Plain Mister Smith Returns with ‘Lucian & Francis’ featuring Tyson Motsenbocker

The ever-elusive Plain Mister Smith is getting ready to share a new single titled ‘Lucian & Francis’featuring Californian songwriter and guitarist Tyson Mostenbocker, on the 27th of March 2026 via Amelia Records/Symphonic. The single is the fifth of a string of singles from his upcoming album set to drop in Spring, 2026. Formerly the guitarist of the Canadian darkwave band Moev, the multi-hyphenate artist is also a cellist for the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. Under the Plain Mister Smith moniker, his music has received support from a range of tastemaker publications and radio stations including NPR Music, Wonderland Magazine, CLASH Magazine, NOTION, Under The Radar, Earmilk, METAL, Noctis Mag, Atwood Mag and more. 

Based between Vancouver and London, Plain Mister Smith marches to the beat of his own drum, and is known for his ability to conjure up eclectic, indie-folk and psych-rock soundscapes with catchy and quick-witted lyricism, along with an air of introspection. 

‘Lucian & Francis’, sure to entice fans of Tame Impala, Temples, and The War on Drugs, drifts through introspective indie folk/rock terrains mapped by wistful guitar licks, heartfelt strings, and contemplative, meandering vocals. The track’s quirky and uncanny lyrics highlight the impact of acclaimed British painters Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. Through carefully balanced precocious wordplay, lyrics such as “heinous but genius” brilliantly highlight the visceral impact of the artists’ paintings, which daringly challenge the status quo. Bearing the distinct stamp of Plain Mister Smith’s dreamy yet mature sound, the track offers another promising glimpse of what awaits us with his forthcoming album.  

Plain Mister Smith told us: “I’ve always been struck by the numinous intensity of both Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon’s phenomenal paintings. “Lucian and Francis” is about how their paintings give him the heebie jeebies combined with a kind of cerebral elation.  It’s amazing what humans can do with  paints and brushes and a little existential hysteria mixed in…”