At just 17 years old, Francesca Tarantino is not merely an emerging talent—she’s a force of nature in the pop-rock scene. Hailing from Orlando, the prodigious artist has quickly become one of the most decorated independent musicians of her generation, sweeping local accolades like Best Singer/Songwriter in the Best of Orlando 2025 and Best Local Musician in The Local Magazine 2025. Yet, it was her February 2025 single, “Hold On To Me,” that truly solidified her status as a power player.
A New Role: The Self-Sufficient Producer
Francesca has always been a triple threat, writing, singing, and playing both acoustic and electric guitar. But with “Hold On To Me,” she added a crucial fourth credit: producer. This self-produced single quickly became a landmark achievement, showcasing her command not only of performance but of the entire creative process.
The track’s success was immediate and historic. “Hold On To Me” soared up the charts of the global indie platform aBreak58, landing her in the number one slot for the third time. This makes Francesca the FIRST artist ever to have three consecutive number one hits on the influential platform—a stunning feat for an artist still in her teens.
Francesca’s music, which blends raw rock energy with vulnerable pop sensibility, is resonating deeply within the independent music community. Her rock ballad, “Tragedy,” earned her the Song of the Year Multi-Genre award at the 2024 Josie Music Awards at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. She has also been awarded the Bronze for USA Female Emerging Artist of the Year at the ISSA Awards, was nominated for two Hollywood Independent Music Awards, and is currently nominated for three Josie Music Awards.
This recognition isn’t manufactured; it’s earned through tireless work. Since she was 14, Francesca has been actively gigging across Central Florida, playing 100 shows in 2024 and on track to play close to 150 live shows in 2025. Her powerhouse vocals have also been featured at numerous major sporting events, where she has delivered the National Anthem for teams including the Orlando Magic (NBA), the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), the Miami Marlins (MLB), and NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars opening day.
What’s Next on the Stream
Francesca has released seven singles since 2023, showcasing an impressive work ethic that fuels her growing catalog. Her current single, “Spider On The Wall,” is another bluesy rock and roll offering that she self-produced, where listeners can hear her blossoming skill not just as a vocalist, but as a commanding lead guitarist.
With her undeniable talent and an iron-clad independent spirit, Francesca Tarantino is leading the charge for a new generation of self-sufficient pop-rock artists. She is an artist whose story is just beginning, and one whose number-one hits prove that passion, and production prowess, know no age limit. You can find her music, including the record-breaking “Hold On To Me,” everywhere you stream your music.
Subscribe to the hottest new podcast on YouTube. The Connected Podcast by The Chrd Magazine.
