Meet Gizem Vural

Let’s turn the fun factor up to 11 with the warm and welcoming sounds of Frankie Sunswept. This NYC based musician blends all the best parts of classic rock and Americana ethos to create something truly beautiful. On the heels of their 2021 release ‘Turning' we got a chance to chat with the musician about their inspirations, ice cream, and streaming platforms.

A self-portrait by Frankie Sunswept

Would You Rather

only be able to buy things with coins or by trading random objects? Please explain.

My gut instinct is to trade things because I love to declutter, to keep my possessions lean. Coincidentally I have a strong reaction to change in my pocket, I just want to immediately get rid of it, haha. I think I'd rather trade.

Some Questions with Frankie Sunswept

If you could create your own Ben and Jerry’s flavor, what would it be?

Maybe Tamarind ice cream? I love salty, sour, spicy with sweet.

There's a wide array of instruments used in your music; do you have a favorite?

I learned music first on guitar, though I also love piano and drums equally. I've recently fallen back in love with the guitar. I have to say a three way tie with guitar, piano, and drums. I can't live without all three. Piano is so grounding and clear visually, guitar is expressive and I have more immediate command of it, but drums are physical and demand measured technique.

What are your thoughts on streaming platforms? Have they helped or hindered the industry?

At this point I think of how much streaming has changed everything, rather than if it's helped or hindered. I think we are all seeing a bit of both. Making music free and so immediately available runs the possibility of it being devalued and taken for granted. However, the era of artists being able to record, mix, and release their own music is pretty awesome. The power of that should not go unnoticed. As an artist I'm grateful to be able to do all of that.

What is your favorite thing about the NYC music community?

Definitely how diverse it is. I don't think I could do without that now that I've experienced it. I've been deeply inspired in this town by so many brilliant maniacs of all genres.

Was there a catalyst that brought this project together?

Most immediately it must be the ending of my previous band. I'd dedicated so much of 7 years to my former band and when it ended suddenly I came straight back to NY. I had some solo songs I'd been layering the years before that I'd never found a way to release, so I mixed and mastered them with my wonderful friend Vincent Cacchione and just put 'em out as monthly singles. I was writing again and with a newfound artistic freedom. Because of my intense drive to create all the time I thought to release a song a month, just to keep myself working. I was so scared to miss one that it caused me to write and record almost all of my free time for two years. I'm taking a break releasing music to release this album, but I'll get right back at it very soon. I have a ton of new recordings, project ideas, and different ways of approach in mind. I guess the catalyst is my existential dread of not creating constantly.

Where do you normally go after a show, to a party, or home to sleep?

I might go for a few drinks with some friends but usually home and to sleep. I don't really party much. Although I imagine that will change when we can finally go to shows. Gonna be something like the roaring 20s I imagine. I think we all want to party hard.

What is the worst mixer for drinks of all time?

I'd have to say Coke or Ginger Ale because they are so sweet. I like drinks to be more bitter or sour. Having said that I love a Whiskey with either of those over rocks every once in a while.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Stay positive, always create and be encouraging to others, and let's lean into our collective compassion. In these crazy times we need radical empathy, and to support and encourage each other in all our creations and ideas. Thanks for these great questions :)