Lyves

Name
Francesca Bergami

What do you do?
I sing, write, produce and perform music. Sometimes write children's stories.

Where are you from?
I'm originally Italian/Australian but have lived in London for most of my life.

Which subcultures have had an enduring effect on you?
I grew up in between countries so not sure I resonate with any particular subculture, but maybe everyone thinks that on the inside.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Roald Dahl. He helped form and transform my imagination. A true alchemist and spellbinding storyteller.

Another you? Any other career that would have appealed?
I used to work in mental health. It's an area I'm incredibly passionate about. From working with children to young people and adults, my role was to support and advocate for those in need. To ensure people's voices, feelings and thoughts were listened to and respected. It was one of the most deeply moving and eye-opening roles I've ever had. I think its changed my way of relating to the world. There so much work yet to be done in understanding mental health better and beating the silence around it.

Best Gig you have ever been to? 
It has to be Michael Jackson on his 'Dangerous' tour circa 1992-1993 in Lisbon, Portugal. I was very young and utterly obsessed with Michael Jackson's music at the time. My father took me as a surprise. I'll never forget to this day. I can still remember the energy and buzz in the stadium. The sense of anticipation and excitement. It was like no other gig I've been to since. Regardless of people's views on his personal life, Michael Jackson was a true artist and performer. He pushed himself to heights few have in their careers.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Being half Italian and having had the opportunity to support Coldplay at San Siro in Milan was a real highlight and huge honour. I've never received such a warm reception from a crowd, it felt like one of the most intimate performances even with tens of thousands of people there. There was an interconnectedness that felt genuine and beautiful. A real exchange of energy. It's magical when that happens.

Lyves is the alias of Francesca Bergami. Her emotive lyrical themes and alternative route into performing have set her apart from most other artists and earned critical acclaim for her early releases. Following the success of her 2017 debut EP ‘Like Water’, Lyves joined Coldplay on 15 dates of their ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ tour - playing to packed stadiums across Europe.