BVCAMILLE (22), Pommelien Thijs (22), Maksim Stojanac (25): “#LikeMe” has already produced several rising Flemish stars. And now another beep. Francisco Schuster, 21, is releasing his debut single “Alleen” this week and was allowed to preview it on Monday at “Tien om te see” in Westende, with the approval of his former bandmates. “I don’t compare myself to them, I’m going to put too much pressure on myself.”
“A unique opportunity,” says Francisco himself of his passing on the famous musical show. “It’s crazy for words that I can bring my first solo on the big ‘Ten to see’. It made me really nervous, but I wanted to really enjoy it.” And although his former colleagues from “#LikeMe” were present at the recording of “Ten to see,” Francisco will have to do it alone from now on. Immediately the subject of his song. “However, I feel so happy and safe that my ‘#LikeMe’ friends are here too. They encouraged and supported me so much, Maxim even came over to give me a hug.” Francisco makes it clear right away that there is no competition: “We are all different artists with different goals, you can’t compare us. I don’t do it myself. Otherwise, I would put too much pressure on myself.”
That evening I saw someone sitting there, but the feeling was not mutual. Instead of letting that spoil my evening, I had a hell of a time without that person.”
Francis Schuster
unrequited
Moreover, Francisco also took inspiration from his dating life. “Because sometimes it feels good to be alone. It doesn’t have to be a negative thing.” He also experienced this during a night out, which led him to write “Alone”. That evening I saw someone sitting there, but the feeling was not mutual. Rather than let it spoil my evening, I’ve spent a long time without this person – who doesn’t know I’ve written about him either, but who knows, maybe he feels addressed. (He laughs)”
In terms of musical style, Francisco looks to his great examples Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and Michael Jackson and, like them, combines singing and dancing. “I want everyone, no matter how old you are or what you look like, to be on my dance floor and have fun with them.” But he does it not in English like his idols, but in Dutch. “It became clear to me through ‘#LikeMe’. My voice sounds the best and I can also convey my feelings better in my native language.”
But Francisco is ambitious. He is hoping for several shows and is already dreaming of his next single. “It would be a shame if he stayed with one, because I really want to build something beautiful. But we’re taking it step by step. You know, I’ve waited so long to release my own music. I just wanted to do it when it felt right instead of going with the flow. That moment has come now. In recent years I’ve gained a lot of experience with ‘#LikeMe’ and now I want to fly solo in it.”
Schuster has now officially launched his singing career, but he will also soon become an integral part of the television screen. Recently, his physical and mental strength have been put to the test during the grueling period of special forces duty, but new projects are already in the pipeline. “Two new shows are coming, but unfortunately I can’t tell you anything about them yet.” So there is no empty agenda after the end of “#LikeMe”. “Wouldn’t I be afraid of overtaking myself with a busy schedule? No, I’ve read in enough time for me. I always make time to meet up with friends.”
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