FEATURE
Frankly Austyn talks about his craft, sense of style and more
How did you come by your stage name?
I want my music to be a sort of projection of what’s going on in my mind (conscious and subconscious), so I decided on something straightforward since my first name is Austyn, I went with “Frankly Austyn.” As in this is it, my art is me and I am my art, I’m Frankly Austyn.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I started playing trumpet in the 5th-grade band, and I did that all the way up until the junior year of high school. To be honest the only part I enjoyed throughout my entire “school band career”, was playing some of my favorite songs in the marching band. Other than that I never really enjoyed playing the trumpet, or the very orthodox way of learning music that I was taught in school.
It wasn’t until I moved from my hometown outside of Atlanta, Ga to a much smaller town, Burlington, Vt. I moved there to get away from the south for a bit and try a new scene. My experience was nothing short of amazing and well worth it, but my favorite part about the entire town was the large underground music scene.
During the warmer parts of the year, there were a handful of basement shows every single weekend, sometimes showcasing art projects alongside the music. It was there that I fell in love with music and started working on my own craft. I bought a (slightly less shitty) laptop than I had and used the microphone (USB) and target headphones my mom had bought me the past Christmas, and I got a trial version of Ableton Live. That was about a year ago, and as of August 2019, I’m back in metro Atlanta.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
My two biggest inspirations have to be Kanye and Tyler (from Twenty One Pilots). Kanye has inspired me to chase my passion and goals no matter what, and to push until I succeed. Twenty-One Pilots have been meditation for me and offered a way to connect with someone with mental illness through music.
As far as sound goes I take from a large variety of influences (mostly subconscious). The artists/bands that come to mind are Kanye, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Twenty One Pilots, Nirvana, Lil Peep, Lil Uzi, Lana Del Rey, Glass Animals, Pink Floyd, Gaurdin, etc..
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
My debut EP drops this Friday, April 24th, and is a concept project that revolves around the feelings and thoughts associated with mental illness; such as anxiety, panic disorder, depression, bi-polar, etc.
This entire EP consists of my most personal songs lyrically and comes from a place of vulnerability and transparency. My hope for this project is for others to connect and use it as a sense of solitude, knowing you aren’t alone.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
My greatest challenge is myself. I constantly hold myself back by either pushing myself too hard or beating myself down until I almost want to quit. I am still struggling with time management, working a 9-5 while being a creative full time as well can be a challenge.
As far as my greatest attribute is once I start working on something, and I’m determined to finish it, I continue with it until it’s done, with a lot of focus and determination to get it done right. I’m very meticulous with my mixing, but you could consider that either a downfall or an attribute, depending on how you look at it.
What are your plans for the near future?
My plans for the near future are to work with as many artists as I can, whether that be features, collabs, mixing for other artists, producing, etc.. I spent an entire year coming up with my debut solo EP, no I would like to branch out and work with more artists, on different sounds and genres). I love experimenting and trying new things, learning from everything I do from music to networking.
How can fans find you?
The best place to keep up with all of my creative endeavors is Instagram. As far as music, you can listen to me on any platform you use, but don’t forget to check out my YouTube for dope videos.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GSliceyo/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/franklyaustyn
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/frankly-austyn/1473076860
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
My suggestions to someone starting in my shoes, one year ago, would be to focus as hard as you can on your craft, creating something that you love and would consider amazing and unique, not just settling for anything just to put it out there.
On top of that make as many connections as you can with artists and other creatives, forming strong relationships and bonds in the (independent) industry.
Lastly, but most importantly, if you really want it then don’t stop for any reason, no matter what anyone else tells you If you put the work in, you will progress.
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