Kat Bracket
Hails Frank! First of all, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before we really get rolling, I’ve read that you’re currently working on your sophomore album, how is the writing process going and will you be adding new characters?
Frank X
yeah. the story continues and more awkward moments on the way ;-)
Kat Bracket
Everyone faces some technical or creative challenges while writing or recording a new song or album. In 2015, you release your debut “Frank X & the Project: Earth” which included 14 tracks that has been doing extremely well. Over the years you have made many demos recordings but this was your first debut album. This release is a concept album; would you say that is a caricature of the origin of mankind? Throughout each track you have a few main characters that support the unfolding Lucifer’s and reveals certain events that some would feel it has a twisted turns through some of your lyrics and dialogs. Will you continue to use the same characters?
Frank X
yes. actually this story has 3 parts. it's a trilogy to be unfolded onto 3 albums. some new characters will be introduced.
Kat Bracket
I never read the “Book of Enoch” but do know that many scholars have different thoughts in these regards when it was written. In those times it was said it was written onto scrolls and was written by Enoch. The Book of Enoch is also broken into 5 sections, and a 3 chapter fragments. Now, did you base your debut release “Frank X & the Project: Earth” on what you have read and research about the “Book of Enoch” and do you think that you’ll continue down the road creating five albums with song chapters down the road?
Frank X
I have a copy of Enoch book and yes some things been picked out of it but also from another great book named URANTIA. However, the main point of this project is to make something funny with it by using some topics everyone can relate to and gods and Lucifa are definitely good characters to jerk on ! But I already have ideas for the 4th album which will be into something else.
Kat Bracket
It seems that your 13th track, “The Doom” is a fan favorite. While you’re listening to this track, you get the sense that Lucifer’s chaos has spreading through the massive and cause massive corruption and war. How do you feel this track tides in the final chapter of this release?
Frank X
it's a kind of recap of the previous tracks and mentioning many cheats and tricks Lucifa used to control mankind. it's the final chaos of all these tricks put together that went to a massive chaos that warned God to interfer.
Kat Bracket
That is very interesting that you also based some of your songs from reading Urantia Book. In which I had to read for a class in collage. Do you enjoy reading materials based on spiritual philosophies?
Frank X
Yes I luv philosophies, spirituality and read sooo many books on the subject but also luv deep space, sci fi and spicy burritos ;-)
Kat Bracket
It does seem that you like to read a blend of science, philosophy, history, cosmology and different religions. Sometimes you’ll write a song(s) based on whatever reflects in your mind and many times it will turn out to be something very different. What difficulties do you face while writing a particular song for your debut release?
Frank X
I have to admit I'm definitely a concept guy. I wrote so many poems, theatrical dialogs, movies... and it's easy for me to get ideas to develop. My biggest problems is the time I have to release all what's going on in my head. I really cannot catch all up.
Kat Bracket
I would like to get back to your song, “The Doom”. You recently created a video for it. Since you are also into movie score composing, movie directing, acting and also jingles writings for TV/ radio for at least 15 plus years. Did you write a script for this video?
Frank X
Yes of course. it's actually 5-6 micro stories switching back and forth all along to define the most important spheres the doom has brought. I will release "the making of" by debut of Sept. with bloopers, behind the scene footage and also the concept explained.
Kat Bracket
Since this album is a concept album, did you track the songs off this release in a chronological way or did it all fall together towards the end?
Frank X
I've recorded in a chronological way and all was planned at start. The only thing I interchange sometimes are the melodies or the riffs. I'm still recording the new one in the same way. From begining to end. I only keep the dialog parts for the end this time.
Gene Olivarri
what do you to prepare for your recordings as for me I like to have a bowl of honey combs cereal and think about things before I go in to record guitar
Frank X
I use to take a beer outside while rehearsing vocal parts :-D
Kat Bracket
Kat Bracket Gene is the guitarist of DiRiGiRi (not letting me tag)
Kat Bracket
You do have your own home studio called, “Utopix Studios”. What is your full studio set up and do you find it much easier these days to record at home because it gives you more time to record compared to scheduling a recording studio?
Frank X
The most important part in my opinion is the time you have. My studio is actually a PC, 6 track mixer, very average mic and that's it. But it's unbeleivable all what you can achieve if you are patient and do the right things.
Rich Hervey
Hails frank. I have to agree with patience these days you can achieve alot with a home studio.can you please tell us a little bit about what went into drum tracking?
Kat Bracket
Rich is the drummer of Day of Doom.
Frank X
I play drum so writting drum parts is what I enjoy very much. all programmed with STUDIO DRUMMER and cubase. no performance
Kat Bracket
Back in the days we had MTV which has helped many bands gain much exposure. Do you feel its still necessary for bands to create videos?
Frank X
yes of course. images are everything and everyone look to SEE something. Music need some wrapping for people eyes to be satisfied. I've no doubt about it.
Kat Bracket
Today, there are so many genres compared to the past. I know that some have label and descried this release with reviews and individuals commenting. Some had said, Thrash Metal, Doom Metal and Progressive Metal. What are your thoughts about one labeling your project?
Frank X
All these genre are OK to me, I mean it's only words and attempt to define your music for others to figure out. But sometimes, some genre are silghtly different for one person to another so it remains a guide where to classified this huge bunch of bands we have nowadays.
Kat Bracket
Do you ever sit back and have a beer and just shake your head with some of the categorizing of your album or do you feel no matter what they label you as other fans from those scenes will go check it out?
Frank X
I actually found very interesting how people categorize my work. One ever wrote and compared my first album to King diamond ?! but I understand what he meant but it's never offensing but interesting.
but yes it's important to categorize I think
Kat Bracket
From what I know of that your album is exclusively available in a digital format, have you thought of doing hard copies?
Frank X
yes I ever thought about it. I'm pretty new in the metal neighborhood and Frank X exist since last year only. I'm far to be well known. So it's a matter of money producing hard copies. That's the same reason why I offered my album for free at start. I don't think before the third album will be workable financially.
Kat Bracket
Metal was never about making money. Do you feel sometimes when one goes mainstream and making a living off it, that it can spoil one's artistic expression?
Frank X
Yes. it can definitely spoil but it's always a matter of choice. At every moment you can choose to follow your creativity and making choice accordingly but if you need money from sales for living, it definitely can interfer in the final result as a matter of compromise. But life is always a compromise somehow.
Kat Bracket
Where can one download your album if they are interested in taken a listen? Also, as an old schooler like myself, did you find it hard to adapt how music is heard today? Do you miss the old school days of cassettes, records, 8tracks and even CD's?
Frank X
you can download my album here
http://frank-x.weebly.com/albums.html
I enjoy much the new technologies and for having recorded with TASCAM in my begining, I much prefer by far CUBASE :-D
Kat Bracket
I will talk about some of your past bands and influence’s later in the interview of an interesting fact that many not know about. This time around you have taken a different approach with creating, writing the music and lyrics all on your own. There are moments when one musicians concepts and musical directions change and not always easy to find the right musicians to grasp on. When did you decide to write a metal album as a soloist and do you find it exhausting doing it all yourself?
Frank X
When you play in a band, it's a give and take situation where everyone is feeding each other to obtain a kind of blend of the whole group. writting alone is more work because you have to fill all by yourself. But it's way less hassling then planning rehearsal and dealing with everyone schedule that's for sure. I much prefer being alone for this reason.
Kat Bracket
I can agree, less of a headache sometimes. Do you miss playing live at all?
Frank X
I always enjoyed more writting then performing. I was playing in bars at the age of 15. I did a lot of shows at young age so I guess I got a little bored about it. But I remember very well the feeling of it when seeing other bands, that's enough for me I guess.
Kat Bracket
While you were in school studying score composing and sounds design, you began working on a musical instrumental project that you named Frank X which was a mixture of electro/prog rock. Didn’t you write a five track album and was that ever released?
Frank X
yes, that's right. This is the origin of the name. I never released this as it was a kind of school project and my very first programmed music.
Kat Bracket
If I remember one of your first serious band was “DAMAGED” with Stephane Provencher (who was the first drummer of Gorguts) and Steve Cloutier (Gorguts bassist on their2nd album). Since Gorguts will be playing soon in New York, are you a big fan of Gorguts?
Frank X
Luc Lemay is my old schoolmate and we spent so much time together because we always got the same interests like drawing artworks, death, black and thrash metal music. I'm working graphics and album artworks for his t-shirts or album. He visit me sometimes for taking a beer etc... However I'm not a big fan of Gorguts. not exactly being in my musical taste but they are all awesome musicians and the last album pleiade's dust is a masterpiece that's for sure. I should go to see them rehearsing soon but will not go to see them in new york.
Kat Bracket
Another past band you were a part of was Psychicthrob with Steve Macdonald (R.I.P. also was the 2nd drummer of Gorguts). As you stated before that you were playing in bars at the age of 15. What instrument did you play in both these past bands I have mention? Which instrument did you learn to play first and what is your favorite instrument enjoy most?
Frank X
I've started playing guitar and then quitar and vox from damaged till psychicthrob broke up. I was guitar with steve macdonald but we didn't push that side band very far since I was already occupied much with psychicthrobe at that time. But I have to admit I always prefer to go on drums when possible.
Kat Bracket
Do you still have your old recordings? Did you ever record from a radio while you rehearsed in those days?
Frank X
I still have damaged and psychicthrob demos and some rehearsals. We didn't record anything with S. Macdonald but it was fucking heavy. This drummer was a machine and this sideband was in Napalm death early style.
Kat Bracket
Are you self-taught for each instrument or have you taken lessons?
Frank X
I took guitar lessons ever but was already playing in a band. So, yes I learned all by myself.
Kat Bracket
S. Macdonald was a bad ass drummer, bassist, guitarist and even vocals remember Asgard from 97', but I recall hearing his drumming skills when I received a demo sent to me in 1988 from Sadistic Vision. It brings back a lot of good memories. Do you remember that demo?
Frank X
Yeahh. I luved Sadistic Vision very special and original stuff. We were actually rehearsing our side band in Sadistic vision's place at that time.
Kat Bracket
I wonder if you can find that demo on the internet these days. Given a bit of history of Canada…..Montreal, Canada is also considered “Heavy Montreal”. When I was growing up in the 70’s I remember listening to one of my grandmother’s favorite blues rock band, The Sparrows, in which, many will know them today as Steppenwolf. Who knew that their 1968 single "Born to be Wild" will still be a huge hit today, I wonder how many knew that they were one of the first to use the term/words 'heavy metal' in their song lyric. Which one of your song(s) would you like to see continue to be played for generations to come?
Frank X
I would really enjoy listening again to Sadistic Vision's demo but have lost it a long time ago. I'm not sure one of my song will ever play forward that far, would be great though. New songs I'm currently recording are heavier and more elaborated. I'm really anxious to release my 2nd album as it's definitely better in all aspects.
Kat Bracket
Kat Bracket Some of your influence’s include: King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Devin Townsend, Mr bungle, and Alice in Chains. How do you think some of your influences have shaped your own musical direction?
Frank X
Devin Townsend is definitely the Trigger to The project Earth album. Alice in Chains vocals always influenced me much since their very first album. In the next album, there will be more King Crimson and ELP influences showing up.
Kat Bracket
Today, do you think that newer generation who are just starting to listen to metal should listen to some roots like Black Sabbath? In that era their downtuning was brilliant and created some of the best pounding grooves that you just can’t forget. Also what do you what to elaborate more in this upcoming album?
Frank X
I found a lot of teens actually listen to these bands already from their parents I guess like I ever listened to Elvis and actually enjoyed a lot from my parents. They were legends mostly because of the timing and because there werent much bands at that time, Nowadays you have way better musicianship then ever but you know, time is up for them to become the first I guess My next album will now feature 7 strings guitar, 5 strings bass guitar, heavier sounds mix and a little lower pitched. better overall mixing quality.
Kat Bracket
When it comes to mixing do you keep your track count?
Frank X
you mean the takes ?
Kat Bracket
Yes...
Frank X
Once again it's always a matter of time spent. If I rehearsed more I do in less take. But most of the time I do not rehearse much and prefer to punch in and out till to get the perfect take. This way I don't loose time to rehearse and get the result I want anyway.
Kat Bracket
How many new songs have your writing for your sophomore album and do you have a working title as of yet?
Frank X
There will be 10 songs, I have 7 fully recorded, 5 with vocals as well. The album title and the cover art will be revealed by next November.
Kat Bracket
Will you have any special guest on this release?
Frank X
No but that's very interesting ! I never thought about it before. I might ask Luc Lemay to sing some parts !! good idea. will definitely check this out with him. thanks for this !! :-)
Kat Bracket
I am sure that he would be thrilled to do it. Do you feel that the metal scene in your homeland is still strong as it was back in the days with supporting one another?
Frank X
That's a tuff one. Back in the days was harder in many things and more costy to promote yourself but in the other hand, there were not so many bands so you got yourself established more easily. Today is much easier to promote yourself at no cost on the web but you are drowned among million of bands. I don't know
Kat Bracket
I agree that today its much easier to promote your band because of the internet. In which, I see you promoting all the time. How many hours a day do you spend on promoting on the net? Also, I still feel that promoting in person is still the best method.
Frank X
When I started I spent a lot of time as nobody knew me. Each time I get some kinda exposure, I'm trying to spread the word as much as possible. now everything got more calm about my first album so I do not promote much but trying to keep up some kind of cadency by publishing videos here and there till the next album release.
Frank X
I will start back this next sept Oct more constantly
Kat Bracket
It's always great to keep to your band in the loop of the internet so individuals stay interested. Such as doing some interviews here and there. If one is interested in contact you for a review or an interview is it best to reach you though Frank X band page?
Frank X
yes of course, I'm definitely connected
Kat Bracket
Let’s take a band Anvil who is a great band since 78’. They were an unrated metal band, do you feel when the documentary film, Anvil! The Story of Anvil help reclaim and renewed the recognition they surely deserved? What other metal bands have you been enjoying from Canada?
Frank X
I didn't know about ANVIL documentary ! that's cool. will look for it. I really listened much to ANVIL.
VOIVOD is a very original and good one in my opinion. no one sounds like this even nowadays
Kat Bracket
Will you continue to do an intro and outro?
Frank X
yes of course. It will be my signature. however, this time I will try to keep things more separately. You get quickly bored by dialogs that need to be easily skipped to not bother the listener in my opinion.
Kat Bracket
What was the reason that you left the metal scene for a few years and what drawn you back to it?
Frank X
I involved myself into businesses for many years and raised my family. in 2013 I got burned out and fell in depression. I got back to my roots I guess and never felt better then I am now since a long time
Kat Bracket
I agree sometimes you get burnt out and need to take a short break from it. But its always in your blood and you return to it. I glad that you've returned and are doing one hell of a killer job. I also would like to thank you for supporting all that I do.I wish you the very best with your upcoming release. Before I kick you out of my metal throne, if there any last words you would like to leave to your fans and our readers?
Frank X
Thanks a lot for all what you do for the metal scene, I really appreciate and sure all of your pals do as well they might just forgot to tell you sometimes ;-) If some don't want to miss anything I'm doing and getting my first and next album for free, subscribe to my newsletter and the deal is done. http://frank-x.com/
Thanks again Kat ! my butt is ready to be kicked out !!
Hails Frank! First of all, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before we really get rolling, I’ve read that you’re currently working on your sophomore album, how is the writing process going and will you be adding new characters?
Frank X
yeah. the story continues and more awkward moments on the way ;-)
Kat Bracket
Everyone faces some technical or creative challenges while writing or recording a new song or album. In 2015, you release your debut “Frank X & the Project: Earth” which included 14 tracks that has been doing extremely well. Over the years you have made many demos recordings but this was your first debut album. This release is a concept album; would you say that is a caricature of the origin of mankind? Throughout each track you have a few main characters that support the unfolding Lucifer’s and reveals certain events that some would feel it has a twisted turns through some of your lyrics and dialogs. Will you continue to use the same characters?
Frank X
yes. actually this story has 3 parts. it's a trilogy to be unfolded onto 3 albums. some new characters will be introduced.
Kat Bracket
I never read the “Book of Enoch” but do know that many scholars have different thoughts in these regards when it was written. In those times it was said it was written onto scrolls and was written by Enoch. The Book of Enoch is also broken into 5 sections, and a 3 chapter fragments. Now, did you base your debut release “Frank X & the Project: Earth” on what you have read and research about the “Book of Enoch” and do you think that you’ll continue down the road creating five albums with song chapters down the road?
Frank X
I have a copy of Enoch book and yes some things been picked out of it but also from another great book named URANTIA. However, the main point of this project is to make something funny with it by using some topics everyone can relate to and gods and Lucifa are definitely good characters to jerk on ! But I already have ideas for the 4th album which will be into something else.
Kat Bracket
It seems that your 13th track, “The Doom” is a fan favorite. While you’re listening to this track, you get the sense that Lucifer’s chaos has spreading through the massive and cause massive corruption and war. How do you feel this track tides in the final chapter of this release?
Frank X
it's a kind of recap of the previous tracks and mentioning many cheats and tricks Lucifa used to control mankind. it's the final chaos of all these tricks put together that went to a massive chaos that warned God to interfer.
Kat Bracket
That is very interesting that you also based some of your songs from reading Urantia Book. In which I had to read for a class in collage. Do you enjoy reading materials based on spiritual philosophies?
Frank X
Yes I luv philosophies, spirituality and read sooo many books on the subject but also luv deep space, sci fi and spicy burritos ;-)
Kat Bracket
It does seem that you like to read a blend of science, philosophy, history, cosmology and different religions. Sometimes you’ll write a song(s) based on whatever reflects in your mind and many times it will turn out to be something very different. What difficulties do you face while writing a particular song for your debut release?
Frank X
I have to admit I'm definitely a concept guy. I wrote so many poems, theatrical dialogs, movies... and it's easy for me to get ideas to develop. My biggest problems is the time I have to release all what's going on in my head. I really cannot catch all up.
Kat Bracket
I would like to get back to your song, “The Doom”. You recently created a video for it. Since you are also into movie score composing, movie directing, acting and also jingles writings for TV/ radio for at least 15 plus years. Did you write a script for this video?
Frank X
Yes of course. it's actually 5-6 micro stories switching back and forth all along to define the most important spheres the doom has brought. I will release "the making of" by debut of Sept. with bloopers, behind the scene footage and also the concept explained.
Kat Bracket
Since this album is a concept album, did you track the songs off this release in a chronological way or did it all fall together towards the end?
Frank X
I've recorded in a chronological way and all was planned at start. The only thing I interchange sometimes are the melodies or the riffs. I'm still recording the new one in the same way. From begining to end. I only keep the dialog parts for the end this time.
Gene Olivarri
what do you to prepare for your recordings as for me I like to have a bowl of honey combs cereal and think about things before I go in to record guitar
Frank X
I use to take a beer outside while rehearsing vocal parts :-D
Kat Bracket
Kat Bracket Gene is the guitarist of DiRiGiRi (not letting me tag)
Kat Bracket
You do have your own home studio called, “Utopix Studios”. What is your full studio set up and do you find it much easier these days to record at home because it gives you more time to record compared to scheduling a recording studio?
Frank X
The most important part in my opinion is the time you have. My studio is actually a PC, 6 track mixer, very average mic and that's it. But it's unbeleivable all what you can achieve if you are patient and do the right things.
Rich Hervey
Hails frank. I have to agree with patience these days you can achieve alot with a home studio.can you please tell us a little bit about what went into drum tracking?
Kat Bracket
Rich is the drummer of Day of Doom.
Frank X
I play drum so writting drum parts is what I enjoy very much. all programmed with STUDIO DRUMMER and cubase. no performance
Kat Bracket
Back in the days we had MTV which has helped many bands gain much exposure. Do you feel its still necessary for bands to create videos?
Frank X
yes of course. images are everything and everyone look to SEE something. Music need some wrapping for people eyes to be satisfied. I've no doubt about it.
Kat Bracket
Today, there are so many genres compared to the past. I know that some have label and descried this release with reviews and individuals commenting. Some had said, Thrash Metal, Doom Metal and Progressive Metal. What are your thoughts about one labeling your project?
Frank X
All these genre are OK to me, I mean it's only words and attempt to define your music for others to figure out. But sometimes, some genre are silghtly different for one person to another so it remains a guide where to classified this huge bunch of bands we have nowadays.
Kat Bracket
Do you ever sit back and have a beer and just shake your head with some of the categorizing of your album or do you feel no matter what they label you as other fans from those scenes will go check it out?
Frank X
I actually found very interesting how people categorize my work. One ever wrote and compared my first album to King diamond ?! but I understand what he meant but it's never offensing but interesting.
but yes it's important to categorize I think
Kat Bracket
From what I know of that your album is exclusively available in a digital format, have you thought of doing hard copies?
Frank X
yes I ever thought about it. I'm pretty new in the metal neighborhood and Frank X exist since last year only. I'm far to be well known. So it's a matter of money producing hard copies. That's the same reason why I offered my album for free at start. I don't think before the third album will be workable financially.
Kat Bracket
Metal was never about making money. Do you feel sometimes when one goes mainstream and making a living off it, that it can spoil one's artistic expression?
Frank X
Yes. it can definitely spoil but it's always a matter of choice. At every moment you can choose to follow your creativity and making choice accordingly but if you need money from sales for living, it definitely can interfer in the final result as a matter of compromise. But life is always a compromise somehow.
Kat Bracket
Where can one download your album if they are interested in taken a listen? Also, as an old schooler like myself, did you find it hard to adapt how music is heard today? Do you miss the old school days of cassettes, records, 8tracks and even CD's?
Frank X
you can download my album here
http://frank-x.weebly.com/albums.html
I enjoy much the new technologies and for having recorded with TASCAM in my begining, I much prefer by far CUBASE :-D
Kat Bracket
I will talk about some of your past bands and influence’s later in the interview of an interesting fact that many not know about. This time around you have taken a different approach with creating, writing the music and lyrics all on your own. There are moments when one musicians concepts and musical directions change and not always easy to find the right musicians to grasp on. When did you decide to write a metal album as a soloist and do you find it exhausting doing it all yourself?
Frank X
When you play in a band, it's a give and take situation where everyone is feeding each other to obtain a kind of blend of the whole group. writting alone is more work because you have to fill all by yourself. But it's way less hassling then planning rehearsal and dealing with everyone schedule that's for sure. I much prefer being alone for this reason.
Kat Bracket
I can agree, less of a headache sometimes. Do you miss playing live at all?
Frank X
I always enjoyed more writting then performing. I was playing in bars at the age of 15. I did a lot of shows at young age so I guess I got a little bored about it. But I remember very well the feeling of it when seeing other bands, that's enough for me I guess.
Kat Bracket
While you were in school studying score composing and sounds design, you began working on a musical instrumental project that you named Frank X which was a mixture of electro/prog rock. Didn’t you write a five track album and was that ever released?
Frank X
yes, that's right. This is the origin of the name. I never released this as it was a kind of school project and my very first programmed music.
Kat Bracket
If I remember one of your first serious band was “DAMAGED” with Stephane Provencher (who was the first drummer of Gorguts) and Steve Cloutier (Gorguts bassist on their2nd album). Since Gorguts will be playing soon in New York, are you a big fan of Gorguts?
Frank X
Luc Lemay is my old schoolmate and we spent so much time together because we always got the same interests like drawing artworks, death, black and thrash metal music. I'm working graphics and album artworks for his t-shirts or album. He visit me sometimes for taking a beer etc... However I'm not a big fan of Gorguts. not exactly being in my musical taste but they are all awesome musicians and the last album pleiade's dust is a masterpiece that's for sure. I should go to see them rehearsing soon but will not go to see them in new york.
Kat Bracket
Another past band you were a part of was Psychicthrob with Steve Macdonald (R.I.P. also was the 2nd drummer of Gorguts). As you stated before that you were playing in bars at the age of 15. What instrument did you play in both these past bands I have mention? Which instrument did you learn to play first and what is your favorite instrument enjoy most?
Frank X
I've started playing guitar and then quitar and vox from damaged till psychicthrob broke up. I was guitar with steve macdonald but we didn't push that side band very far since I was already occupied much with psychicthrobe at that time. But I have to admit I always prefer to go on drums when possible.
Kat Bracket
Do you still have your old recordings? Did you ever record from a radio while you rehearsed in those days?
Frank X
I still have damaged and psychicthrob demos and some rehearsals. We didn't record anything with S. Macdonald but it was fucking heavy. This drummer was a machine and this sideband was in Napalm death early style.
Kat Bracket
Are you self-taught for each instrument or have you taken lessons?
Frank X
I took guitar lessons ever but was already playing in a band. So, yes I learned all by myself.
Kat Bracket
S. Macdonald was a bad ass drummer, bassist, guitarist and even vocals remember Asgard from 97', but I recall hearing his drumming skills when I received a demo sent to me in 1988 from Sadistic Vision. It brings back a lot of good memories. Do you remember that demo?
Frank X
Yeahh. I luved Sadistic Vision very special and original stuff. We were actually rehearsing our side band in Sadistic vision's place at that time.
Kat Bracket
I wonder if you can find that demo on the internet these days. Given a bit of history of Canada…..Montreal, Canada is also considered “Heavy Montreal”. When I was growing up in the 70’s I remember listening to one of my grandmother’s favorite blues rock band, The Sparrows, in which, many will know them today as Steppenwolf. Who knew that their 1968 single "Born to be Wild" will still be a huge hit today, I wonder how many knew that they were one of the first to use the term/words 'heavy metal' in their song lyric. Which one of your song(s) would you like to see continue to be played for generations to come?
Frank X
I would really enjoy listening again to Sadistic Vision's demo but have lost it a long time ago. I'm not sure one of my song will ever play forward that far, would be great though. New songs I'm currently recording are heavier and more elaborated. I'm really anxious to release my 2nd album as it's definitely better in all aspects.
Kat Bracket
Kat Bracket Some of your influence’s include: King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Devin Townsend, Mr bungle, and Alice in Chains. How do you think some of your influences have shaped your own musical direction?
Frank X
Devin Townsend is definitely the Trigger to The project Earth album. Alice in Chains vocals always influenced me much since their very first album. In the next album, there will be more King Crimson and ELP influences showing up.
Kat Bracket
Today, do you think that newer generation who are just starting to listen to metal should listen to some roots like Black Sabbath? In that era their downtuning was brilliant and created some of the best pounding grooves that you just can’t forget. Also what do you what to elaborate more in this upcoming album?
Frank X
I found a lot of teens actually listen to these bands already from their parents I guess like I ever listened to Elvis and actually enjoyed a lot from my parents. They were legends mostly because of the timing and because there werent much bands at that time, Nowadays you have way better musicianship then ever but you know, time is up for them to become the first I guess My next album will now feature 7 strings guitar, 5 strings bass guitar, heavier sounds mix and a little lower pitched. better overall mixing quality.
Kat Bracket
When it comes to mixing do you keep your track count?
Frank X
you mean the takes ?
Kat Bracket
Yes...
Frank X
Once again it's always a matter of time spent. If I rehearsed more I do in less take. But most of the time I do not rehearse much and prefer to punch in and out till to get the perfect take. This way I don't loose time to rehearse and get the result I want anyway.
Kat Bracket
How many new songs have your writing for your sophomore album and do you have a working title as of yet?
Frank X
There will be 10 songs, I have 7 fully recorded, 5 with vocals as well. The album title and the cover art will be revealed by next November.
Kat Bracket
Will you have any special guest on this release?
Frank X
No but that's very interesting ! I never thought about it before. I might ask Luc Lemay to sing some parts !! good idea. will definitely check this out with him. thanks for this !! :-)
Kat Bracket
I am sure that he would be thrilled to do it. Do you feel that the metal scene in your homeland is still strong as it was back in the days with supporting one another?
Frank X
That's a tuff one. Back in the days was harder in many things and more costy to promote yourself but in the other hand, there were not so many bands so you got yourself established more easily. Today is much easier to promote yourself at no cost on the web but you are drowned among million of bands. I don't know
Kat Bracket
I agree that today its much easier to promote your band because of the internet. In which, I see you promoting all the time. How many hours a day do you spend on promoting on the net? Also, I still feel that promoting in person is still the best method.
Frank X
When I started I spent a lot of time as nobody knew me. Each time I get some kinda exposure, I'm trying to spread the word as much as possible. now everything got more calm about my first album so I do not promote much but trying to keep up some kind of cadency by publishing videos here and there till the next album release.
Frank X
I will start back this next sept Oct more constantly
Kat Bracket
It's always great to keep to your band in the loop of the internet so individuals stay interested. Such as doing some interviews here and there. If one is interested in contact you for a review or an interview is it best to reach you though Frank X band page?
Frank X
yes of course, I'm definitely connected
Kat Bracket
Let’s take a band Anvil who is a great band since 78’. They were an unrated metal band, do you feel when the documentary film, Anvil! The Story of Anvil help reclaim and renewed the recognition they surely deserved? What other metal bands have you been enjoying from Canada?
Frank X
I didn't know about ANVIL documentary ! that's cool. will look for it. I really listened much to ANVIL.
VOIVOD is a very original and good one in my opinion. no one sounds like this even nowadays
Kat Bracket
Will you continue to do an intro and outro?
Frank X
yes of course. It will be my signature. however, this time I will try to keep things more separately. You get quickly bored by dialogs that need to be easily skipped to not bother the listener in my opinion.
Kat Bracket
What was the reason that you left the metal scene for a few years and what drawn you back to it?
Frank X
I involved myself into businesses for many years and raised my family. in 2013 I got burned out and fell in depression. I got back to my roots I guess and never felt better then I am now since a long time
Kat Bracket
I agree sometimes you get burnt out and need to take a short break from it. But its always in your blood and you return to it. I glad that you've returned and are doing one hell of a killer job. I also would like to thank you for supporting all that I do.I wish you the very best with your upcoming release. Before I kick you out of my metal throne, if there any last words you would like to leave to your fans and our readers?
Frank X
Thanks a lot for all what you do for the metal scene, I really appreciate and sure all of your pals do as well they might just forgot to tell you sometimes ;-) If some don't want to miss anything I'm doing and getting my first and next album for free, subscribe to my newsletter and the deal is done. http://frank-x.com/
Thanks again Kat ! my butt is ready to be kicked out !!