Elise Frank

Élise Lounici, known as FRANK and officially as Elise FRANK from 2025 onward, is a French singer, guitarist, songwriter, and composer whose work is deeply rooted in live performance and strongly connected to Ireland’s musical culture.

Her relationship with Ireland began during the Covid period, when she first settled in the country and started developing her solo project while living in County Mayo. It was there, surrounded by the raw landscapes of the West, that she wrote and shaped much of her early material, reconnecting with the essence of songwriting and live expression.

This first immersion led to an acoustic tour of around ten dates across Ireland, particularly around Mayo and Galway, marking her first real connection with Irish audiences and musicians. During this time, she began building relationships within the local scene, including early ties with the Ballyshannon Rhythm and Blues Festival, where she was first invited to perform during its autumn edition.

Ireland quickly became more than just a touring destination. Deeply influenced by the legacy of Rory Gallagher, Elise found in the country a natural home for her music. This connection led to a return to Ballyshannon, this time performing with her full band at the Rory Gallagher International Festival, marking a turning point in her career and her relationship with Irish audiences.

Following this, she was invited by Barry O’Neill to take part in a special residency at the Abbey Arts Centre, where she spent several days working and performing on Rory Gallagher’s original instruments. This unique experience, centered around the transmission of musical heritage to a new generation of artists, remains one of the most significant moments in her artistic journey.

Through these experiences, Elise progressively established herself within the Irish live scene, collaborating with local artists and expanding her presence across the country. She has since performed at several notable Irish festivals, including Night and Day Festival and Harvest Time Blues Festival, while continuing to develop strong ties with the local community.

A multidisciplinary artist, she has also composed for film, notably contributing to the soundtrack of a documentary project, further expanding her artistic language beyond the stage.

Now based between France and County Wexford, Elise FRANK continues to grow her project in Ireland, a country she considers her artistic home. Known for her raw, unfiltered sound blending American blues with garage rock energy, she prioritizes authenticity, live performance, and emotional intensity over polished production.

In 2025, she signed with Ruf Records, a leading label in the blues scene, joining a roster that includes artists such as Canned Heat, Laura Chavez and Zac Schulze. She also collaborates with multi-award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez on her upcoming album I Didn’t Pay For It, set for release in January 2026.

Following the release, Elise FRANK will tour extensively across Europe, both independently and as part of Blues Caravan 2026, with appearances at major venues and leading blues festivals in Ireland and across Europe.