Francesco “Franz” Aprili (Rome, 1991) is an Italian drummer and composer working across pop, indie, and contemporary singer-songwriter music.
He was introduced to music at an early age through his parents’ passion for jazz and world music. He began studying drums at the age of ten and later graduated from the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome, where he studied with Daniele Chiantese and Roberto Gatto. He further refined his craft through private studies with Alfredo Golino and, in the United States, with Matt Johnson and Joe La Barbera.
From 2010 to 2015, he was a member of Boxerin Club, performing throughout Italy and Europe and taking part in the CMJ Music Marathon in New York after winning the Arezzo Wave contest.
Since 2015, he has been active as a session musician and touring drummer, collaborating both live and in the studio with a wide range of artists, including Ariete, Franco126,
Francesca Michielin, Joan Thiele, Aiello, Tutti Fenomeni, Colombre, Mobrici, and Il Tre Since 2016, he has been the touring drummer for Giorgio Poi, performing in clubs, theaters, and major festivals, including the Primo Maggio Concert in Rome, and culminating in a sold-out show at La Cigale in Paris in 2026.
In 2018, he opened for Phoenix with Giorgio Poi during the band’s international Ti Amo tour. This experience led to a direct collaboration with Phoenix: in 2023, he stepped in for drummer Thomas Hedlund on selected dates of the Asian leg of the Alpha Zulu tour. He continued working with the band in 2024 and 2025, performing at major international festivals and venues including the Accor Arena in Paris, Budweiser Stage in Toronto, and Corona Capital in Mexico.
