There is nothing that can lift our spirits, move us to laughter, let us dream, or express our heartbreak in the way that music can. It is this connection to emotions that inspired South African singer-songwriter Fransien Scott, who is based in the United Kingdom (UK), to write STAAN REG, a modern ballad about being prepared to forget when a loss is too much to bear.
The song was inspired by the losses we experience as we go through life, explains Fransien, who wrote STAAN REG when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “While the song romanticises an illness that, of course, does not transpire exactly like portrayed in the song, it does deal with the loss of a relationship, of the things you can remember about someone who is special to you, and even your desire to forget when the reality becomes too difficult to face and accept.”
Fransien often writes about emotions. “I write about the things every person struggles with. Emotions, regardless of how different they are for each of us, is something we can all relate to. Having to deal with loss and having to say ‘goodbye’ to someone, whether as a result of Alzheimer’s, or perhaps the end of a relationship, is a very real and tragic situation for many. As such, I believe the message conveyed in STAAN REG will resonate with listeners.”
The single is accompanied by a video which, according to Fransien, was an unbelievable experience. Shot in Portugal, it features an older couple – representing her parents – and their very special relationship. “I wanted to feature my mom in the video, but because of Covid I decided to ask dear friends of mine from Portugal instead. I wanted to showcase the deep and sincere love and relationship between two people who have been together for years. When a loss is experienced at this point, it is felt at a much deeper level. We recognise and respect the value of this kind of love.”
She explains that she had to carefully consider the emotions she wanted to communicate in the video. “I had to take into account the relationship built over many years; the ups and downs faced and the fact that love endured through it all. This is something young people can respect and look forward to – growing old together.”
What made the production of the video extra special is that Fransien had the help of a wonderful team who helped realise her vision. In addition, she says, Portugal’s natural beauty reminds her of South Africa.
Watch the video here:
The singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by music and started dabbling with melodies and lyrics on her sister’s piano when she was eleven. Although she specialised in drama during high school, she spent every free moment in the music department, harmonising and composing with her friends.
After school she formed a group called Niche, who made it to the semi-finals of the ATKV Crescendo competition with their song, Roei, which she wrote under the guidance of the legendary Lucas Maree.
She completed a degree in Business Management and Psychology at the Rand Afrikaans University as well as a post graduate qualification in Higher Education and taught for a year before heading to England with her husband for what she thought would be a short-term adventure.
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Twenty years later the couple and their two children still live abroad. In addition to their time in the UK, they also lived in Switzerland for seven years and in Spain for three years.
Despite living abroad, Fransien prefers to write and sing in her native tongue. “To me, Afrikaans is not simply a language, but a passion. I think, sing, and function in Afrikaans and I also taught my children the language. To me, it is vital for them to understand their roots and to appreciate their heritage.”
She is also the founder of a women’s ministry called KeeperSoul (named after her mother’s favourite tree, the Kiepersol), and she finds inspiration in the stories of the many brave women who share their experiences, successes, and failures at KeeperSoul retreats.
She is planning to release an album this year, but this vibrant lady is also dedicated to expanding the ministry. She also manages a charity initiative called Hope-full Boxes, which supports families in the Philippines.
At a time when the world is enshrouded in loss, STAAN REG serves as a validation of this emotion and, as a result, will resonate with a wide audience.
The single is available on all digital platforms. Download it here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2agG1gLtUOOkwi3vHsOSio?si=LfEy-2xjSzGXItriXpvivg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/za/album/staan-reg/1549930425?i=1549930426
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fransienscott
Instagram: @fransienscott
Website: www.fransienscott.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXkdIw3ypRAGrcI2OrcXIGQ