Elise Frank
Biography Elise Frank
Elise Frank
born Élise Lounici on January 1, 1996, in Tarbes, France, is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with a distinctive voice and a sound that resonates deeply. She wrote her first songs as a teenager, but truly blossomed as the frontwoman of the band Spooky Poppies, with whom she released her first EP in 2019.
During the Covid pandemic, a new chapter began for Elise: she transformed a small room into a creative laboratory and took her music directly to the streets. There, she rediscovered her passion, authentic lyrics, and the raw, honest guitar sound that continues to define her music. Her style blends deep American blues with the energy of 90s and 2000s garage rock – raw, authentic, and uncompromising.
In 2022, she returned to the stage with a power trio and immediately garnered attention. Together with Cristal Production, who have been with her ever since, she fulfilled a dream that same year: a tour of Ireland, the land where live music truly thrives. This journey confirmed for her that her music deserved to be shared with the world.
Back in France, Elise – then still performing under the name FRANK – recorded her first entirely self-produced album: I’m a Phony and a Fraud (2023). Together with Thom Carlton (guitar), Colin Pradier (bass), and Sébastien Gaschard (drums), she created a debut that was enthusiastically received by fans and the media alike, even by Rock & Folk magazine. The album took her to major stages and festivals, including the legendary Cognac Blues Passions, where Buddy Guy also performed. She also had the opportunity to open for artists such as Robert Finley, Delgres, Gaëlle Buswel, Moundrag, and Ben L’Oncle Soul.
In 2024, the name FRANK gained international recognition. Her performance at the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ireland became one of her most significant moments and demonstrated that Elise is a true live performer. Without any visual gimmicks, she focuses on what matters most – emotion, spontaneity, and authenticity. This approach led to invitations to major blues festivals across Europe – from the UK to Poland. She was also featured in the prestigious reference work L’Encyclopédie du Rock en France.
That same year, she composed the music for the documentary film Targuia by Leïla de Artese Benhadj.
In 2025, another big step followed: Elise signed with Ruf Records, joined the booking agency On The Road Again, and has officially been known as Elise Frank ever since. Her new album, I Didn’t Pay For It, was released with Josselin Fleury (bass), Sébastien Gaschard (drums), and a special guest: guitarist Laura Chavez.
With this album in tow, Elise embarked on a major European tour with the Blues Caravan in 2026 – with a particularly large number of shows in Germany.
