Grace Francois is living a double life, and by all accounts, thriving in both. The Hawke’s Bay-raised singer-songwriter is also a practicing dentist, a combination she describes as surprisingly symbiotic. This Friday, February 20th, Francois will debut a headline show at Decibel Wines in Hastings, showcasing a new direction in her music and a collection of unreleased songs. The performance marks a significant step for the artist, who is fully embracing her country music influences after releasing her debut single, “Change,” in March 2023.
For Francois, the transition to country feels natural. “All my favourite artists are country music singers,” she explained in a recent interview. “My voice really suits it, and I also think my songwriting.” She noted that while “Change” leaned more towards acoustic pop, her current work is a more authentic reflection of her musical passions. The concert at Decibel Wines will be the first time she’s performed a set comprised entirely of her own material, a prospect she describes as “very exciting.”
Balancing Art and Science
The story of a dentist pursuing a music career is unusual, but Francois insists the two professions complement each other. She recently had a paper published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, demonstrating her commitment to her dental practice. “They seem to work very symbiotically – they build to each other and craft each other easier,” she said. “Music creates a lot of balance for my dentistry, and dentistry is the other scientific side of me.”
Francois credits key mentors for supporting her dual pursuits. Dr. Natalie Stent provided an opportunity that indirectly enabled her musical debut. Francois worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Stent during a university break, which provided the financial freedom to release “Change.” She also highlighted the influence of Abby Wolfe, a musical mentor who helped co-write and record her first song. “If I hadn’t have had all the musical drive, I wouldn’t have created the professional relationship as well with my dentistry,” Francois reflected.
A New Sound at Decibel Wines
The upcoming performance at Decibel Wines isn’t just a concert; it’s a showcase of Francois’s evolving artistry. She’ll be performing unreleased material, leaning fully into the country sound that resonates with her. Tickets are available through Decibel Wines’ website, with options for a wine flight pairing alongside entry. The event is scheduled for 7:30 AM on Friday, February 20th, at 101 Warren St S, Hastings 4122, New Zealand, according to AllEvents.in.
Francois’s shift towards country music isn’t a sudden one, but a gradual evolution. She acknowledges that her voice and songwriting style are well-suited to the genre, and that it’s a direction that feels both creatively fulfilling and well-received by audiences. Eventfinda describes her as a “country singer-songwriter blending traditional country with modern storytelling,” highlighting the core of her artistic identity.
Hawke’s Bay’s Rising Musical Talent
Francois’s story is part of a broader trend of artistic vibrancy in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The region is increasingly recognized as a hub for musical talent, and Francois is contributing to that growing scene. Her ability to balance a demanding professional career with her passion for music speaks to her dedication and discipline. The New Zealand Herald recently profiled Francois, noting how her two passions help her maintain balance.
The concert at Decibel Wines represents a significant milestone for Francois, offering a platform to share her new music and connect with audiences on a deeper level. It’s a chance to experience the unique blend of artistry and dedication that defines this singing dentist and rising star in the New Zealand music landscape.
As Francois prepares for her debut headline show, she expresses excitement for the year ahead. The next step for fans is to secure tickets to the February 20th performance at Decibel Wines and experience her evolving sound firsthand.
What are your thoughts on artists pursuing multiple passions? Share your comments below and spread the word about this exciting local talent!
