Frank Turner Interview

BBM catches up with English folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner, before he embarks on a mini Australian tour with American celtic punks Dropkick Murphy’s in April. We find out more about his latest album ‘Tape Deck Heart’ which is set for release on 22nd April 2013.

Hi Frank, where abouts in the world are you?
Right now I’ve just arrived in Beijing, China.

How did you first initially get into Folk and Punk music?
I grew up listening to punk rock from a pretty early age. Folk and roots music came to me later in life, when I was touring in hardcore punk bands, I started listening to more acoustic music in my down time to keep my sanity, and over time it won my heart.

Do you get nervous before you go onstage? Were you really nervous about performing at the Olympic Ceremony?
Not usually, no, though I do get excited before a gig, I enjoy what I do. The Olympic thing was different because I was out of my comfort zone, and of course the audience was very large, so I was a little sketched out before that one, sure.

You’ve been working on your new album ‘Tape Deck Heart,’ tell me more about this album, how is it different from your previous work?
Well, for a start I hope it’s different in some ways because I am not interested in repeating myself! So I’m always trying to push forward a little here and there. I guess the biggest difference this time is that we (the Sleeping Souls and I) made the record with Rich Costey in Burbank CA. It was a much more intense recording process than I’m used to. It was great.

Are there any running concepts or themes throughout the album?
I don’t write towards themes, but they do sometimes emerge afterwards. I guess this is a record about change, about growing up, and most of all about heartbreak.

You’re performing with Dropkick Murphy’s and Swinging Utters in April, what are you most looking forward to on this tour?
Being back in Australia is always a pleasure, as is touring with the Dropkicks, so putting the two together should make for a pretty incredible trip.

How do you think overseas audiences differ to UK crowds?
Every place has its own foibles and charms, but overall I don’t think audiences differ that much between countries, especially western ones.

What’s the most unusual festival you’ve been to or played at, as there are so many boutique ones now?
I guess some of the Eastern European or Asian festivals are a little more off the beaten track, they can be pretty crazy. I also played a festival near Alice Springs last year that was pretty mind blowing.

Who’s been the biggest inspiration/influence on your music?
It’s hard to pick just the one, but maybe let’s say Springsteen, and probably Adam Duritz from Counting Crows as well.

Is there anyone in the music industry that you’d like to collaborate with?
Either of the above would be just fine, haha.

What else do you have planned for the rest of 2013?
An awful lot of touring.

What’s been a career highlight for you?
Having a career. In all seriousness, the odds against making a living out of music over any serious length of time are pretty overwhelming, so I’m just happy to be doing what I do.

What’s the craziest/funniest thing that’s ever happened to your whilst on tour?
It’s been my whole life for more than half my life, so it’s hard to pick just the one thing.

By Rachel Pottle

Check out more information about Frank Turner’s tour with Dropkick Murphy’s and Swinging Utters here