David Francey has travelled across Canada and learned about the country and its people while working in train yards, the Yukon wilderness and as a carpenter.
The Scottish-born Canadian singer-songwriter will be in Parksville for a concert at Knox United Church (345 Pym St.) on Jan. 28.
His passion for music began with a love of poetry inspired by his father, who was a big admirer of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.
“I write about things that move me. So, love life and loss and all those things go into the writing of the songs,” Francey said.
He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland to parents who were factory workers. Francey got a job as a paper boy, and by the age of 10 he became interested with the news and events in the papers he delivered.
He gained a lasting interest in politics and current events, while developing the social conscience that forms the backdrop of his songs, according to his biography.
The family moved to Canada when Francey was 12. Growing up in southern Ontario, he and his family would head out on weekend drives to explore, while singing traditional Scottish tunes.
In his school days, he recalled, his classmates would groan when the teacher announced they’d be learning poetry the next day.
“And I’d be like, ‘great, let’s have it’,” said Francey, who grew up listening to artists such as John Prine and Joni Mitchell. “These guys were writing poetry, but with music to it, so I just thought, ‘well I’ll just put music to my writing’. So I just started writing melodies and singing them instead, and they turned into songs.”
He was a fan of Prine right from his first record and saw him perform several times.
“I tried to draw solace that I was doing the same thing,” Francey said. “And it’s pretty wonderful to get that opportunity in life and I was lucky enough to get it.”
The three-time Juno Award-winner never imagined he would one day make his living from music. While working he would write poetry and the melodies to accompany his words.
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When Francey was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his music with the public. His first album Torn Screen Door (1999) was a big hit in Canada.
Since that time he has released 11 more albums, most recently The Breath Between (2023), which includes tracks that feature guitarist Dave Clarke who played on Francey’s first album more than 20 years ago.
He’s also been recognized with numerous awards including the SOCAN Folk Music Award, and took home the grand prize in both the International Acoustic Music Award and in the folk category for the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
Connection with the audience is one of the best things about making music for Francey.
“I enjoy being in front of people and it’s funny because I grew up sitting in the left hand seat at the back of the class and never said a word,” he said. “Looked out the window most of the time. Never thought of any kind of spotlight or anything like that.”
He enjoys speaking with people afterwards and hearing what his music means to them and how it has affected their lives.
“That’s a humbling thing and a great thing,” Francey said. “It’s probably the best part of this entire job.”
With decades of material to draw on, he likes to balance old favourites such as “Paper Boy” and “Saints and Sinners” with new songs.
“I try and play songs right across the board from the first record to the latest one,” Francey said.
It’s been several years since he last visited Parksville and Francey said he looks forward to coming back and seeing some old friends.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $45 and are available online via Eventbrite and with cash at Parksville retailers Close to You Ladies Fashions and Fireside Books.
