Local heroes and Kings of BBC Radio 1…
The North-East of England, a place very close to our hearts, has been steadily producing brilliant bands for a long, long time… Maximo Park, The Futureheads, Field Music, Kubichek!, Dire Straits, Little Comets and Ant & Dec (to name but a few).
Next in line are Frankie & The Heartstrings. Hailing from Sunderland, these boys look set to take over 2011 in a big way. They are massively popular with the likes of Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens, they have an album coming out on February 21st and their video for ‘Hunger’ was released a few days ago.
Things are moving real fast for Frankie and his Heartstrings, so we took a few minutes to grill guitarist Michael about their recent trip to Japan, as well as other some other equally important stuff…
First of all, why doesn’t Karen at Radar Maker reply to our interview requests?
Incase you let Eagulls ask us questions! [Read on to see why!]
How is Frankie enjoying being GQ’s 39th most stylist male?
It’s his new chat up line.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming tour?
Can’t wait, we love touring.
What’s going to be big in 2011?
Frankie’s ego.
What was the highlight of 2010 for Frankie & the Heartstrings?
Playing to over 6000 people at Reading Festival.
Who is your favorite musician of all time?
Johnny Marr.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Tokyo.
What are your favorite fashion brands/styles?
H&M ‘easy iron’ shirts.
What is the last thing you bought?
Smoked bacon and all butter muffins from M&S in Sunderland.
What is the last song you listened to?
Mornington Crescent by Belle and Sebastian.
What is the greatest gig you have ever played?
The Deaf Institute in Manchester with Summer Camp and The Spectrals.
Who is the most famous person you know?
We met the guy who discovered the Kaiser Chiefs in The Strongroom in Shoreditch last week.
Who are your favorite Japanese musicians?
Guitar Wolf.
What was your karaoke song in Japan?
Stand By Your Man by Tammy Wynett.
Best thing about Japan?
The people.
Worst thing about Japan?
The food, they eat chick heart kebabs.
When are you coming back to Japan?
Not sure, in the summer I hope. [Fuji Rock please!]
Please recommend something new.
Frankie’s got FIFA 11 for his iPhone 4. It’s ace.
Question from Eagulls – ‘Would you shag your mam to save your dads life?’
… I think i saw Eagulls support Crocodiles in Leeds once, good band.
That was a tough question, so here’s a nicer one from Mystery Jets- ‘Does humor belong in music?’
It has a huge role to play.
Please make a question that we’ll ask to our next interviewee.
‘Tell me how you all met and what your infulences are.’
Finally, what do you never leave your house without?
My house keys.
Thanks a lot Michael, we hope to see you over here in the summer! In the mean time, stay away from those Eagulls… absolutely mental!
Catch Frankie & The Heartstrings on their UK tour, kicking off in Durham on February 11th at NOIZU.
Pre order their album, The Hunger, fromHMV now for only £4.99! For more info, check their official website.
Special thanks to Rob at Noizu.
