Francesca Gonzales knows that information is power and she wants to help you find yours
Francesca Gonzales is many things. She’s a psychology student, musician, songwriter, vocalist, key-tar player and facilitator. She’s a staunch advocate for artists’ mental health and finds herself constantly thinking about how she can help artists figure out what’s best for themselves in an industry that leaves many people miserable and burnt out
Francesca Gonzales is obsessed with promoting and facilitating mental health for artists. She started out as a musician and really wanted to connect with people. As she pursued music, she found herself alone a lot of the time and it felt wrong. She soon found that many people were feeling the same way, so she created Breakfast Club meet-ups as a way to come together with her peers and foster an environment where artists could support each other and learn from each other.
A QUICK WHIP AROUND THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE UP FRANCESCA
PRONOUNS: She / Her
HOMETOWN: Bulleke-bek on Wurundjeri Land
JOB DESCRIPTION: Psychology Student, Musician, Facilitator, Founder of Breakfast Club, Vocal Coach
“How do you navigate an industry that doesn’t look after you?”
BREAKFAST CLUB
a meet up for artists to talk about their experience of the industry and what it’s like to be an artist
what is said at Breakfast Club stays at Breakfast Club
the intention is that it’s a place to share struggles of being in the music industry
there’s venting but support
the aim is to be proactive, supportive and prioritise learning from each other
themes explored: the psychology of being an artist, writers blocks, habits, how to look after mental and physical health on tour
confidentiality is crucial as the participants are all in the same industry and it’s crucial to respect privacy
Want more information on the next iteration of Breakfast Club?
Sign up here to Francesca’s collaborator (and former What Artists Eat guest) Tim Shiel’s substack
Join us to find out
What Francesca Eats.
WHAT FRANCESCA EATS
FODMAPS Friendly Pilaf
ART BY FRANCESCA GONZALES
This is Fran’s go to meal. “It’s great as a ‘low FODMAPian’ because you can make really yummy rice and then add nuts, herbs, capsicum etc to suit“.
Fran loves a “build-a-meal” (a meal that you’re eating and making at the same time around people that’s informal and fun). It’s good for people with intolerances as it’s inclusive.
Recipe notes:
Make sure you cook the rice for 20-30mins
If you can, add lots of spices, mint and parsley
The core skill is the rice - the good rice flavour will come from the stock and cardamom
Drink with kombucha with a squeeze of lemon, mint and frozen blueberries
MADE THIS RECIPE? TAG US AND SHARE THE FUN
#FRANSPILAF #WHATARTISTSEAT
LINKS & MENTIONS
LINKS TO ARTIST INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND ANYTHING ELSE WE CHATTED ABOUT
Francesca’s Instagram
The Anxiety Recover Center
Helpline: 1300 269 438 (for those experiencing anxiety in any form)
Support Act
Helpline:1800 959 500 (helpline is available 24/7 and you can get 10 free mental health sessions)
Lifeline
Helpline:13 11 14 (anyone can call - you don't have to be having harmful thoughts)
Please seek help if you feel you or someone you know needs it
Fran’s band, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird
INFORMATION AND TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR CHAT
To navigate your industry, think about your values are and reflect on what your path is in relation to them
Information is power. Go to talks, stay in the know, educate yourself on how your industry runs
Don’t discount your day-job. “Having jobs outside of the music industry is important - you’re able to draw from different industries and bring that to your artistic practice”
Since taking a step back from the music industry Francesca has never been happier