Discussing The Overview Effect With FR4NKIE
Introducing FR4NKIE, a pivotal force in the UK Grime scene, hailing from Manchester. Formerly known as XP Burstgang, FR4NKIE has returned with his highly anticipated sophomore album, "The Overview Effect." This project marks a significant evolution in his artistic journey, showcasing a refined maturity and a broadening of his musical horizons.
"The Overview Effect" features a stellar array of underground collaborations with artists such as LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. With production by bass music legend Trolley Snatcha, the album is a masterful blend of Road Rap, Grime, and surprising elements of folk and guitar music. Tracks like "To Be Frank" offer a gritty portrayal of UK street life, while "Brick In The Wall" reinterprets folk and guitar sounds in a fresh, innovative way. Meanwhile, "Benzema" redefines the traditional ballad, reflecting FR4NKIE's eclectic life experiences.
This project stands as a testament to FR4NKIE's versatility and creative depth, providing listeners with an introspective journey through his mind. Each track resonates uniquely, allowing fans to connect with the music on a personal level. "The Overview Effect" is not just an album; it's an experience that mirrors FR4NKIE's artistic evolution and life's tapestry.
Q1: Your upcoming release, "The Overview Effect," showcases a stylistic evolution from your previous work, blending elements of UK Rap with folk and guitar music. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project and how you approached integrating diverse musical influences into your sound?
A: My influences and tastes in music have always been very eclectic… I’ve been able to sing, write songs, and the likes, throughout my entire life. But in the Grime scene, it’s more about bravado, and there is less room for experimentation.
Prior to “The Overview Effect”, I changed my stage name from “XP” to “FR4NKIE”. My real name is Frankie… So I feel with the new name and new sound, my goal has been to show more of my inner self, and show my full range of creativity. As for the creative process itself, everything in this project has been built from the ground up, by me, and platinum selling bass music producer “Trolley Snatcha” - someone I consider a close friend. It is an honour to have him involved.
Q2: "The Overview Effect" features collaborations with several underground artists, each bringing their own unique flair to the project. How do these collaborations contribute to the overall narrative and sonic landscape of the album, and what drew you to working with these particular artists?
A: The artists featured on the project are people I consider close friends. I grew up with each of these artists during different stages of my life. I’ve lived all over the UK, with artists such as Trapson representing Liverpool, and Hypes representing Manchester. Hypes is actually the person that taught me how to rap originally! So yeah, this project is me and my friends having a good time, and making the music that we personally want to listen to – I think this bond is important for the overall narrative, and translates into an enjoyable listening experience.
Q3: As someone who has made significant contributions to the Grime scene, "The Overview Effect" represents a departure into new musical territories while still maintaining your signature style. How do you balance honouring your roots while pushing boundaries and exploring new genres?
A: I will always have the ultimate love for Grime, so it was important for me to keep elements of the genre present in this body of work. Whilst I feel this project might not be the same as my previous work, it’s still something my fans will recognise, with tracks such as “Simon Says” providing a nod to my ten plus years within the UK rap scene. It’s a balancing act really… I hope to always fly the flag for grime, whilst also embarking into other genres of music.
Q4: The album's title, "The Overview Effect," suggests a deeper thematic exploration beyond just the music itself. Could you elaborate on the concept behind the title and how it ties into the lyrical content and overarching themes of the album?
A: Well, the actual “overview effect” is a feeling that astronauts experience whilst in outer space. Many astronauts describe a new found perspective, where they realise the things we worry about day-to-day are insignificant. This is something of a triple entendre when it comes to me and the project. It reflects my life, my musical journey, and everything in between. At the same time, it’s also a nod to my career and the music I have written, such as the tracks within this body of work, some of which are introspective in nature. You know… let’s not take ourselves too seriously. I aim to create a more outward looking style of music in the future and keep upping the levels.
Q5: Over the course of your decade-long music career, you've ventured into various genres, including trap, drill, and now this unique blend of UK Rap with folk influences. How do you see your artistic trajectory evolving in the future, and what aspirations do you have for your music beyond "The Overview Effect"?
A: I realise the importance of consistency. I’ve been ghostwriting a lot recently for many notable singers and rappers. I will always do grime, always do rap. After the positivity the fans and media have shown for “The Overview Effect”, we are keen to keep the momentum going, so we’ve already started work on my next project - you will hear more about this in the coming months! Look out for a load more features from me in the meantime. You might hear some songs that are doing very well, which I have had a hand in, also. So, you never know… Onwards and upwards!
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