Interview: Frank Bell

‘Everything Falls into Place’ is the new release from Frank Bell – a talented singer and songwriter who began his career posting videos on YouTube, and reached amazingly 800,000 video views (in four days).

With a fine combination of neo-soul, acoustic rock and blues, he have what it takes to easily climb up in the same line as John Legend and Robin Thicke.

Hi Frank Bell, tell us about yourself – how did you first get involved with writing and performing music?

If you were to ask my Mum, she would probably tell you I started when I was just a baby… Apparently I had a knack for beating on pots and pans lol. I started piano lessons at a very young age and HATED it as seems to be a not so uncommon trend, then one day I randomly found the cello, and it kinda stuck with me. I did the whole classical training track with the cello growing up, and all through university, and along that journey I started writing my own music, and dabbling with the guitar, and *gasp* the piano again. I started performing from the comfort of my bedroom in YouTube videos, which (thankfully) led to actually playing my music for people live.

Which acts have shaped and inspired you?

Music wise? Oh wow.. I try to listen to everything and anything. Growing up, I was all about Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand (My Mum’s influence there), The Beatles, Edith Piaf, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, both Bobs, The Police, Radiohead – I’ll listen to anything, whether it’s Pop, Rock, Country, Indie, Hip-Hop, Classical etc – I’d like to say that it all really influences me in one way or another. A lot of it has to do with in what context I’m listening to something.

Alexandra (Frank Bell Biggie Smalls Mashup)

What’s the best thing about Los Angeles as a music city?

Los Angeles is an interesting city, that’s for sure! I don’t know how fair it would be for me to answer this question as I’m often in and out of LA… It’s akin to most major cities really – It has it’s ups and downs. You really have to work to make sure you’re not lost in the cacophony of the hustle and bustle as is the same with NYC, and other major cities. LA is a funny town, I think it’s important not to take it too seriously or it will definitely eat you up. I love the music friends that I have here, and it’s not a rare site to have people over for dinner, drinks, and a songwriting session of sorts. I don’t frequent the club, or concert scene as much as I used to, but I thoroughly enjoy popping in on the smaller listing room venues, such as Hotel Cafe. That place rocks…

What’s the best advice you’ve got from another musician?

Cellist, Yo-Yo Ma once told me to remember that the music I create is bigger than “myself”. I think I was 16 at the time when he shared that with me among other words of wisdom… I’ll never forget that. As a musician, it’s important to remember that we serve music, and not the other way around. With all the glitz and glam in the music industry, the smoke and mirrors, meaning is sometimes lost. To be able to create something like music, is a privilege, and a beautiful one at that!

What was the last record you bought?

Hmmm, I want to say that Jay-Z/Kanye collaboration, “Watch The Throne”, but I can’t honestly say I’ve listened to the entire record from start to finish yet. Also, two of my favorite people, Lisa Hannigan, and Rachael Yamagata also have new albums out now that I plan on listening too soon one rainy day. I’ve still got to pick up the new Justice and Coldplay records… I’m actually quite far behind on my music – Going to make a playlist for my next flight, that’s for sure!

What are your careers highlights so far?

I LOVE performing, so I would say the shows… There’s something about being able to pour your heart out in front of a crowd of strangers… Be it for 10 people, or 10,000 people, it all begins with only vague notions and assumptions of who we are, and by the end of the night, it’s like we’re old friends. I love the journey of story telling and performing. It really keeps me going!

What can you tell about the making of ‘Montana Bound’?

“Montana Bound” was kind of a spontaneous passion project between the director, Yarrow Kraner, and myself. I first meet Yarrow at HATCH Festival where I was awarded as a Groundbreaking Musician. I went out to Montana a few months later for some down time, and found myself writing “Montana Bound” in a day, after being inspired by my surroundings while up at Moonlight Basin Golf and Ski Resort… The thing about Yarrow, is that he films EVERYTHING, so when we both happen to be on the same plane to Los Angeles, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some shots for a potential “Montana Bound” video. On the plane, in the airport… Haha, in retrospect, I have no clue how we were able to get away with any of that, but I loved the final product! “Montana Bound” isn’t on the new record (the audio from the music video is actually one take recorded from my laptop), but I’m told that they now play it (a studio version we recorded) in all the airport terminals when you fly into or out of Montana. I haven’t been able to return for a few months, but am looking forward to hearing it!

Tell us about your latest album ‘Everything Falls into Place’? How was the music making process?

I met up with producer, Deej Hofer, in Montana about a year ago. We had both expressed interest in working together, but hadn’t decided yet in what capacity. Finally one day we started tracking, and that’s when the record started to take a life of its own… We looked at my existing catalog of songs, and some were written on the spot more or less. There’s something about recording up in the mountains… It was refreshing. Working at our own pace, bouncing ideas back and forth, late nights and early mornings. Random intense snow-storms, locked in the studio… We wanted to create the natural follow up to my 2008 EP, ‘On Passion and Reason’. ‘Everything Falls Into Place’ is that – a larger compilation of songs about life experiences, the good and the bad. We put our hearts and soul into this, and I think it shows through the music.

What are your plans for the rest of 2011 and 2012?

We’re currently in talks of doing a press tour of sorts – Initially a series of shows, about 9 or 10 worldwide with full band. I can’t wait to get back on the road for this album! In addition to some collaborations with some of my favorite musicians, I’ve also got plans to shoot a couple of music videos soon… They’re going to be pretty epic! Looking forward to creating content, and continuing to share music with you all! Hopefully I’ll see ya on the road!

Follow Frank Bell on Facebook, Twitter and frankbell.net, and check out his new album ‘Everything Falls Into Place‘.