Hyporadar On the Making Of ‘Frankie & Estelle’
Can you share any interesting or unique stories or perspectives in 'Frankie & Estelle?'
The EP was inspired by the book Hey Cabbie by Thaddeus Logan, but I wrote the story from scratch. Each song has different elements from stories in the book, such as Frankie telling his fare "I don't care what you've done, I just want you to leave", and him keeping the meter running while they commit a crime in the last song. I also did my best to make it so you could listen to any song and get most of the story without needing to play it start to finish.
Was there any challenge that you encountered while making this EP?
It wasn't originally going to be an EP. The biggest challenge was deciding when to call it done cause I wrote the first two songs and was happy, then I added “Estelle” and was happy, then the next, and the next, etc. I thought about turning it into a full album but decided to make it an EP with the option to make a part 2 later if I want.
Which song(s) from 'Frankie & Estelle' do you think best represents your artistic vision?
I feel that both the title tracks are good representations. “Frankie Sullivan” shows my storytelling with the lyrics while keeping the instrumentation pretty simple. “Estelle” does the opposite with more focus on the instruments.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I picked up the bass at around 11 and always wanted to be in a band. I wanted to release music but didn't think anyone would listen to it if I didn't have an electric guitar. Finally I said I should just go for it and recorded my first album. I love low tones so I want the bass to be the main focus. My goal is to make low rock with a 90s nostalgic feel to it.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music?
All my songs start with a melody idea, whether it be for the bass or vocals. I'll write it down and sit on it for a few days. If it's still in my head after then I'll continue it. I have so many ideas that are just written down with no idea where they will go. Once the drums and bass are written, I'll record them even if the lyrics aren't done. Most of the keyboard and percussion is improvised once I hit record. Finally the vocals are last. Then I just mess around with the mix over and over until I'm happy with it.
