Caleb Francis, a Sheffield-born artist, explores uncharted territories with his debut single, “Only Nineteen”.
Caleb Francis is a singer-songwriter whose music is defined by storytelling lyrics intertwined with chorus-driven guitar melodies.
With his music, he delves into the complexities of growing up in a grey, northern city. Relatable to a lot of people, the singer offers insight into subjects such as mundane routine, fractured relationships, and melancholic escapism.
The singer draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including iconic names like Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Blur, and more recently, acts like War on Drugs. His debut single “Only Nineteen” is no exception to this blend of influences.

What makes this song an instant head-turner is its unique beginning. The song kicks off with an intro that channels the electronic sound of Daft Punk and the disco-inspired vibes of Giorgio Moroder. Eventually, the song unveils itself as a shoegaze gem that captures the essence of delirium and uncertainty that accompanies the experience of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
What is truly surprising and refreshing about “Only Nineteen” is the willingness of a young solo artist to forge an unconventional path in the shoegaze world, often dominated by older bands.
With the support of his raw live band, he’s had the privilege of sharing the stage with other rapidly ascending indie acts, such as Trampolene, The Rills, Retro Video Club, and SHEAFS. Strong from these performances, they’re ready to meet their fans again in the following cities:
- 18th November – The Leadmill, Sheffield
- 1st December – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield SOLD OUT
- 9th December – EBGBS, Liverpool
- 30th December – Salty Dog, Northwich
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