Inside Francis Doom: A Ballroom, On Fire, In Space
- iamraeiam
- Sep 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Meet Francis Doom, Jay Sakong’s latest project that's redefining the boundaries of indie music.
Francis Doom, the compelling new project from New Jersey-based musician Jay Sakong, has been turning heads in the indie music scene since late 2023. Best known as the singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the acclaimed band OWEL, Sakong has taken a bold step into fresh sonic territory with Francis Doom. Teaming up with OWEL's bassist Nunzio Moudatsos, Sakong crafted a collection of 10 songs that defy easy categorization, seamlessly blending classic songwriting sensibilities with cutting-edge production techniques.
The result is a sound that lives up to Sakong's intriguing description: "like a ballroom, on fire, in space." From our perspective, it's an apt characterization. Francis Doom's music is simultaneously grand and intimate, with lush, expansive soundscapes that feel both timeless and avant-garde. The songs blend nostalgic warmth with innovative textures, creating a sonic palette that's both familiar and refreshingly original. Despite their cosmic qualities, these tracks remain firmly grounded in raw emotion and masterful storytelling, showcasing Sakong's exceptional ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. It's a delicate balance that Sakong strikes with remarkable precision, creating an auditory experience that's truly unique in today's indie music landscape. Francis Doom is undoubtedly an artist to have on your radar now.
Now, fresh off the release of his latest single, "Night Vision," earlier this summer, Jay Sakong sits down with us for an exclusive interview. We'll delve into the creative process behind Francis Doom, explore the transition from OWEL to this new project, glimpse what the future holds for this innovative musician, and more.
Hi, Francis Doom! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. What sparked the idea of embarking on your solo project, Francis Doom, and how did you come up with the name?
Francis Doom: My legal name is Francisco. When I was a little kid, some would call me Francis as a way to get under my skin. I guess it's because it sounded a bit feminine. So it’s just sort of a way to own that. And when I started this project and I was thinking about what it would sound like, the term “doom pop” kept coming to mind. I don’t even know if that’s a real genre, but it made sense to me. Songs with pop sensibilities but with a sense of doom.
Can you share a bit about your journey as a musician, from your early days to your current work with Francis Doom?
Francis Doom: Like many Korean kids, I was forced to play piano at a young age. Ironically, I hated it then. I started playing drums at thirteen and played in bands since then. Switched over to guitar when I was around sixteen and then ultimately found myself singing. Mainly because no one else would.
How would you describe the sound of Francis Doom to someone who's never heard your music?
Francis Doom: Well, one thing that kept popping up in my mind when I was finding my sonic palette was that I wanted these songs to sound like a ballroom, on fire, in space. Almost as a mantra. To me, the thought of a ballroom evokes a sense of classic traditionalism, paired with the opposing idea that it’s in space, for a sense of futurism. And it being on fire again just evokes the idea that everything’s gone horribly wrong. So the bones of something old, wrapped in the skin of something new, all with a feeling of impending doom.
What are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Francis Doom: I came up in my teens as a typical metal/hardcore kid. Listened to a lot of Deftones and Glassjaw. I think that taught me the beauty in chaos. Then, I found Smashing Pumpkins, which taught me the beauty in melody and songwriting. And then I got really into ethereal bands like Sigur Ros and Radiohead. And I think those bands taught me the beauty in space and silence.
Are there any recurring themes or motifs in your lyrics that you find yourself exploring?
Francis Doom: My lyrics tend to be like journal entries. So the songs are like a snapshot of where I am in life and what I’m personally going through.
Many artists talk about the vulnerability of solo projects. Have you found any unexpected challenges or freedoms in being the sole creative force behind Francis Doom?
Francis Doom: The freedoms are the vulnerabilities. The fact that there isn’t a group to hide behind is both liberating and terrifying. I can express myself more freely now because I am simply speaking on behalf of myself. Where before it felt like every post had to pass through a committee so that everyone felt represented. That being said, everything is a bit more personal, which is scary sometimes.
Your album 'I Caught A Light' features a mix of previously released singles and new tracks. How did you decide on this release strategy, and how do you feel it shaped the album's narrative?
Francis Doom: I recorded all of these songs (with the exception of “Night Vision”) as a whole. The idea was always that this group of songs would make up the record. But the way people digest music now has obviously changed. Many are less inclined to dive into an entire record, so if I just released it all at once, the individual songs wouldn’t get the attention I thought it needed. So, the first singles acted as flag bearers for what was to come from the record.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment during the recording of 'I Caught A Light'?
I had made some songs that didn’t make the record because I hadn’t quite found the sound I was looking for yet. I was just feeling around in the dark. But the song “I Caught A Light” was the first song I wrote, that I felt like I had found the identity of the record. It was a lightbulb moment (no pun intended).
What was the most rewarding or challenging part of bringing your 'I Caught A Light' album to life?
Francis Doom: The most challenging part, I would say, was recording the drums. Although I started as a drummer as a kid, a lot of that muscle memory has gone. So I can write drum parts but don’t always have the skill to execute them properly. So, there was a lot of tedious editing. As for the most rewarding, I’m sort of going through that now. The work is done, so just seeing people find it and relate to it is pretty amazing.
"Night Vision," your latest single, was released in July. What's the story behind this track?
Francis Doom: The songs on the record are very synth-heavy, but I found that when I played these songs live, some of those elements didn’t always translate. And especially because this was before I found my keyboard player for the live band. So, I wanted to write something guitar-heavy that would translate live.
How does "Night Vision" differ sonically or thematically from the tracks on 'I Caught A Light'? Does it signal a new direction for Francis Doom?
Francis Doom: I don’t think it signals a new direction. But that’s also hard to say. I can’t predict what I’ll be excited about when it comes time to make a new record. I can’t even predict what I’ll want for dinner tonight.
Your first live show is coming up on September 27th at Saltys Beach Bar. How are you reinventing your stage presence for Francis Doom, and what can fans expect?
Francis Doom: There is definitely a bit of reinvention for my live shows. In my previous projects, I always found myself singing at the very top of my vocal range. I’m finding now that singing lower presents its own sets of challenges in a live setting. Because I want to bring a certain energy, but it’s also harder to sing in a lower register when you’re not relaxed. So it sounds counterintuitive, but I’m going to try to relax more.
Can you walk us through your typical day when you're in full creative mode?
Francis Doom: I kind of approach writing like a job. I spend the day (usually in front of a computer with a guitar on my lap or a keyboard at my fingertips) just chipping away at sonic ideas. And then, when the night comes, that’s when I think about lyrics. So many of my lyrics are written while I’m lying in bed waiting for sleep to come. That perfect balance of being sleepy enough to let the ideas flow and awake enough to then write them down so that I can assess them in the morning.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Francis Doom in the coming year?
Francis Doom: I think right now, I’m just in the mode of wanting to play out as much as possible. I’ve put a lot of energy into social media (which is something I’ve always avoided in the past), but now it’s time to physically bring the music to people.
Lastly, please leave a message for your fans reading this.
Francis Doom: I cannot thank enough those people who are constantly sharing and posting my music. It really gives this whole thing life. I love ya.
Listen to Francis Doom on Spotify, Apple Music, or SoundCloud.
*Special thanks to Francis Doom for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: Francis Doom