Bio
Frances Ancheta is a Filipina American singer/songwriter and acoustic musician from San Francisco. Her musical style has been described by many as “thoughtful, eclectic acoustic folk and indie pop/rock” and “tropical new wave folk”. Frances has released three albums to date, most recently her first album in 8 1/2 years "Hidden Gems". Her music has garnered international independent and internet radio airplay in the US, Canada, UK, and Spain. Frances performs both original songs and her own interpretation of covers. As a creative arts therapist and cancer survivor, Frances definitely has experienced how music heals the soul, and she values music’s ability to help people understand the world around them, to connect with others, and to heal.
Music has always been there for Frances. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Frances has absorbed all the eclectic sounds around her--Filipino folk songs, classical, world, Latin, old school R&B, pop standards/crooners, show tunes, 80s and 90s new wave, postpunk, and indie rock, acapella, 60s and 70s folk artists and singer/songwriters. She gains meaning and satisfaction as a composer and performer, as well as helping others heal by providing therapeutic music in clinical settings. As a breast cancer survivor and the mother of a special needs child, she definitely tries to practice what she preaches about staying well through doing one's passions. She has released three albums--"Now We're Here" in 2008, "Patterns" in 2011, and "Hidden Gems" in 2020.
The album "Hidden Gems" explores themes of hidden lessons and inspirations in experiences and in people during the life journey. Expect Frances' signature thoughtful and eclectic indie folk pop/rock style, with more of a full band sound. The album was recorded at Tape Vault Studio, at the legendary Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco. The album was produced by Chris von Sneidern, with Gavin Jones on bass, and Matt Sather and Bill Moya on drums.
Frances is always trying to find inspiration for writing new songs in her daily life. We all have a story that's worth telling.
Frances established and organized San Mateo Medical Center's Music and Healing Hospital Concert Series in 2019, which has been going strong ever since. She has provided therapeutic music to San Mateo Medical Center and other SF Bay Area health care and residential facilities for the past 20 plus years.
Frances is proud to be affiliated with the following non-profit organizations:
Fiona’s Project (which uses music to bring awareness and prevention of childhood sexual abuse):
West Coast Songwriters Association: https://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/
American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
National Alliance for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
Music and Memory: https://musicandmemory.org/
Fil-Am Bay Area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FilAmBayArea/
Kapwa Gardens: https://www.kapwagardens.com
Bazaar Cafe: https://www.bazaarcafe.com
Our Heart Speaks: https://www.ourheartspeaks.org