Interview with Julian Frampton Band

LA based alternative rock band share their perspective and process

Julian Frampton is a rhythm guitarist and singer for Julian Frampton Band. He was born in Los Angeles, grew up in Miami FL, spent some time in NY after high school and then ultimately ended up back home in L.A. around 2008. He started playing the drums when he was 8 but eventually picked up a guitar and started writing his own songs around the age of 17 or 18. He's spent the last few years touring as a solo act, a duo (with Ben Sheridan), and with his band, Julian Frampton Band.

Tell us about your latest release, what's it about?

Our latest release, EPisode1, is a collection of 4 songs we recorded at the end of last year before our amphitheatre/arena tour opening for Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience and Peter Frampton. The single, Quicksand, is rather timely. It kind of feels like we are all stuck in quicksand these days and I think the song has really resonated with a lot of people which has been great to see and hear. Overall, our latest effort is raw, tight, and teaming with energy. The four song collection provides the listener with a wide array of emotions. From the dark, passionate aforementioned Quicksand to the upbeat and rock driven breathe of fresh air that is Phrases, JFB definitely keeps the listener in their pocket.

How did you record it?

We tracked all 4 songs live at Stagg Street Studios, which is a killer studio in the valley. Then we cut the vocals at Luke’s Room Studio which is also in the valley. Engineer Marc Desisto was on board along with the assistant engineer, Greg Foeller, and it then ended up in the masterful hands of Chris Lord-Alge to be mixed! It was a really fun experience overall and I think that definitely came through a bit in the recordings.

How did you distribute it?

We distributed the album with TuneCore. I tend to always use them when I release new music.

How did you promote it?

We were lucky enough to get some early limited edition hard copies of the EP out to fans to create a buzz on our last tour and that carried over a bit into this year. Unfortunately, the world shut down so we pushed back the digital release a bit but we are excited to finally have it out now! We also revamped our site julianframptonband.com and are currently doing interviews about the release.

The music industry is in a state of flux right now, where do you see it heading?

I don’t see the music industry heading anywhere if we don’t all start taking the necessary steps to keep ourselves and other people safe at home and when out in public during this pandemic right now! Having all of our gigs get cancelled this year was a bummer. 2020 is the first year I haven’t toured, in some capacity, in over 5 years and that’s the harsh reality for many touring musicians out there and that goes for everyone behind the scenes too!

All that being said, I hope that we are all able to come back to some new sense of normalcy by the new year. I’m just not sure what that will look like and that, in itself, is unnerving for sure. I’m a live performer, first and foremost, so as much as I appreciate everyone streaming concerts for fans right now, I hope that isn’t the future of concerts.

Which artist do you look up to the most and why?

Well, the obvious first answer would be my father, Peter Frampton. His drive and his talent are second to none. I’m inspired by him daily and also very proud of him and all that he has accomplished in life and his career. Other names of artists I strongly admire (that aren’t family members haha) would be Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, and Jack White. Those three are really on another level with their writing and their risk taking.

What artist tools/services can't you live without?

I’d have to say Voice Memos on my phone. That, and PhotoBooth on my computer. Sometimes ideas only float around long enough for you to hopefully capture on some sort of recording device. I also have a Zoom, a small handheld recording device, at home to quickly throw ideas down. I pretty much have a guitar, something to write on, and something to record on in every room of the house.

Anything else you'd like to plug?

Listen to Julian Frampton Band

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