Francissca Peter is in no rush to release new music

Francissca Peter may have new music in the works, but after more than four decades as a singer, she sees little reason to rush simply for the sake of putting something out.

The 65-year-old says plans for her return are still taking shape, although several songs are already in her repertoire. What matters more to her is finding material she believes is worth recording.

Best known for songs such as “Sekadar Di Pinggiran”, Francissca has become increasingly selective with experience. A catchy melody on its own is not enough; she wants songs with a story, emotional weight and something that stays with the listener.

“I don’t want to release something ordinary; I want to deliver the very best,” she told Bernama recently. “My expectations may be high, but I want to give my best to my fans who have remained loyal and supported me from the beginning until today.”

That instinct has guided her choices over the years. When she first heard “Maaf Ku Pinta”, composed by Chevy Amry, the song moved her to tears, and she decided to record it in 2023.

For Francissca, that immediate emotional connection remains an important measure of whether a song is right for her. Her long experience in music, she said, has only made her more discerning about what she is willing to put her voice to.

One of the songs now being developed will also take her in a slightly different direction. The 1986 Anugerah Juara Lagu winner is working on an uptempo number centred on harmony and unity, moving away from the ballads with which she has long been associated.

“The song is still being refined and does not have an official title yet. It carries a message of love and harmony among people regardless of race, and incorporates Chinese and Indian language elements to reinforce the message of unity,” she teased.

She is also open to collaborations that could bring her into new musical territory. Rather than limiting herself to artistes from her own generation, she remains interested in younger singers across different genres, including Aisha Retno, Aina Abdul, Misha Omar, Mimi Fly and Santesh.