Getting To Know... San Francisco

After the huge success of his debut single 'Just Friends' from earlier this year, Leeds-based indie-rock project San Francisco, led by artist Iwan Grant, has now returned with a stunning sophomore effort in the form of '(Not) Sentimental'.

Channeling the rich and energetic sounds of acts likes Circa Waves and Sea Girls, '(Not) Sentimental' sees the frontman deliver a wonderfully rapturous return. Filled with pulsing rhythms, catchy hooks, and some instantly recognisable vocals, this new belter will surely see him grow even faster in the months ahead.

So with the new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I started playing guitar when I was in primary school but didn’t fall in love with it before buying an electric guitar when I was 11.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?


All my lyrics are inspired by past experiences with the music itself being a product of all the indie artists that I love listening to.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

Indie music has dominated my teenage years! It started when I fell in love with struts back in 2012 and went on to discover bands like Sunset Sons and then The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys etc.

What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?

As all my music starts out in my bedroom I guess Id have to say there!

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?


I'm loving Finn Foxell’s recent EP, The Criticals have got a wicked new EP out too and you’ve got to love Blossom's Christmas songs!


How many of your songs have you written about people you wish you’d rather forget?


None man, worst comes to worse there’s been a lesson learned so why forget.

What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?

I suppose finding myself releasing my first singles during a global pandemic is not entirely what I had in mind a year ago.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

The Rolling Stones. No question.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Who knows! I'm afraid I have no idea.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

It sounds bit cliche but just be nice. People would rather work with someone cool who can just about do the job than a virtuoso whose hard to get on with!

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San Francisco's new single '(Not) Sentimental' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.