Background and Early Musical Ventures
Julio Francisco Ramos was born on July 24, 1981, in New Haven, Connecticut. Known to the world as Ceschi, he embarked on a musical journey that would establish him as a versatile rapper, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. His formative years were marked by a wide range of collaborative projects, primarily with his brother, David Ramos, which laid the foundation for his genre-fluid style.
Before launching a solo career, Ceschi was involved in several groups that showcased his diverse interests. He co-founded Anonymous Inc. with his brother and was a member of The Most with David Ramos, Jay Scafariello, and Robert Koizura. Another significant early project was the fusion band Toca, which featured a lineup of Danny Levin, David Ramos, Max Heath, Tommy V, and Xololanxinxo. The group reportedly secured a development deal with Snoop Dogg's management team. Ceschi also contributed to the metalcore band Dead by Wednesday. These early experiences across hip hop, punk, and metal scenes were crucial in shaping the eclectic sound he would later perfect.
Solo Career and the Founding of Fake Four Inc.
Early Releases (2004-2009)
Ceschi launched his solo career with the album Fake Flowers in 2004. This was followed in 2005 by a trio of companion releases: Fake Flowers R.I.P. #1, Fake Flowers R.I.P. #2, and Fake Flowers R.I.P. #3. These early works began to outline his unique artistic identity, which combines intricate, rapid-fire rap delivery with the poignant, melodic sensibilities of a folk singer-songwriter. His second full-length solo album, They Hate Francisco False, was released in 2006.
A pivotal moment came in 2008 when Ceschi and his brother David established their own independent record label, Fake Four Inc. The label provided a platform for their own music and for a community of like-minded independent and experimental artists. That same year, Ceschi released the single "Count on It / Bad Jokes," followed by "Same Old Love Song" in 2009.
Artistic Evolution and Acclaim (2010-2018)
The year 2010 saw the release of The One Man Band Broke Up, a celebrated collaboration with German producer DJ Scientist. The album was characterized as "music for the saddest party in recorded human history," which underscored the powerful emotional depth of Ceschi's work. Later that year, Ceschi faced significant personal challenges, pleading guilty to charges related to a marijuana shipment. Despite this, he continued his musical output, releasing the Shorted Circuits EP in 2011 and two projects titled Ceschi Behind Bars Pt. 1 in 2013.
He earned formal recognition for his talent in 2014, receiving the award for Best Hip Hop at the Connecticut Music Awards. In 2015, he released two major collaborative projects: Broken Bone Ballads with Canadian producer Factor Chandelier, and a Split album with influential folk-punk artist Pat the Bunny. He followed these with Elm St. Sessions in 2018.
Recent Work (2019-Present)
Ceschi's creative output remained prolific in the following years. In 2019, he released two full-length albums: Sad, Fat Luck, his second collaboration with Factor Chandelier, and the introspective Sans Soleil. The albums were seen as explorations of the different stages of grief. That same year, his collaboration with Jahan Nostra on the music video for "El Chapo" earned the award for Best Music Video at the Hip Hop Film Festival. This was followed by DRKWLKR in 2020.
His 2021 output included both the DIY Bandits Bootleg and the album This Guitar Was Stolen Along With Years Of Our Lives, which signaled a renewed focus on guitar-centric songwriting. His recent discography includes This Guitar Was Stolen - B-Sides & Alt Takes, Forgotten Forever, and We Don't Stand a Chance (all 2022), as well as Beginning of a New Era (2023). He released an ambitious two-part project in 2024, consisting of Bring Us The Head Of Francisco False (Part 1) and Bring Us The Head Of Francisco False (Part 2).
Codefendants and Other Collaborations
In 2021, Ceschi embarked on a significant new chapter by forming the band Codefendants with punk rock veterans Fat Mike of NOFX and Sam King of Get Dead. The project transcends genre boundaries, creating a unique sound they've dubbed "crime wave"—a potent mix of hip hop, new wave, and punk rock. In 2023, Codefendants issued their debut album, This Is Crime Wave, and proceeded to tour extensively, supporting NOFX on their farewell tour and performing alongside acts such as Pennywise and Circle Jerks.
Throughout his career, collaboration has been central to Ceschi's artistry. His key creative partners include:
- His brother, David Ramos, with whom he has worked since his earliest projects and co-founded Fake Four Inc.
- Producer Factor Chandelier, on the albums Broken Bone Ballads and Sad, Fat Luck.
- Producer DJ Scientist, on The One Man Band Broke Up.
- Folk-punk artist Pat the Bunny, on their popular 2015 split release.
Musical Style and Influences
Ceschi's music is defined by its emotional honesty and stylistic fluidity. His work navigates a vast sonic landscape, incorporating elements of underground hip hop, folk punk, hardcore, new wave, and experimental music. He is known for both his technically complex, fast-paced rapping and his raw, heartfelt singing, often accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. His lyrics are deeply personal, frequently tackling themes of loss, grief, mental health, and the struggle for acceptance in a complex world.
His eclectic sound is informed by a wide array of influences. He has cited inspiration from a diverse group of artists, including:
- Singer-songwriters like Aimee Mann and Elliott Smith
- Latin American Nueva Trova artists such as Silvio Rodriguez and Roy Brown
- Iconic bands like The Smiths and Neutral Milk Hotel
- Fellow musicians and collaborators, including Pat The Bunny
Touring and Audience Connection
Ceschi has cultivated a dedicated global fanbase through relentless touring across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. His live shows are known for their passion and intensity, creating a powerful connection with audiences who appreciate his genre-defying approach and lyrical vulnerability. He views performing not just as a profession but as a source of liberation and a means to process life's difficulties, making music that reflects his experiences and playing for anyone willing to listen.