A musician, composer and writer, Dr Francis has been playing and producing music for many years and is always on the lookout to discover new, original music. After moving to the Algarve, Francis was eager to discover a new music scene but was faced with what most tourists encounter in bars – musicians playing covers of well-known songs. Whilst crowd-pleasers like ‘Valerie’ and ‘Sex on Fire’ are always popular, Dr Francis yearned for original music by Portuguese artists to immerse himself more deeply in the music the country has to offer. Thus, the O.W.T.O. Project was born – a music project that merges international musicians and Portuguese artists, aiming to bridge this gap through music.


Algarve music

The O.W.T.O. Project brings international and Portuguese musicians together to collaboratively write, produce, and perform new music. More specifically, the project focuses on producing and composing music in the Algarve.

As a foreigner living in Portugal, Francis initially struggled to navigate the barrier between local and international talent, especially when trying to find his place within the Portuguese community. During his time living here, Francis saw many international artists rely on cover songs to appeal to their audience. Eager to change this, he aims to create a platform that connects both Portuguese and international musicians, fostering collaborations to produce something new that stems from the Algarve. “If we don’t celebrate new music, there will be no new music”, says Francis, “If we don’t celebrate new artists, there will be no new artists”.

Originally from the United Kingdom, the musician moved to sunny Algarve about five years ago, together with his wife and cat. After a holiday to Faro with his wife, they decided that it had everything they were looking for – good weather, proximity to the beaches, and remote locations that allow creative freedom to flourish. The desire to experience something new and spend more time enjoying each other’s company factored into their decision to move here. So they did, and have not regretted their decision since.

Challenging

However, artistically, Francis found the move rather challenging. His passion for creating innovative and unique music was not immediately embraced by other musicians. Bands and singers performing in the local venues and bars mostly played cover songs, and when Francis approached promising artists about creating their own material, many were hesitant or overwhelmed by the nature of the project. Nevertheless, Francis persisted and eventually connected with like-minded individuals who shared the same passion, the same vision, and brought incredible talents to the table. Together with Rudy Valentino and Timothy Salt, he formed O.W.T.O., and the trio has been producing music together for over a year now.

Rudy Valentino and Timothy Salt are the other key founding members of the O.W.T.O. Project, contributing a rich background in music experience and expertise. Rudy Valentino, the guitarist, is originally from the US and has collaborated with numerous artists and worked as a mixing engineer on a Grammy-winning album. Timothy Salt, an accomplished bassist from the United Kingdom, adds his own touch of talent to the project. The collaboration is further enriched by Portuguese vocalists Diogo Ramos and Mariana Barnabe, two singers from the Algarve who bring their unique local flair to the group. Some of the songs in the project were specifically written for these talented artists, whilst others were pre-existing, with Diogo and Mariana adding their voices to the mix. “This is a departure for them in terms of doing their own thing,” says Francis, highlighting how the project serves as a stepping stone for the Portuguese singers.

First show

Their first show is scheduled for 27 April at Cantaloupe Jazz Cafe, and their debut promises an exciting night full of lively music with which you can show off your best dance moves. With no backing tracks, no laptops – just instruments, sweat and soul – the performance marks not only the launch of their upcoming album but a bold step toward building a community where original music thrives.

Credits: Supplied Image;

O.W.T.O. will be bringing their music to Cantaloupe Jazz Cafe in Olhão on 27 April, and their debut promises an exciting night full of lively music that makes you get up and move. You can look forward to a great venue overlooking the marina, great food, a wonderful host, and a lively environment. Dr Francis promises to bring “something new and fresh,” with tracks featuring influences of jazz, Motown, soul and rock, all put together with harmonies and melodies. With no backing tracks, no laptops – just instruments, sweat and soul – the performance marks not only the launch of their upcoming album but a bold step toward building a community where original music thrives. “Bring your dancing shoes”, Francis encourages.

In case you are not able to make it to the event, you will still be able to get a taste of their music. O.W.T.O. is currently producing a new album that will be released later this year, with tracks fusing together the best of Motown, jazz, soul, and a sprinkle of rock, “with an exciting but unique twist”, says Dr Francis. Once the album is released, they plan on booking small, intimate venues across the Algarve to share the music they so passionately created.

Find out more about Dr Paul Francis and the O.W.T.O. music project on their socials:

https://pafrancis.com/

@musicmanimal