FNGR FOOD

Francisco Rosales- better known by his moniker ‘Midnight Navy’- is a talented musician who has been working on his sound since his youth. Francisco is a multi-faceted artist who knows how to make a great melody, and effortlessly creates music that flows through and around you. Inspired by artists like Pharrell, and genres such as Jazz, and Bossa Nova, Midnight Navy is all about making honest music that stimulates your mind and keeps you at ease. The majestic nature behind Midnight Navy is only one of the many things that makes Francisco such a force to be reckoned with as an independent artist who intends to bring forth only superlative quality with his music.

Photo by: Jessie Rodriguez

Following his self-titled 2018 EP, Midnight Navy, Francisco has now released some brand new music that is available today. He took some time to speak with FNGR FOOD about the new single, “3M ( Too Low)”, and also discussed his inspirations to make music, the meaning behind the name ‘Midnight Navy’, and much more in an exclusive interview.

“Music is my favorite creative channel, and I understand the power it has on people, so I do my best to tell my story- especially as a Chicano- and hope that it impacts someone else listening.”

Midnight Navy

FF: First thing I wanted to ask was, what has inspired the name ‘Midnight Navy’?

MN: It started as my favorite color in middle school, then developed into more of an identify for me. I was in the process of changing my artist name after high school, and I had a few names in mind, but nothing felt authentic. It wasn’t until I started thinking of how to describe my music that I went back to colors. That’s when I told myself if I could associate my music with any color, it would be Midnight Navy. It just clicked from there.

FF: You’re a talented musician who has a lot of experience. You play the saxophone, produce, and sing, and song-write correct?

MN: Thank you. Yes! I’ve been playing saxophone since middle school and began producing music in high school. I always had an influence of hip-hop, but more of the melodic and soulful side of it. I really started honing in on my singer-songwriter skills in college, and soon, the mesh of styles and influences began coming together.

FF: Are you originally from Austin, TX?

MN: No, I was born and raised in Corpus Christi. Home of Whataburger and Selena. I spent my high school and college years in Arizona, and a few years ago, moved back to Texas.

FF: How long have you been making music, and what inspires you to make what you make?

MN: To be honest, since middle school…a lot happened in middle school that made me focus on my goals in what I wanted to do. It took years to get my music where it’s at now, but I truly feel all those years of practice, recording, ideas, etc. crafted my skills. As far as my inspirations, I’m inspired by the people that inspire me. Whether that’s my favorite artists, or my friends that do what they do out of the purity of their passions. I want my music to help people through their day- or night, and ultimately make an impact. Music is my favorite creative channel and I understand the power it has on people, so I do my best to tell my story – especially as a Chicano – and hope that it impacts someone else listening.

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FF: What type of music do you like? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?

MN: Anything with some pretty chords or a sexy baseline. I love all kinds of music, so it’s hard to name just one type of genre, but I do have favorites such as: Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz/Bossa Nova, Psychedelic Rock, or Oldies. I’ve always been super inspired by Pharrell and his contribution to music; especially the N.E.R.D era. Also, Toro y Moi is a big inspiration. He’s so multi-talented.

FF: How do you describe your sound? Who does your music appeal to? What’s the best way to listen to your music?

MN: I like to think of my sound as an escape of whatever reality you live in mixed with the feeling you get from being on psychedelics, but sober [laughs]. A distinct perspective of euphoria. My music is for anyone who feels like an outsider; someone who wants honesty, and anyone who wants to feel good vibrations. [The] Best way to listen to my music is to go cruise at 2am with the windows down, and with too many thoughts on your mind.

FF: You have a new single out! Can you tell us about it? It’s very exciting to hear some new stuff from Midnight Navy.

MN: The single is titled “3M (Too Low)”, and it’s an exploration on time and communication. When I was making this song, I was trying to challenge myself to write more poetically and allow the instrumentation to carry the dreamy vibe. Finally, inspired by the Zoot Suit Era & brown love, the cover art empowers my Chicano roots, stepping into a modern world.

FF: Do you have any details you can share on any visuals for this single? Maybe a music video in the works?

MN: Unfortunately, I can’t share too many details at the moment, but I will say that the very talented Jessie Rodriguez and I produced something special for a music video. I’m excited to share more details soon.

FF: Are you in the process of making more new things? Have you had more time to focus on music with the pandemic going on right now?

MN: I’m currently working on a couple projects; each having their distinct sound. I’m challenging myself to write more personal stories and also writing more in Spanish. Thankfully, I still have a job, so not much has changed for me other then working remote, so the time span of working on music has gotten a little bit easier. I’ve definitely had more time to reflect. Reflecting is important.

FF: What’s been your favorite food to eat lately? Do you have a recipe you can share with us if you cook?

MN: Can’t go wrong with Hala Bros. Chicken Shawarma over rice. I love to cook breakfast though – anything from french toast, to omelettes, or some eggs. And you can’t forget the fruit with Tajin.

FF: What are you looking forward to when the world is back to normal? Do you have anything planned for yourself or for your music?

MN: I’m looking forward to visiting my family – they live on the West Coast, so it’s always nice to enjoy Cali as well. Also, [I’m] looking forward to seeing my close friends. My hope by the end of the year is to play a live show with a band. That would take my live performances to another level. I just want to give people an experience.

FF: Anything else you’d like to say?

MN: Call your loved ones, stay healthy, and enjoy the small moments. More music to come, stay tuned.Lastly, thank you Briyanna for the interview! Keep up the great work.

You can listen to Midnight Navy’s new single “3M (Too Low)” here

Photographer Links:

Dé Randle (https://www.dayrandle.co/)