Music's educationally groundbreaking "Pop Program" (as featured in Rolling Stone), the first of its kind at the conservatory level.

At Thornton, Nina worked with Lamont Dozier (writer of multiple Motown hits by artists such as the Supremes and Marvin Gaye), Randy Newman, Glen Ballard (multiple Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer, notable credits including Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette and "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson), Patrice Rushen, Glenn Frey (for whom she sang background vocals), and Melissa Manchester. With the top-notch guidance of her mentors and hard work at honing her craft, her time at Thornton prepared her to succeed in the music industry.

Upon graduating, Nina moved to her hometown San Diego to build her career her way: at the grassroots level. She immediately began to “gig like a maniac” (Paul Hormick, San Diego Troubadour). Since 2014, Nina has played 300+ shows including premier local venues Belly Up and Music Box. San Diego has quickly acknowledged Nina for her immense talent, passion, and unwavering work ethic. In May 2016, she landed a well attended monthly residency at San Diego’s most storied singer-songwriter venue Java Joe’s where artists like Jason Mraz and Jewel first got their big breaks. Local radio stations 91X and 94.9 have spun her single “Boomerang”, a collaboration with viral alternative duo FEiN. In April 2016, she was the cover girl for San Diego Troubadour Magazine. Successful local music app startup GigTown recently awarded her as a GigTown Artist of the Year for 2016. For a full list of Nina’s awards and media appearances click here.

Nina's debut full-length album Between Dreams is set to release worldwide October 7th. Until then her "arresting" (George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune) self-titled debut EP is available now for your listening pleasure.