The Psychedelic hippie/trippy power Dance/pop outfit and Mad Monk, LTD recording artist Beatnik Castle is, perhaps, one of the Bay Area’s true hidden treasures. This 2009 CD release not only features the smokin’ hot Lenny B radio edit version of the hit single “Will U B Mine?”  but a Electro Remix from noted Miami DJ Cato K and, of course, techno, 70’s disco, Latin, industrial, but an exquisite mesmerizing acoustic version from Beatnik songwriter/producer Quincy B. Scovill. As of this writing, “Will U B Mine?” is being added and subsequently played on dance mix radio shows across the country, as well as XM/Sirius BPM and 13 countries in Europe. What’s most impressive, though, is the lovely, seductive persona of Francillia, Beatnik’s lead singer who, for all intense and purposes, skillfully and soulfully executes a Rihanna-styled vocal semblance coupled with the hard edge of, say, Pat Benatar or a female-styled (dare I say?) Ne-Yo. Francillia’s a rarity –a stunning, captivating presence who can really sing – or should I say, “sang.” This charming power-packed Tampa-based/US Virgin Islands singer adds soulful flavor to every version of “Will U B Mine?” included on this release, and her voice, especially on the slower, more somber  “Rock/Island version” (chock-full-of-crunchy heavy metal guitar leads!) Granted, this is only a maxi-cd single but Scovill’s inclusion of the aforementioned versions (including the Lenny B Extended Club Mix) makes for quite a pleasant experience. Scovill is a creative, old school songwriter rooted in old school vibes and personalities. “Will U B Mine?” in its original version, (also included herewith), was originally released in 2008 by Scovill Avenue, yet another unrecognized Bay Area gem whose 2007 Mad Monk, LTD CD “Big House” amazingly garnered seven Grammy nods from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Committee last year, including the coveted categories “Record of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” and “Song of the Year”. Incidentally, “Will U B Mine?” in its original version, was in the Grammy category “Dance Single of the Year” as well. For the record, Quincy B has allowed me to preview some of the new material (including a hipped-up cover of an Alice Cooper song from 1971!) from Francillia’s solo cd “Temptation” and, believe you me, 2010 will be a heckuva year for this extremely talented Bay Area duo!

Aleshea granted me an interview recently. Without further adeiu, here we go:
.hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } You have a very unique vocal delivery. What influences do you have musically?

I like a wide variety of music…so this is a tough one. I would consider Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Chavela Vargas, Smokey Robinson, Nina Simone and Fiona Apple among the artists whose sound influenced me greatly. I also sang a lot of spirituals in school choirs and I have to say that was a huge influence.

How did you get to this point in your life, and in your career as a performer?

I’ve managed to make a few cool friends who appreciate my work. Lately I’ve gotten wiser about not doing as much for free because unfortunately a lot of people will take advantage of you if they can. I’m still paying my dues, as they say, but my goal is to make my living as a performer.

Do you think your message is political? If so, what’s political about it?

It is often very political. A lot of the work I do is a response to the world as I see it. I don’t shy away from anything that vexes me: racism, sexism, war, poverty, bigotry wrapped in the guise of religion…I’m aware that what I have to say sometimes offends people but I don’t let that stop me from fussing.

What’s your favorite place in Tampa to perform?

I can’t honestly say that I have a favorite. There are different things to like about different venues.

What upcoming gigs are you looking forward to?

On Friday Feb. 13th I’ll be performing at ArtPool (an art gallery in St. Pete) for “The Muse” show. They’ll be showcasing work inspired by love, sex, the nude and St. Valentine. I’m doing a song I wrote for the event and a poem. Then there’s the reading of “God’s Trombones” which will take place at the Studio@620 (in St. Pete) on Feb. 16th. It’s reading of James Weldon’s Johnson’s group of sermons by myself and other actors/poets. Buster Cooper will be playing the trombone…free and open to the public.

What has been your best on-stage experience?

Wow. I’ve had a lot. But my favorite in the realm of poetry and music was a few months ago at a feature I did in St. Petersburg. I actually had musicians and everything kind of fell into place. I usually perform a capella (since it’s easiest) but that was the one time I felt like my vision for my work was fully and completely realized. Right now I’m working on forming a band so it can happen more often.

I know you have a new album out. What’s your favorite piece and why?

That’s kind of like asking a person to choose between their children…but I’ll try…probably “Backroads”. It’s a song about war and our inhumanity to one another. It managed to harness my feelings on the subject really well.

Any collaborations you’d like to do?

I very recently discussed doing a collabo with Reggie, another local poet whose talent I respect greatly.

Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years?

In a year I will have figured out how to make being an artist my main source of income. In five years I’ll be a real pro at it.

What brings you to, or keeps you in, the Tampa Bay Area?

I came here for a job after college. I like the weather here but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I would leave with ease if an opportunity elsewhere presented itself. I don’t feel I’ve put down any roots yet.

If you could cover any song, what would it be?

“Ne Me Quitte Pas” which was performed by Jacques Brel and Nina Simone. Absolutely gorgeous.

Why do they call you the “Daughter of Noise”?

I swear I never told anyone to call me that! It’s the title of a song I wrote. I can’t say I mind the nickname, though.

If you were to describe your performing style in a word, what would it be?

Honest.

If you were to describe your fashion sense in a word, what would it be?

Lacking.

Anything you’d love to tell all of your fans that might read this?

I can’t believe you exist! Spread the word!

16. Aside from your myspace, do you have a webpage or other ways fans and promoters and potential record labels can reach you?

Yeah, they could check out www.bagofbeans.net and witness the ninja attack I’m planning on the arts in the Tampa Bay…bearing in mind that it is under construction.

To see her website and listen to some of her work, please check out her Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/alesheasangs