True/False – one of Columbia’s most anticipated events yearly is made possible by a variety of artists, directors and producers behind the scenes. Ashwini Mantrala, music director of True/False, gave some insight on what it’s like for the team in the days leading up to the event.

“You know how other people feel about the holidays?” Mantrala said. “That’s kind of how it is, it’s like this very sickening, exciting and delicate feeling. Then it happens and it’s over.”

Mantrala is a Missouri native, who has been on the frontlines for booking, scheduling and promoting touring artists spanning the continent. One of those artists who is scheduled to perform at True/False is Kansas City and Mizzou native, Zeph France.

France is a student at the University of Missouri – known for the brand he built from going around to different lecture halls, the student center and other frequently visited places in order to perform. His performances were not only to gain traction as an artist, but to also display the confidence he has in his music.

France’s confidence comes from repetition, performing just about anywhere he can to a point.

“When I’m asked ‘How can you get in front of a class and start rapping in front of a bunch of people?’” France said. “Well in my heart, I know the song is good. I just make sure I believe in what I’m doing.”

France got his start in Mizzou with ‘Play the Part,’ winning the talent show hosted locally before being shut down by COVID. France continued performing with Zou Soul and not only was he performing, but also hosting, planning and writing.

Mantrala knew he wanted to recruit France after witnessing France’s skillset as an all-encompassing style rather than just an artist or performer.

“I love people that ‘wear different hats,’” Mantrala said. “That’s why I think Zeph’s music and character spoke to me. Outside of just artistry to have something tangible or grounding.”

France emphasized his importance of schooling and how it affected his career. Majoring in marketing, France said he learned how to be a businessman and how to promote himself rather than just waiting for a song to blow up by chance.

“The creativity and your business don’t always align, but understanding what’s needed in the moment is probably the most important aspect in everything,” France said. “Even though your creative mind may not be ready to push out some amount of songs by an expected date, that business mind is able to step in and keep you on schedule.”

Both Mantrala and France found that keeping the business mind first is what you have to do in such a concentrated market.

“We are responsible for defining the next wave [of music]. Connecting with artists on a pure level and changing up roles to keep [True/False] going,” Mantrala said. “Otherwise this bubble could burst very easily, so in a way we’re cursed to have bounds by [the] market but blessed because we are able to operate in such a completely open scheme.”

At the end of the day, France just loves to entertain, no matter how he’s feeling he isn’t afraid to let that go, which is what keeps bringing him back to his artistry.

“I love being an artist because I get to self-reflect a lot… and what I’ve noticed about [music] is it’s not about reaching a particular place, it’s sustainability that keeps you going,” France said. “It’s really always about authenticity and trying to communicate myself in the best way possible.”

Listen to the full interview below!