Hawke’s Bay is known for its wineries and vibrant arts scene, but a unique talent is adding another layer to the region’s cultural landscape: Grace Francois, a dentist by day and a rising country music star by night. This Friday, February 20th, Francois will make her debut headline performance at Decibel Wines in Hastings, showcasing a collection of original songs and marking a significant shift in her musical journey.
Francois isn’t just balancing two careers; she’s finding synergy between them. She describes a symbiotic relationship where the precision and scientific thinking required in dentistry complement the creative expression found in music. “They seem to work very symbiotically – they build to each other and make each other easier, since music creates a lot of balance for my dentistry and dentistry is the other scientific side of me,” she explained.
The performance at Decibel Wines is particularly special for Francois as it’s the first time she’ll be presenting a set comprised entirely of her own music. She’s been steadily transitioning into the country genre, a move that feels natural given 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 said. “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.”
Francois released her debut single, “Change,” in March 2023, but acknowledges it didn’t fully represent her evolving sound. “Change is not really a traditional country song. It’s definitely more of a pop song, sort of acoustic pop…” she clarified. The upcoming reveal promises a deeper dive into her country roots, offering audiences a taste of unreleased material.
From Dental Assistant to Songwriter
Francois’ path to music wasn’t entirely solo. She credits key mentors who helped her navigate the industry and bring her creative vision to life. A pivotal opportunity arose through Dr. Natalie Stent, who offered Francois a dental assistant position during a university break. “I reached out to her to see if there was any work available over my [university] break, and ended up being her dental assistant because her assistant had booked leave for the exact time that I was back and that enabled me to release my first song,” Francois recounted. This financial support proved crucial in launching her musical endeavors.
She also highlighted the invaluable guidance of Abby Wolfe, a music mentor who co-wrote and helped record her first song. “I was helped a lot by my mentor in music at the time who helped me co-write the song and record it… and that was really helpful to have such a supportive environment.”
A Published Professional
Beyond her musical pursuits, Francois is also making strides in her dental career. She has recently had work published in the prestigious Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, demonstrating her commitment to the field. This achievement underscores her ability to excel in both seemingly disparate worlds.
Decibel Wines is hosting an intimate session, offering two ticket options: $10 for music only, or $25 including a wine tasting flight. The event begins at 5:30 PM on Friday, February 20th, at 101 Warren Street South, Hastings. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Francois expressed excitement for the future, eager to continue exploring her musical path and sharing her songs with a wider audience. As she prepares for her debut headline show, she embodies a unique blend of artistry and professionalism, proving that passion and dedication can flourish in multiple fields.
What does the future hold for this talented dentist-turned-country singer? Only time will tell, but her upcoming performance at Decibel Wines is undoubtedly a significant step in a promising career. Share this story and let us understand what you think in the comments below!
