Frank Turner

“My whole relationship with rock'n'roll is that it was something my parents opposed; it's something that has a seed of rebellion to it.”

Ahead of his new album Tapedeck Heart being released on the 22nd April I caught up with Frank Turner for a quick chat. From early days in hardcore band Million Dead to going solo and spending several years straight touring and then to performing at the Olympics Frank Turner is one of the busiest people in music today and deserves the most success. We touch on his new album, his early days and his opinion on music

MN: First things first, you've got your new album Tapedeck Heart coming out in a few weeks. What can we expect from that? Any new sounds or will you be returning to your hardcore past? Will we hear similar themes from albums gone by?

Frank: It's hopefully a progression from the last record I did in some ways, though it's in the same ballpark musically. I suppose it's a little bit bigger, more ambitious in sound. No hardcore. Thematically, it's a very raw, personal record, it's about change and heartbreak.

MN: What music do you listen to mostly? Do you listen to 'current' music? Which artist do you think will be big or want to be big in the future?

Frank: I mostly listen to country and folk music, with a bit of punk rock in there as well. I don't specifically listen to "current" music, and I'm not really dialled in to any current scenes. I just find what I like and listen to that.

MN: Music taste is usually passed down from the parents so did you take influence from your parents taste? what were they into? Or did you get your taste on your own exploring music yourself?

Frank: My parents only listen to classical music, so they didn't have anything to do with my taste in music. My whole relationship with rock'n'roll is that it was something my parents opposed, it's something that has a seed of rebellion to it.

MN: You're known for your extensive touring but what city/town is your favourite to play in? Do people in abroad shows understand your music? Do the US fans who are covered in Americana understand and enjoy your Anglicana?

Frank: It'd be hard to pick just one place. I do love America, particularly the south and the west, and I suppose Austin TX is in for a special mention. I was worried before I started touring the US about whether people there would appreciate what I do, but in the end people seem to get it, yes. I suppose there's more universality to music than you might think, haha.

MN: In the early days was there ever a time where you thought you should jack it all in and get a conventional career?

Frank: Yes, for about two years everyone, including me, thought that I was probably wasting my time.

MN: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Do you have any musical dreams you are yet to cross off your list?

Frank: Right now I'd say I hope to still be on the road and making music, as long as it stays interesting and doesn't repeat itself. That said, I've learned not to predict the future, so you never know. I have a bunch of musical ambitions, sure, people I'd like to play with, and I'd like to improve at what I do. I'm very self-critical.

MN: Whats the best bit of being you? How do you come up with such honest lyrics?

Frank: Haha, uh, I guess it's just a privilege to do something you love for a living, and to travel as well. Lyrics, well, I just write really, I try not to analyse it too much.

MN: And finally some fun questions... What’s your favourite colour? Do you follow football, if so who do you support? If you had to be an animal what you be? If I was to take you to a Subway sandwich shop which sandwich would you have?

Frank: Black. Not into football. I'd be a dog I suppose, I love dogs. Subway, uh, Italian BMT.

Frank is touring to promote his new album over the coming weeks as well as doing a string of festivals including headlining 2000 Trees and hitting the main stage for Leeds & Reading. Frank is going from strength to strength and it’s looking like he is here to stay.