As part of SXSW week, we'll be meeting a selection of bands who are performing at this week's showcase event in Austin, Texas.
Today's artist is one of Britain's most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Frank Turner. Following the break up of his band Million Dead, Turner built a huge and loyal fanbase by touring constantly for three years. This culminated in legendary sets at the 2008 Reading and Leeds festivals where he led the audience in mass sing-alongs.
Fourth studio album England Keep My Bones on independent label Xtra Mile Recordings went to number 12 in the UK album charts in 2011.
Frank Turner Q&A
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
I guess all the music I listen to filters through into what I do. I guess Springsteen and Henry Rollins are two of my pillars, both musically and philosophically. But there's loads more - from Black Flag through to Townes Van Zandt.
2. What process do you go through to make music?
I write songs, arrange them with my live band (The Sleeping Souls), record them, and then play shows.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
Not really. A show is a show.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I love being in Austin, it's one of my favourite cities in the world and I have a lot of friends in town.
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
Loudon Wainwright III please, he's one of my heroes.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
I'm playing Wembley Arena on 13 April and then I'll be on tour in the UK again at the end of the year.
Today's artist is one of Britain's most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Frank Turner. Following the break up of his band Million Dead, Turner built a huge and loyal fanbase by touring constantly for three years. This culminated in legendary sets at the 2008 Reading and Leeds festivals where he led the audience in mass sing-alongs.
Fourth studio album England Keep My Bones on independent label Xtra Mile Recordings went to number 12 in the UK album charts in 2011.
Frank Turner Q&A
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
I guess all the music I listen to filters through into what I do. I guess Springsteen and Henry Rollins are two of my pillars, both musically and philosophically. But there's loads more - from Black Flag through to Townes Van Zandt.
2. What process do you go through to make music?
I write songs, arrange them with my live band (The Sleeping Souls), record them, and then play shows.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
Not really. A show is a show.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I love being in Austin, it's one of my favourite cities in the world and I have a lot of friends in town.
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
Loudon Wainwright III please, he's one of my heroes.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
I'm playing Wembley Arena on 13 April and then I'll be on tour in the UK again at the end of the year.
