Up-and-coming Artist: Francesca Tarantino

Featured Artist: Francesca Tarantino

The Beginning

Francesca’s story with the guitar started almost before she could walk. “My dad had guitars around the house when I was growing up, so I was always curious and used to play around with them,” she recalls. “One day when I was around five, he put one in my hands and taught me to strum a little. I thought it was the coolest thing, even though I really didn't know what I was doing. From that day on, I knew I wanted to rock!”

Her love for music skyrocketed when a childhood encounter with rock icons turned into a lifelong dream. “I watched Scooby-Doo meets KISS over and over. I didn’t know KISS was real at first, but when I saw the videos on YouTube, I thought, ‘These are real people?! I want to be as cool as them!’ That was it. That was the moment I wanted to be a rock star.”

Even early on, Francesca found excitement in the creative process. “I loved to draw, write, and make things, but music was something I felt I could really grasp. Putting a song together is like a puzzle, and I loved piecing it all together.”

Influences & Sound

Francesca describes her sound as “Paramore meets Aerosmith” modern rock energy combined with classic guitar-driven vibes. Her music weaves melodic riffs with powerful solos, creating a sound that is both accessible and technically engaging.

Her influences are wide-ranging: “KISS, Paramore, Led Zeppelin. I love mixing modern pop rock with classic rock. And maybe unexpectedly, My Chemical Romance sneaks into my playing, people are often surprised by that.”

Process & Creativity

Francesca’s songwriting usually begins with a melody. “Most of the time, I start with a melody and build on that. I’ll hum it, find the chords, and layer everything from there. I always record voice memos so I don’t forget ideas. It’s about building on what you have and making it bloom.”

Interestingly, many of her songs start on minor chords by accident, giving her work a signature emotional edge. “It happens naturally, and I think it ties my music together,” she says.

She also embraces the moments when creativity strikes fast. “Some of my best songs take only five minutes to write. When I’m in that mode, everything pours out, and my brain is moving a million miles an hour.”

Growth & Mindset

Balancing teenage life with a music career hasn’t always been easy. “Accepting that I’m not a normal teenager was hard. I switched to online school, and some friends didn’t understand my schedule. But I remind myself every day how lucky I am to pursue my dreams. Music will always be by my side.”

Her advice for young musicians? “Shift your mindset from ‘what are people going to think?’ to ‘what do I think of myself?’ Self-reflection is so important. What matters most is if I’m happy with myself.”

Music has taught her more than just playing notes: “Don’t be ashamed of what you love. Other people might not get it, and that’s okay. What makes me happy is what matters.”

Right Now & Looking Ahead

Francesca is pushing herself creatively with bigger projects. “I’m exploring taking on a full album. It’s scary but exciting. I hope when people listen, they feel the stories in my songs and know they’re not alone. No matter their age or gender, I hope they see they can rock too!”

She’s already building momentum with a new single dropping in March and her debut album slated for the end of 2026.

Riff Culture Rapid Fire

One album every musician should hear: Malcolm Todd – Still

One song every musician should learn: While My Guitar Gently Weeps, “It’s not just about the notes. It teaches emotion and improvisation. You want your guitar to weep with you.”

Links & Listening

Official Website: francescatarantino.com

Linktree: linktr.ee/francescatmusic

Francesca Tarantino’s journey shows that passion, creativity, and fearlessness know no age limits. We’re thrilled to feature her on Riff Culture and can’t wait to see her light up stages with her debut album.