Before Nightfall

'I know that for some musicians, writing songs is like therapy and the way they get their emotions out,' says Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Robert Francis. 'But for me it's more than an outlet - it's a way to keep me from completely losing my mind.' Such an intense statement may sound like the drama of being 21, which Francis is, but listen to the two albums that he's created, 2007's indie release One By One and his upcoming major-label debut Before Nightfall, and it becomes clear that it's true. As NPR has noted about Francis' modern take on timeless American rock: 'He has laid himself out in song and created some incredibly moving and beautiful musical moments.'