Beauty and the Beast

The lovely, seductive persona of Francillia, lead singer of Florida/US Virgin Islands-based psychedelic-trippy-hippie high-energy pop-dance outfit Beatnik Castle, is obviously stunning to the naked eye. She dazzles and captivates audiences with a graceful swagger yet exemplifies the quintessential nonchalant tomboy attitude. Not only does she display qualities of poignant musical virtuosity, she’s equally and artistically tenacious and tough. Dedicated yet dazzling. Elegant, stylish and sophisticated yet somber, unorthodox, and pensive, Francillia soulfully expresses her emotional prowess through Beatnik Castle’s high-energy eclectic music. Her sultry, expressive vocals energize and invigorate souls with delicate ease; her poignant presence meticulously captures the essence of creative ingenuity.

Her chic persona is in direct contrast to Beatnik’s other member – producer, arranger and songwriter Quincy B. Scovill. Amazingly, this eclectic blend of unique, polar opposite musicians (Quincy admittedly listens to “The” groups like The Osmonds, The Archies, The Turtles, as well as “heavier” groups such as Demilich and Slayer!) performs incredibly well and efficient. It’s a unique combination of beauty and beast – a virtual collaborative yin and yang that results in effective, sensual pitchblende of diverse musical accolades as evidenced on “Will U B Mine?” Beatnik Castle’s debut CD on Tampa-based independent label Mad Monk, LTD. Released January 2009, the CD-Maxi-single features remixes and re-recordings by such dance world notables as Miami’s Cato K, Lenny B, and, of course, Quincy B. There’ plenty of versions to sink your teeth into – a techno, industrial, rock, island, acoustic, Latin and a seventies-disco version. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the psychedelic pop and hippie trippy journey offered by Beatnik Castle!

The Beauty

• Born & raised in St. Croix, Us. Virgin Islands; named after great grandmother, Francillia
• Was a dedicated Girl Scout from age six and sold “plenty of cookies”
• First freshman president of St. Croix Education Concert Choir
• First place winner for the St. Croix Apollo Talent Show in 10th grade
• Worked with famed producer Timothy Graphenreed in her Junior Year in high school
• Voted Miss St. Croix in 2006 and Mc’d annual Crucian Christmas Festival
• Wrote and produced the short play “Revenge is Better Cold”
• Sang at Governor’s annual St. Croix Agriculture Fair three years in a row.
• Father, a police officer in St. Croix, died when Francillia was 16. Mother also is a police officer
• Various modeling gigs, including Miss February 2008 V.I. Vixen Swimsuit Calendar
• 2008 Regional winner Best Female Contemporary singer Talent Quest Regional Finals
• First recording at 12 was the self-produced CD “Same in the Game”
• Red Belt in Taekwondo and Jiu Jitsu; loves volleyball, kickboxing, bowling, and darts
• Served two years Active Duty US Army at 17; PFC Unit Supply Specialist. Still in Active Reserves and wants to sing for the troops overseas because “I’m still one of them!”
• Attended University of VI but placed her education on hold to pursue a career in music
• Religiously watches Family Guy, Baldwin Hills, Bad Girls Club, Tyra, and Top Chef
• Favorite singers are Tina Turner, Anita Baker, Bob Marley, Etta James, and Barry White
• Loves Chicken McNuggets, filet of fish with extra tartar sauce, and a Hi-C mixed with Sprite
• Wants to study culinary arts because she wants to say “Bam” like Emeril and Gordon Ramsey
• Huge Horror and Sci-Fi Fantasy aficionado; “I’d love to act in a B-Movie someday!”
• “Will U B Mine?” nominated for Best Dance Recording by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in 2008.
• “Will U B Mine?” debuted on Station WJKC 95.1 FM in St. Croix with DJ Poppy Pops
• Working on her debut solo CD “Temptation” for Mad Monk, LTD with producer Quincy B, which will include renditions of Alice Cooper’s “Desperado” and a song by David Bowie

The Beast

• Born & Raised in Cleveland, Ohio; big fan of The Ghoul and Big Chuck
• Former Amateur boxer and manager/trainer; still religiously follows the sport
• Kicked out of Safety Patrol in elementary school
• Trippy-Hippie prankster
• First song learned was “Who Can I Turn To?” by Tony Bennett
• Bassist/singer for Bermuda Cad
• Former radio personality and entertainment print journalist for over 15 years
• Graphic Illustrator, newspaper editor, writer and political cartoonist for various periodicals
• Record label liaison and independent marketing/promotions consultant for 10 years
• Featured in Professor Griff’s 1992 video for “The Verdict”
• Wrote and produced “Rappin’ Rhymes” children’s musical ditty
• Worked with various artists, including Chip Z’Nuff, The Mentors, Steve DeAcutis, Bobby Koelbe, Lorna Bracewell, Deb Hunseder, JJ Righteous,Hal B. Selzer, Death, Terror, Freddie and Johnny DeMarco, Tom G. Warrior, Lexi Pierson, Massacre, and Key Low D.
• Formed Tampa-based independent label Mad Monk, LTD in 2006
• Vocalist, arranger, and songwriter (under the moniker “Thomas E. Rasputin”) for Peasants of Posture and Scovill Avenue (under the moniker “Quincy B”)
• Four Different songs from POP’s 2007 Mad Monk, LTD debut release “CounterRevolution” nominated by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in four different categories
• Creative genius (writer, arranger, performer, producer, marketer, graphic artist, etc,) behind both Scovill Avenue and Beatnik Castle releases.
• Five songs from Scovill Avenue’s “Big House” nominated in seven different categories in 2008.
• Contributed songs and scores to several local film producers
• Religiously listens to Warrant, W.A.S.P., Demilich, Manowar, Death, Slayer, Celtic Frost
• Favorite piece of Music: Brahms Piano Concerto # 1 in D-Minor with Rudolf Serkin
• Loves pizza…double cheese Italian sausage and pepperoni (“good crispy Chicago pepperoni
• Owns Blind Granny Productions, A & R and graphics consultation firm for artists and musicians
• Teaches music production and “beat-construction” to youths interested in the music industry
• Co-wrote television screenplay “Champion of the World”; currently writing for other films
• Editor/Publisher of Bay Area Beat, local musician magazine in Tampa Bay Area
• Favorite arrangers: Herb Alpert and Richard Carpenter
• Huge fan and supporter of Howard Stern, Joe Redner, and Bubba The Love Sponge
• Religiously watches Lost, Fringe, Mad Men, Battlestar Galactica, and Hell’s Kitchen
• Is madly head-over-heels in love with actress Freema Agyeman (“If she’s available…”)
• Owner of Creative Consult Care, counseling and consulting firm for creative artists
• University instructor and educator and worldwide lecturer and health care advocate
• Owns complete collection of Iron Man Comics from Marvel’s Silver Age
• Rough, Tom Waits-style voice used for character voice-overs and cartoons
• Would die for a Carle’s Bratwurst and a Marathon Bar
• Personality similar to Eric Cartman, Gordon Ramsey, and Deadwood’s Al Swearingin
• An enigmatic mystery personae who rarely gives interviews