E53 | Defy the Doubters: Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution
Episode description
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy. Frank Turner kickstarted his musical journey as the frontman of post-hardcore outfit Million Dead, later transitioning to a predominantly acoustic solo career after the band's disbandment in 2005. Throughout his solo career, Frank has launched nine studio albums, with his latest release, "FTHC," hitting the number 1 spot on the UK albums chart in 2022, just a week after its debut. In the second instalment of a four-part special recorded at SXSW, we explore themes of pursuing one's dreams despite contrary opinions, resisting conformity, and confronting the challenges of addiction. We discuss: -Being sent to boarding school at 8 years old -Securing a scholarship to Eton -Picking up the guitar at 11 and forming a band -Drawing inspiration from Joe Strummer and immersing in the Punk scene -Engaging in band performances and touring -Embarking on the first tour at the young age of 16 -Going to Cambridge University or never returning home again -Navigating a journey marked by struggles with addiction -Transitioning into the realm of Acoustic/Folk music -Not being confined to one specific box
Chapters: (00:00:00) The Start of a Folk Album Journey (00:01:41) Reinventing and Sustaining Success (00:03:29) Childhood in Hampshire (00:05:14) Sent Away to Boarding School (00:06:47) Privatized Education and Elite Schools (00:08:20) Boarding School Experience and Punk Influence (00:10:02) Discovering the Punk Scene (00:11:30) The Class Stratification in the UK Music Industry (00:12:59) Following My Own Path (00:14:36) Discovering Iron Maiden (00:16:08) Discovered Punk Music (00:17:40) Hardcore Bands and Underground Shows (00:19:11) Punk and the Straight Edge Movement (00:20:38) Pursuing a Career in the Music Industry (00:22:09) Estranged relationship with father (00:23:53) Beginnings with Drugs (00:25:26) The North London Music Scene (00:26:55) Struggling with a Work-Life Balance (00:28:19) The Nihilistic Period (00:29:51) My Musical Journey (00:31:30) Transition to Folk Music (00:33:06) Following an Artistic Imperative (00:34:35) Encouraging Artistic Experimentation (00:36:10) Ambition and Success in the Music Industry (00:37:35) Frustrating Times and Handling Success (00:39:00) Doing Things My Way (00:40:27) A Poem: Finding Inspiration and Filling Empty Rooms Watch on YouTube
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: [email protected] This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor: Catherine Singh