Hello everyone! I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Frank Fletcher, where we delved into his music, specifically his recently released song "Rollin." We discussed everything from the inspiration behind the song, his songwriting process, the recording process, to his musical influences. Here's a recap of our enlightening conversation.
The Songwriting Process: A Tale of Two Moods
When asked about his approach to writing a fun, lighthearted song like "Rollin" compared to more serious and heartfelt songs, Frank shared that the serious songs come easier to him. He can pour his emotions into them, making them more relatable. On the other hand, fun songs are a bit harder because he feels less connected to them. Interestingly, some of his best songs have come to him spontaneously, while others have taken multiple writing sessions.
Recording "Rollin": A Fun Yet Nerve-Wracking Experience
The recording process for "Rollin" was a fun experience for Frank. He and his bandmates all got together to write and record the song. His favorite part of the whole process is playing the new song live and seeing the crowd's reaction. However, he admits that laying vocals in the studio can be tedious and nerve-wracking.
The Message Behind "Rollin"
When asked what he hopes people will get from "Rollin," Frank simply wants them to have a good time and enjoy the song. He wants it to lighten their mood and make them want to party or have fun while listening to it.
The Allure of Country Rock
Growing up in South Alabama, Frank was exposed to country music but was a rocker at heart. This combination led him to the genre of country rock, a fusion that perfectly encapsulates his musical style.
Musical Influences and Memorable Concerts
Frank grew up listening to a variety of genres, including blues, country, and rock. He recalls being a fan of artists like Johnny Lang and attending concerts with his mom as a bonding experience. Memorable concerts include seeing Creed, Sevendust, Kid Rock, and Metallica when he was 14, which had a significant impact on him as a rocker. He also recalls seeing Cher in concert, describing it as a Las Vegas-style show with extravagant costumes and aerial performances.
Lessons from the Music Industry
Having had the opportunity to open for and play alongside bigger national acts, Frank has gained a newfound respect for the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect, including fans, and acknowledges the gratitude he feels towards his own supporters.
The Energy of Live Shows
Frank describes his live shows as high-energy and interactive, guaranteeing a good time for the audience. He plays a significant number of shows each year, making it difficult to choose a single favorite. Most of their shows require them to play a four-hour set without breaks, so they have adapted to this and play four hours at all their bars and smaller venues.
Pre-Show and Post-Show Rituals
Depending on the venue, Frank walks around the crowd before the show to get a vibe and feel for the room. He and the guitar player usually do a shot of Jager as a pregame ritual. As for post-show rituals, their schedule is usually tight, so they focus on breaking down, loading out, and getting to the next spot or hotel to catch a few hours of sleep before the next show.
Fun and Personal Insights
If Frank didn't work in the music industry, he would probably be working on cars, doing things like turning wrenches, fixing tires, and doing front end alignments. When asked who he would love to see in concert from history for one night only, he chose Elvis Presley. If he had to spend 24 hours locked in a room with any musician from history, he would still choose Elvis Presley. The song that would appear on the soundtrack to his life is "If It Wasn't for Bad Luck."
Our interview with Frank was a delightful journey through his musical career. His passion for music, respect for his fans, and dedication to his craft are truly inspiring. We can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!
