Through a series of free mini-concerts showcasing a variety of musical genres, Francisco Jose Rosales (Midnight Navy) is establishing a distinctive place in Austin’s music scene while celebrating his music, heritage, and the sense of community he cherishes.
Because he was raised in a close-knit family with strong ties to their Mexican heritage, Midnight Navy’s sound delivers a rich fusion of Latin indie pop, Chicano soul, and alternative R&B. He claimed that rock groups like AC/DC and Pharrell Williams were among the many musical influences of his early years. In addition to these genres, Rosales’ artistic personality was shaped by the lively musical atmosphere produced by traditional Mexican melodies that reverberated throughout family get-togethers and summer vacations to Mexico.
According to Navy’s older sister, Angelica Rosales, “I used to make him a lot of burnt CDs when I was younger, and I would include a lot of hip hop.” Additionally, he incorporates activities that we would do as a family into his lyrics. He starts off one of his songs with our parents discussing relationships. That was taken from a conversation he had recorded.
When he discovered the saxophone in middle school, Midnight Navy’s musical career began. He immersed himself in a world of sound while playing in the school band, experimenting with various genres and amassing an expanding music collection. Much of that inspiration was stoked by his older brother, Daniel Rosales, a committed musician who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music performance. According to Midnight Navy, his brother’s talent and dedication to his trade had a profound effect on him and influenced his sound.
Daniel remarked, “I remember he would want to sing along when I started playing (the guitar) in seventh grade.” As a brother, it’s extremely admirable to watch how he has essentially adopted our family’s and our own traditions while yet managing to perform them in his own unique way.
According to Midnight Navy, he took a break from full band shows this summer to allow his comrades and devoted fans to rest. However, he created a series of minimalist mini-concerts because he wanted to preserve music in a small environment. He performs stripped-down renditions of his songs with his guitar, as well as jazzy, bossa nova numbers that are rarely heard in his bigger presentations. These performances offer fans an unfiltered, unadulterated look into his talent and serve as a platform for musical experimentation and development.
In addition to performing live, Midnight Navy spends time working on his debut album, which he stated he intends to release the following spring. His development as an artist is demonstrated in this next piece, which also delves into themes of community and identity that are greatly influenced by his family and cultural background.
Navy stated, “I hope people feel good and inspired.” Whether or whether they can identify with my tale, I want people to listen to my music and simply feel what they (are) supposed to feel.
