A song by a Raploch singer-songwriter has been snapped up by a record label in the home of country music.
Francesca Gray’s debut single ‘Echoes that Remain’ has been released on the MC1 Nashville label, Tennessee.
It was written in partnership with Clackmannanshire musician Les Key and has been described as “Country blended with a little Celtic undertone.”
A delighted Francesca said this week: “Nothing prepared me for the moment when I heard the words ‘we want to sign you’.
“It seemed like every lyric I ever wrote and every melody I created suddenly had a voice and finally I’d been ‘heard’ it was the most surreal and amazing feeling.
“Credit goes out to my partner in all aspects of songwriting Mr Les Key, the music man himself.
“I’m eternally grateful for the music we collaborate on and for his endless support. This is very much a joint partnership in music.
“This song has been written from my heart and I truly hope listeners love it as much as Les and I did writing and producing it.”
Francesca’s life-long love of country music was sparked during weekends spent with her mum Jane Lynn when she’d dance around the house listening to Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride.
Now 42-years-old, Francesca - a former pupil of Wallace High and Raploch Primary School – recalled singing songs in which she found “a real passion and power.”
She said: “Behind the microphone, there was, and still is a very shy woman.
“My mum always encouraged me to keep singing and performing to overcome my shyness.
“It pushed me into a whole new world where I finally got the chance to step onto a stage and come alive.”
Francesca, who now lives in Alva, wrote her first song aged 14 and found motivation and inspiration sitting next to the historic ‘Auld Brig’ in Stirling.
She added: “From that point on, I learnt to pour my heart, soul and thoughts onto paper.
“My love for country music is intoxicating and emotional.”
Visit Francesca’s Facebook Page: Francesca Gray - Little Songbird.
