What About Frank

How did you come up with your band name? 

Sam: We decided on a name that represented us and what we do. 

How and when did the band form? 

Neil: We were all friends and acquaintances during high school. Paul and I were in a band when we were 15 years old and we knew dave from his band which was part of the same local scene. A little while after that, paul and sam started playing together and started the core of our band. Mark was playing in a band at the same time and was a longtime friend of paul. We eventually all started collaborating together and knew that we should all play together. Soon enough we were all playing together and with that the band was formed. 

What kind of music did you grow up listening to? Would you say there were any particular bands or artists who have influenced you musically? 

Neil: We have pretty varied tastes in music. Obviously we all love rock and roll but we're into all kinds of good music from dylan to camp lo, at the drive-in to johnny winter. 

Dave: We're an american band, and i think the roots of american music influence us heavily as well. Folk music and the blues have played a strong part in my musical life since i was a little kid, and i know mark's the same. Right now i'm really into johnny winter, and i think i can say paul and i share the same favorite band in pink floyd. David gilmour is a big influence for sure. It's because of him that i got a strat when i got my first guitar. 

What kind of music are you currently into? Are there any American bands that we might not know over in the UK yet? 

Neil: Our good friends from new jersey are in a band called the Low Flying Jets that we are really into right now. 

Dave: Yeah, Low Flying Jets are amazing. Good real dudes as well. 

You've recently signed with Capitol Records, how did that come about? 

Sam: We flew to los angeles and played for them. I guess they liked us.... 

Dave: Capitol believes in us. They want nothing from us other than for us to be ourselves and do what we do. That's a nice thing. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a band? 

Neil: I'd say play every day, keep a solid work ethic, and don't take anything for granted. 

Dave: Keep it real. In every aspect of everything you do. 

What has been your highlight of 2006 so far? What else have you got planned for this year? 

Neil: 2006 has been a pretty wild year for us so far. Signing to Capitol and recording the ep are obviously the highlights right now.vWe're predominantly a live band so i think that going on tour during the second half of this year could trump what we've done so far. 

Dave: Well, this time last year we were playing in bars and getting ready to release the album we did ourselves at home, and right now i'm sitting in los angeles at a recording studio doing our EP for capitol. So i'd say the highlight of this year is right now. But i can't wait to leave for tour. Nothing beats playing live. 

I'd like to thank the band for taking the time out to do this interview, as well as Joelle from Audio Crush PR. You can find out more about them by visiting www.whataboutfrank.com.