Frank Turner interview

Who are your influences?

I grew up with punk, hardcore and metal, and I still think a lot of that shines through in what I do. More recently, Springsteen, Dylan and Neil Young have been big influences on me, as has Loudon Wainwright III. I like a lot of different music.

What’s been your favourite gig and why?

There are many, too many to choose from. Playing Wembley was one hell of an experience.. but then we played an awesome show just the other day in Baltimore. It's hard to pick any individual one. I like shows where the atmosphere is such that the barrier between crowd and the stage is broken down.

Why did Million dead split up?

We fell out with each other.

Do you think that Million Dead will ever reform again?

Nope.

How long do you plan to pursue a solo career, are there plans do something else?

Not sure really. I'm enjoying what I'm doing right now and still have a lot of songs coming. I think I'd play in a band again sometime, as a side project or something, but for the forseeable, this is what I want to do.

Would you say your music is more Punk, or Folk?

Haha, that's an argument I'm going to let other people have. I think of what I do as rock 'n' roll.

With your plans for a UK December tour, are you releasing a new album, if so what can we expect from it?

We have a new EP coming out for the tour with 5 new songs on it. Then I'll be back in the studio in January to make the new album, which should be out in the spring sometime. Uh, I'm really excited about the new songs, it's kind of hard to describe where things are headed, I guess it's a little more folky than the last record I did.

What do you of have hoped to achieve in 12 months time?

Hopefully to get the new album right, to make a record that I'm proud of, and then take it out on the road. And I'd like to try and finish this book I'm working on that is taking me a lifetime to write.

What do you think has changed from your days with Million Dead in terms of your stage presence and lifestyle if anything?

Well, the feel of the shows is pretty different, I try to make my solo shows a celebration where everyone is involved, whereas with MD it was more about attacking the stage... I think I'm a lot more comfortable on stage now than I used to be.

What has been the highlight of your music career?

I've met and played with a lot of people I consider to be my musical idols, which is an amazing honour and privelege. The fact of me having a career, of being able to travel the world and entertain people, is a highlight in itself.

Where do you get your ideas for your songs?
 
Around the place. Things that happen. Life. Sorry, not very interesting
answer there.
 
Some of your songs like Thatcher f***** the kids suggests there’s
political ideas behind your songs. Would you say there’s a message behind
your music?
 
I have written political songs in my time, and no doubt will again. But I
don't want to tell anyone else what to do with their lives, and I'm not
pushing any particular agenda. I guess my personal philosophy on how to
live comes through, but like I say, I have no grand ambitions to change
anyone else's life.
 
Do you believe that music is a catalyst of change in society?
 
No. On occasion it's an interesting commentary, but not the catalyst itself.
 
What are your opinions on programmes like the X Factor, Are they having a
negative impact on music?
 
I'm not sure they're hugely different from TV talent shows in earlier
decades. I don't really care that much, with the internet being what it is
people have access to other music. I have other things to think about!