Q&A With The Franks

Jean Don't from The Franks graceously answered our Q&A while he was on a mini west coast tour with Shout Oud Louds.  Also, check out their video for "Neon Politik" below!

Q: Touring is a big part of a musician’s job nowadays, any advice for artists getting into their first years of touring?
A: Honestly, we could use the advice. Anyone? Anyone?? My best understanding is you have many ways to go about it: Do it yourself and play small, potentially shitty shows with the hope that next time it'll be better. Maybe you're friends with bigger, more successful bands who can draw an audience... get on a tour with them. Get a booking agent?! That's kind of hard to do though. Personally, I really like the idea of focusing locally. In Southern California we have a lot of smaller cities to visit and play. No matter what, it's hard to get people to come out but if you can get an entire region on your side it seems like you'll be in much better shape to go nationally and then internationally.

Q: You are leaving for tour, list 5 things you can't live without on the road.
A: 1) sunglasses  2) snacks  3) rest stops  4) clean socks, underwear  5) tooth brush, toothpaste, floss

Q: What challenges have you overcome as an artist, or band, that have made you a better band/artist?
A: Get back to me in a year but I'd say coming to terms with Mimi and Ron's other band called Superhumanoids, which is really good. Schedule-wise it's harder on them because they have to split their time between projects. But in the past my ego has taken hits because of this too. I felt like because they had another group going they weren't committed to the Franks. We're lablemates and bestfriends and these days I'm feeling more comfortable and supportive. I've realized that just as we all have split personalities, we have split interests and one doesn't necessarily undermine another. That's helped keep us tight because where there could be resentment there's now encouragement.

Q: What motivates you to continue making music?
A: That I'm sure I'm right.

The first record that had an influence on me becoming a musician was the "That Thing You Do" soundtrack, and the first instrument that I ever owned was a penny whistle.

Q: If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?
A: I'd probably be on the other side of this Q&A.