Aluna Francis has discussed her decision to record a solo album without AlunaGeorge partner George Reid. She says that she felt "a little bit self-conscious trying to drag George through my own process of self-discovery", but that their project together is still ongoing.
"People have always asked me if was something I'd thought about, and I always thought they were mad, because what me and George have is so fruitful" she says in an interview with The Forty-Five. "From the moment we met, we've never wasted any time in the studio - if we were spending a day in a session, we were coming out of it with at least two songs. That sort of productivity is gold, so I always thought why on earth would I change that?"
However, she goes on, "over time, there started to be certain musical and lyrical areas that felt awkward to do in a duo, because they were so singularly from my culture and my perspective. I did feel a little bit self-conscious trying to drag George through my own process of self-discovery".
She explains further: "I wrote a song before we put out the last EP which was about my mum and my grandma, and George is obviously supportive, but it's just a bit weird, like 'hey, do you want to finish off this black women's anthem with me?'"
"As well as all that", she adds, "I've always liked to find places where I feel scared, and head right to them. A solo project is definitely that: it's like turning up at a really dark warehouse party, and not knowing what the hell is behind that door. Not knowing if it's one of those boring beer pong frat parties, or a full on techno rave. Y'know? I just want to know if there's going to be toilets..."
Currently working on her debut solo album - although, she insists "AlunaGeorge is definitely still going" - Aluna recently released her first solo single, 'Body Pump':