Songwriting as Noticing with Frances England

Episode SummaryDerek sits down with Grammy-nominated children's songwriter Frances England to explore how creativity can emerge from the most ordinary moments. Frances shares the accidental origin of her music career, her philosophy of "songwriting as noticing," and the community she's built for songwriters in San Francisco.Guest: Frances EnglandGrammy-nominated children's songwriter based in San Francisco. Also records under the name Oscilla for her adult-oriented music. Creator and facilitator of a monthly Songwriter's Circle at Sea Level in the Outer Sunset in San Francisco.Topics CoveredHow Frances accidentally started writing children's songs while sitting on the edge of the bathtub with her son LiamRecording her first DIY album Fascinating Creatures as a preschool fundraiser — and burning over 1,000 CDs by handGetting licensed to General Mills for a Bisquick ad within a few years of starting — and why the lo-fi home recording beat the polished studio versionThe rise of "kindie music" and how cultural timing helped Francis get recognized earlyBeing an introvert navigating a career that demanded live performanceTaking yourself seriously as an artist when your creative process looks "messy" or fragmentedElizabeth Gilbert's jackhammer vs. hummingbird creative personalities (Big Magic)The value of "puttering" as a legitimate part of the creative processWriting children's music that speaks to both kids and parents — capturing the wonder and fleeting nature of early childhoodHow songwriting trains attention and makes you more present in the worldThe origin and format of the Sea Level Songwriter's Circle — now 3 years old with 80+ members through the doorWhy community over competition makes the circle workSongwriting as grief processing — Frances's EP Drink Up the Sun (as Oscilla) and the song "Dappled Light"The song "You and Me" and a moving message from a college freshman who grew up listening to itResources & LinksFrances England's music/website Francis's adult music project: Oscilla — EP Drink Up the Sun, song "Dappled Light"Sea Level art space, San Francisco (home of the Songwriter's Circle): Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (jackhammer vs. hummingbird creative types)Creatively Well is a podcast about the creative process and how creativity supports our personal and professional lives. Hosted by Derek.