JUNO Award-winning Canadian blues artist Angelique Francis released her third studio album, Not Defeated, a powerful fusion of blues, roots, soul, and more, delivering a message of unyielding resilience. This genre-bending masterpiece, steeped in grit and groove, features original tracks that range from sultry and introspective to electrifying and comical, showcasing Francis’ signature style—a vibrant blend of blues, folk, soul, rock, gospel, Americana, funk, jazz, and classic R&B. Available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/4DAXqEoaWtsawroUt0mx6b), the album is a testament to Francis’ multi-instrumental prowess and her ability to weave joy and struggle into a cohesive, uplifting narrative. Fans can access MP3s, WAVs, photos, and her bio at www.angeliquefrancis.net, with social media updates on Instagram (@angeliquefrancismusic) and TikTok (@angeliquefrancismusic).
Born in Ottawa and raised in a musical household, Francis took the stage at seven, played festivals by thirteen, and by fourteen was performing alongside icons like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland. A multi-instrumentalist—mastering upright bass, harmonica, keys, and cigar box guitar—she channels influences like Aretha Franklin, Willie Dixon, Big Mama Thornton, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Her commanding voice and electrifying performances have seen her share stages with legends like Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, and Gary Clark Jr. After her 2023 JUNO win for Blues Album of the Year with Long River, Francis earned Folk Canada’s Performer of the Year title in 2024, multiple Canadian Blues Music Awards, and a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Song of the Year. “Music has always been about healing for me,” she says. “It’s how I process the world and how I imagine a better one.”
Not Defeated is a sonic journey through hardship and hope, with tracks like the title song declaring, “I may be down / but I’m not defeated,” embodying the album’s core theme: the strength to overcome life’s challenges. The standout track “Escape,” featuring GRAMMY winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, is a spiritual anthem with Francis’ raw vocals intertwining with Ingram’s searing guitar, urging listeners to “create their own light in the face of darkness.” Available on YouTube and Spotify, it’s a gut-punch of inspiration. Another highlight, “Train Coming,” with GRAMMY nominee Eric Gales, is a blues-rock powerhouse, symbolizing shedding burdens and charging toward a brighter future. “Watch Me Grow” blends blues riffs, spoken-word poetry, and New Orleans horns, proclaiming collective resilience, while “Sugarcane Jukejoint” and “Do That Work” pulse with sultry and funky energy.
Francis’ family forms the heart of The Angelique Francis Band, with sisters Kharincia (sax), Kira (trombone), Kayla (vocals), and father Kiran (drums), joined by Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet). “I am so lucky to have my family by my side,” Francis says. “Together, our music is a reflection of who we are and the values we were raised on—that love can conquer all.” This familial bond infuses the album with authenticity and warmth. Following a summer of performances at festivals like Winthrop Rhythm & Blues (USA), Mont Tremblant International Blues (QC), and Niagara Jazz (ON), Francis and her band will join the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise in September 2025, performing alongside Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, and Little Feat. Fall tours include stops at Massey Hall, Halifax’s Prismatic Arts Festival, and London’s Aeolian Hall, with 2026 plans already underway.
Not Defeated is more than an album—it’s a soundtrack for resilience, offering hope to anyone who’s faced failure, fear, or pain. With her genre-defying sound and unwavering spirit, Angelique Francis is not just carrying the torch of blues, roots, and soul—she’s igniting a new era for it.
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