Frank Turner Interview

This is the first interview that has found it's way onto my blog, which just so happens to be from one of the musicians I admire most in the world. Said musician is folk-rock extraordinaire Mr Frank Turner.

Q.  If you could instantly change one thing in the world, what would it be?

A. I'd add an extra month to the year so I could get some sleep.


Q. It's safe to say you're pretty successful now, yet you don't appear
to have any air of self-importance or 'celebrity status', how and why do
you do this?

A. I don't consider myself to be a "celebrity" or indeed important, either
to myself or anyone else. The facts are against it. I'm not doing any of
this to be famous or anything like that - my aim is to make good music
and be a good entertainer. My mother brought me up to think arrogance to
be the worst of sins. Plus the guys in my band and crew rip on me
mercilessly 24-7, which helps keep me grounded.


Q. Other than band/crew/instruments etc, what would you hate to go on
tour without?

A. My laptop, in all honesty. I use it to write, demo, work, keep in touch,
all that kind of thing.


Q. What's the weirdest show or venue you've ever played?

A. There are too many to choose from. The illegal tour I did in China in
2010 was pretty wild.


Q. What do you miss most about England when you're in different countries?

A. Greasy spoon cafes. Full English and a cup of tea for £3.50? Bliss.


Q. Other than Winchester or London, where is your favourite place in the UK?

A. Hm, good question. As a city I'd probably pick either Leeds or Exeter.
For the wilds, either Devon or the northwest Highlands in Scotland.


Q. You've done some pretty amazing things, toured the world, played
Wembley etc, musically, what else do you wish to achieve?

A. I have much more to achieve. I'd like to write better songs - songs that
could hold a candle to Townes Van Zandt.


Q. Who is your greatest musical inspiration?

A. Overall I'd probably say Bruce Springsteen. He's got it all.


Q. Which new or less known artists do you think most deserve to do well?

A. I'm a big fan of Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun, and also the Retrospective
Soundtrack Players - their new record is amazing.


Q. If you weren't a musician, what do you think you'd be doing?

A. Trying to be one.


Thank you Frank!

Music fans - enthusiasm, or obsession?

Musicians rely on fans to survive as much as they do food and water. Without them, records are not sold, merchandise is abandoned and shows are left emptier than Simon Cowell’s soul. They’re completely necessary to keep a band afloat. This deal works well both ways – people get albums they love, and shows to go and see, in return for a few quid. That in itself doesn’t seem too horrific. Music is a staple part of so many people’s lives, and it’s natural to return to your favourite musicians, but is there a darker side to an adoration of an artist? I can’t help but wonder when the line crosses between being a fan, and being somewhat obsessed. It is surprisingly easy to buy into the lifestyles associated with various musicians, whether it is an intentional action or not. Perhaps it really does fill a void within people’s lives, but it doesn’t seem a particularly healthy attitude to have. Though would it even be in the interest of an artist for this to stop – could musicians be as successful without this fixated culture?

Of course, this is far from a new way of behaving. It’s been prominent since Beatlemania, all the way to Gaga’s ‘Little Monsters’. I like to think that at a point in time, someone was rocking out to Baroque, or there was mass hysteria at the mere sight of Tchaikovsky. 

Observing live music recently, I’ve witnessed all levels of musical enthusiasm, from vague interest, all the way to ‘I-know-where-you-live-and-everything-about-you’ type obsession. The more I’ve considered it, the more alarming it seems. Do we really exist in a society where reliance in music, or a particular musician, can become a major focus point of our lives - and which is completely socially accepted? I can’t claim innocence entirely (though perhaps not as ‘dedicated’ as some...), but keeping a healthy attitude towards the music in our lives, especially with the accessibility and reminders constantly provided by social media, seems more important than ever.

Looking at this from a completely cold-hearted angle – your favourite musicians inevitably want money from you. They need it (for the most part), to keep providing new music, and to be able to continue touring. But this means these people are not your friends - they’re business associates. 

Don’t get me wrong, I adore music, and I always will. I have nothing but respect for (most!) people who dedicate their lives to music. It does, however, seem important to treat enthusiasm for an artist carefully. It’s easy to forget that a record deal does not make people any less human, or ordinary. The poignant moment for me, that was the catalyst for this, happened last week. I travelled a 190 mile round trip to see my favourite musician, (the second show that week), and once home realised I’d spent more time talking to him, than my friend I was staying with. That doesn’t seem right to me.