She might look fancy, but she’s got the business acumen to back up any claim. FancyBaby is a singer/songwriter out of Los Angeles, California staking her claim as a West Coast hip-hop phenom. With a background from Berklee, this beauty with brains packs a one-two punch with a marketable brand and an understanding of royalties. In this interview, we discuss FancyBaby’s start in music, her advice to fellow creatives on getting paid, and her popular 2021 album, FancyLand.
FancyBaby Origin Story
Photobombshell: Hey, FancyBaby! First, thank you so much for your patience! We talked about getting an interview in the books months ago, and true to your word, you have been very patient! Secondly, I know you are a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles. You have quite an impressive musical education and music training background. Could you share a little about your start in music and walk us through how you got here today?
FancyBaby: Thank you! I’m super excited about this opportunity, so again, thank you. I’m grateful. Okay, so I’ve always had a strong love for music since I was a child; I’ve been singing since I could talk.
My father recognized my talent by the time I was nine years old. I was already in all the extracurricular activities at school, so by the time I was in high school, I was going to more summer arts programs. By 16, I went to the Berklee 5-week program, and it honestly changed my life and made me want to take music more seriously.
I eventually attended Berklee College of Music for college. Berklee was very intimidating talent-wise, so being the frontman wasn’t my main focus. Honestly, I had no idea what I wanted to study or do until it hit me, at 22, that I had a passion for writing. I ended up dropping out and staying in Boston, hustling my ass off. Later, I joined a few bands, did a lot of shows, and worked with tons of underground artists and rappers. I moved back to Los Angeles to start my new music journey as an artist, and now I’m here.
Oh, you fancy, huh?
Photobombshell: It’s been quite a journey! I think many artists go through similar stages of being intimidated or uncertain, and it’s so cool that you found your passion in writing. You’ve been doing music your entire life, so this name could have come from anywhere. How did you get your name, FancyBaby?
FancyBaby: To be honest, the name FancyBaby was given to me. Everyone always references the Jamie Foxx show since my name is Franchesca, and my stage name is Fancy. But what had happened was (LOL) I was hanging out with some friends, and me being me, I’m extra ASF and would always drink my drinks, even water, out of wine and champagne glasses. So they’d say, “Oh, you Fancy, huh?” I would be like, “Yeah,” and it stuck ever since.
Standing Out from the Crowd
Photobombshell: This is something I ask artists from LA and New York in particular. I am curious about the mental fortitude it takes to create on the East and West Coast when the market is so saturated with artists. How do you make your music and sound stand out? Do you feel any pressure to compete with other artists?
FancyBaby: I feel a lot of pressure, but stay in my lane and focus solely on my music and career for my sanity. Staying true to who I am as an individual and artist is most important. I find that everyone is trying to sound like everyone else. People are scared to go outside the box. That’s why I want to bring something different to everyone’s ears.
Favorite Genre
Photobombshell: I know you love to write and create in the R&B and hip-hop space but have experience in other genres. What is your favorite genre to write and sing in, and why?
FancyBaby: My favorite genre would probably be more Indie Acoustic. I’ve been playing guitar since I was eleven years old, and I’ve always had a special connection with the guitar. It’s when I feel like my most authentic self and just vibe. I also love house music. It’s super dope watching any producer/engineer cutting up, mixing my vocals, and making it into an entirely different song.
All About FancyLand
Photobombshell: Your latest album, FancyLand, has that west coast vibe. What inspired that project, and what was the creative process like while working on it?
FancyBaby: Honestly, FancyLand took me years to write. What inspired it was mainly my real-life experiences and wanting to try something different by switching up my sound as an artist. I had never rapped on any music I had previously worked on. It was scary to go out of my comfort zone, but it was the best decision I made.
When writing this album, I had just moved into my apartment. I was literally on the floor with a plastic container as my desk, and my Macbook/studio set up, making the demos. It’s crazy how it all came together, especially because the pandemic hit. It was delayed longer than I had planned, but I made it happen.
Photobombshell: Oh, wow! I love how you took advantage of the tools you had to make it happen. It’s wonderful that you came out of your shell a bit. It shows on the record.
FancyBaby Career Highlights
Photobombshell: You’ve gotten press and features all over the place in your career. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist to date?
FancyBaby: I feel like I haven’t reached my biggest accomplishment quite yet, but I can feel it coming. For now, my next biggest accomplishment will be coming out with this second album and releasing it.
Future Plans for FancyBaby
Photobombshell: I can’t tell you how much I love that response! Yes, your next greatest accomplishment is absolutely on its way. For now, and until your second album is released, what are you looking forward to for the rest of 2023?
FancyBaby: I am most looking forward to my growth as an artist. I plan to create more videos, do more photoshoots and collaborations, and achieve all my goals. There is a lot planned, and I’m very excited to share. I have a show coming in October and am working on a new album! I’m super excited to share this with you guys!
Fancy’s Resources for Musicians
Photobombshell: What is one resource you would recommend for an independent artist getting started in the R&B and hip-hop space?
FancyBaby: I feel like knowing exactly what you want, having a clear plan, and building a solid team of loyal, trustworthy individuals to help you move forward with your dreams are important when getting started. Have your PRO (ASCAP or BMI), Sound Exchange, and Songtrust in order so you can register your music and get your coin by any means necessary.
Photobombshell: That’s perfect advice spoken like a professional. I completely agree! Everyone needs a plan, a team, and to get their royalties in order.
Behind the Scenes
Photobombshell: Before we wrap up, what do you want to share that you’ve never been asked in an interview setting?
FancyBaby: No one talks about how many hats you wear being an independent artist. So much work goes behind this since the music industry has changed. You have to do your research to obtain money and know your stuff when going into this. I also feel because I’m a woman, I have to work a little harder to get a certain level of respect. Ladies, if you know, you know. With the knowledge I have, not taking the “fast route,” working hard, and learning this business the way I have has sparked a change that I needed to move forward in this industry.
Connect
Photobombshell: FancyBaby, thank you for sharing your knowledge and story with the independent community. Readers and listeners interested in connecting with FancyBaby can connect with her on social media via Instagram and listen to her music on all digital streaming platforms.
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