Dentist by Day, Country Singer by Night: Grace Francois’s Debut Show
- Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand is known for its wineries and arts scene, but a unique talent is adding another layer to the region’s cultural landscape: Grace Francois, a...
- Francois isn’t simply balancing two careers; she sees a synergy between them.
- The performance at Decibel Wines is particularly significant as it marks the first time Francois will present a set comprised entirely of her own music.
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand is known for its wineries and arts scene, but a unique talent is adding another layer to the region’s cultural landscape: Grace Francois, a dentist who’s also a rising country music star. This Friday, , Francois will make her debut headline performance at Decibel Wines in Hastings, showcasing a collection of original songs.
Francois isn’t simply balancing two careers; she sees a synergy between them. The precision and scientific thinking required in dentistry, she explains, complement the creative expression found in music. “They seem to work very symbiotically – they build to each other and make each other easier, because music creates a lot of balance for my dentistry and dentistry is the other scientific side of me,” she said.
The performance at Decibel Wines is particularly significant as it marks the first time Francois will present a set comprised entirely of her own music. While she released her debut single, “Change,” in , she acknowledges that it didn’t fully represent her current artistic direction. “Change is not really a traditional country song. It’s definitely more of a pop song, sort of acoustic pop…”
Francois’s shift towards country music feels natural, driven by both her musical influences and vocal style. “All my favourite artists are country music singers, my voice really suits it, and I also think my songwriting,” she explained. “It just feels like a really obvious choice – it seems to be what’s best received as well and what I enjoy doing the most.”
The journey to this debut hasn’t been entirely solo. Francois credits the support of mentors in both her professions for helping her navigate these dual paths. She specifically mentioned Dr. Natalie Stent, who provided her with an opportunity to work as a dental assistant during a university break, which in turn enabled her to release 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,” she said.
She also highlighted the influence of Abby Wolfe, a music mentor who helped her co-write and record her initial tracks. “That was really helpful to have such a supportive environment,” Francois noted.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Francois continues to practice dentistry and has recently had research published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the field. She emphasizes that she loves being a dentist and couldn’t imagine doing anything else, but appreciates having a creative outlet in music.
Francois’s story speaks to a growing trend of professionals pursuing passions outside of their primary careers, finding fulfillment and balance in unexpected combinations. Her ability to excel in both a scientific and artistic discipline is a testament to her dedication and versatility. As she prepares for her debut headline show, Francois expresses excitement for what the year holds, suggesting a continued commitment to both dentistry and her burgeoning music career.
Tickets for the performance at Decibel Wines are available at https://www.decibelwines.com/events/.