Francis Macdonald

Musician | Producer | Composer

"A composer of rare skill and subtlety" (Clash Magazine)

"Sublime, minimalist classical music" (Classic FM)

Scottish BAFTA-nominated composer Francis Macdonald drums with Teenage Fanclub and makes music for Film & TV.

He has worked with a range of artists in different capacities including Camera Obscura, The Vaselines, Laura Cantrell, Julie Fowlis, Alex Chilton, Robert Forster, Dan Penn, Edwyn Collins, Max Richter, The Cairn String Quartet and Belle & Sebastian.

Interviews

On Hamilton Mausoleum Suite

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 15.13.40.png — 10 quick questions.

Francis interviewed by Si Hawkins about "Music For String Quartet, Piano And Celeste", TFC, etc.

Interview with Jamie MacDougall for BBC Radio Scotland's classical music show.

Teenage Fanclub's drummer makes a classical crossover

There’s always been something of a snooty disregard from the classical music establishment for pop and rock artists who dare to make the crossover. This shouldn’t worry Teenage Fanclub’s Francis MacDonald – his Morricone and Arvo Pärt-inspired minimalist compositions are a triumph.
Stylistically stark with a warm and comforting core, MacDonald arranged the pieces himself, proving a lack of formal training is no barrier to good music.

Interview with Laura Piper for STV website

"Sunday 1" performed live at BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow Live BBC session, with Brian McAlpine and The Cairn String Quartet, for Bryan Burnett.