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!