Frances Madden will light up Canberra—and it’s for one night only

Posted on 24 February, 2022

Standing in the dark as the music swelled around her, Frances Madden had to wait only moments before her name echoed across the stadium.

Stepping into the tennis court that doubled as her stage, the world lit up and she began singing the powerful lyrics of her song ‘She Will Rise’ in celebration of 100 years of women at the Australian Open. 

Performing at the Women’s Single Final Night is a memory she will always carry with her, but now Frances is on her way to Canberra to make new ones as she gets ready to present ‘Beautiful World’, a concert featuring music from her latest album of that name released by ABC Music. 

The singer-songwriter and her all-star seven-piece band will be embarking on a five-city tour through New South Wales before stopping at the Canberra Street Theatre on Saturday 12 March for her first and only show here in 2022. 

Produced by ARIA Award-winning maestro Chong Lim AM, the show will be a musical journey that sees Canberra’s live music scene continue its path to resurrection. 

“I hope that the music on this album provides some light and enjoyment for listeners as we come out of the last two years,” says Frances. 

“The Beautiful World album was a few years in the making…As the material came together, I realised there was a sense of positivity and also quite a variety of musical flavours weaving through the collection of songs, and so thought the title ‘Beautiful World’ captured that theme.”

As Frances’ second studio album, ‘Beautiful World’ is a culmination of her jazz roots, unique sound, and engaging lyrics. 

Growing up surrounded by music, Frances says she was “drawn to it instinctively” and after listening to the music in her dad’s record collection (which included everything from Bach to The Beatles, as well as Ella Fitzgerald and  Diana Krall), she found herself a home singing and writing in a jazz style. 

“As I realised it was where I felt most at home, it became my dream to pursue music as a career. It can be a tough road but the joy of doing what I love for my work  is what keeps me going!” she says. 

“As my music continues to evolve and steps away from jazz, I feel more inspired by the individual voices of those great songwriters and their contemporaries. My goal is to continue developing, be authentic and to refine my own unique style. “

Receiving five nominations across multiple categories at this year’s Australian Songwriters Association Awards, taking the stage to perform ‘Beautiful World’ will be the first time Frances has played for Canberra audiences. 

She says she’s excited to share the music with a new city while also showcasing a selection of unique covers and classics. 

“I like to create a live show that has a variety of styles and tempos and takes audiences on a musical journey, during which I share a little about the inspiration and stories behind the songs.”

“There will be flavours of jazz, blues, soul, Latin, and gospel through the night. I’m also thrilled to have my seven-piece band with me which will feature a great horn section on some up-tempo numbers, and some beautiful three-part harmonies with my two backing vocalists. Overall, there will be a little something for everyone to enjoy!”

Following her performance, Frances will be heading to Sydney, Bowral, and Wollongong before jumping on a plane and spending some extended time sharing her music in the United Kingdom. She also has plans to spend time in Japan—where her album is soon to be released by Universal Music.

But until her jazz-infused melodies fill the air of the Canberra Street Theatre, for now, the performance at the Women’s Singles Final Night of the Australian Open will have to set the bar for what audiences can expect.

“Once we were in the spotlight and the music began, I think the other vocalists and I felt like we were singing the song for women everywhere.”