 | | Karima Francis |
After months of speculation and rumour, Karima Francis has signed for Kitchenware Records, a move she’s understandably excited about, as she told us. "I can’t even put it into words right now. It’s not affecting me mentally, but every now and again, I keep getting a little bounce in my step because it feels amazing. I know it’s doesn’t separate me from everyone else in the world, but it feels so special." Karima has been making waves since she turned her attention to her acoustic music at the end of 2005, but it’s since last year’s In The City festival that things have been getting almost inevitable, as regards getting a deal, not that she took anything for granted herself. | "I’ve got full creative control over what I do. I can say yes or no. If I want to go more commercial I can. It’s all on me." | | Karima on getting the perfect deal for her |
"When I started doing this, my guitarist always used to say ‘if you believe it’s going to happen, it will.’ I never believed it. "I was so scared that, even when all the buzz started, it wasn’t going to happen. I just thought it was all talk. It’s been known for record labels to hover around people forever and never actually sign them. "So it feels like it’s taken a long time, but we had to find the right people, the people who got what I do and didn’t want to take anything away from what I do. "I think females are a bit more needy in general so there was a temptation to sign for a major to try and get instant success, but recently, I’ve experienced a lot of things and witnessed things in front of my face where that sort of deal has ruined the artist.
 | | Karima in performance |
"So I’m really glad with my deal. I’ve got full creative control over what I do. I can say yes or no. If I want to go more commercial I can. It’s all on me." What Karima will be doing in the next few months will be putting together her debut album, something she hopes will be "a classic album". Given her ideal choice of producer, there’s a chance she’ll succeed in her aim. "I went to meet Ken Nelson the other night, who did Coldplay, Paolo Nutini and Gomez, and I just got this feeling off him. He really likes the stuff so hopefully that could happen in June. "I do think that they’re pretty good songs and with the right arrangement, who knows? I’m so on the edge of my seat to start pre-production on the album, but we’re on a bit of a tour at the moment." That tour comes to Manchester at the start of June, when Karima will be playing her last local show before the hard work begins. In typically modest style, the singer has her fingers crossed that people will turn up. "I really hope the ticket sales go well, as it’d be great to play to a load of people. It’s so strange when you’re playing open mic nights and suddenly, you’re headlining at the Academy 3. It’s nice to have people supporting you." Karima Francis plays Academy 3 on Sunday 3 June. Support is from Gideon Conn and Gillan Edgar. Tickets are £5 | 
