Today we got the chance to chat withFrankie Clarke, vocalist and guitarist of Frankie and The Studs. Frankie grew up around the rock scene with her dad Gilby Clarke of Guns N’ Roses. These days she rocks the stage with her band mates playing her Punk Rock anthems! We hope you enjoy this interview with Frankie Clarke.
Interview
For our readers who don’t know you, could you describe what your music sounds like?
I’d describe our music as “pop punk”. My influences are the Ramones, Green Day, the Clash, Paramore.. I like power chords with catchy melodies, and I try to apply that to our music.
How do you think growing up around rock n’ roll influenced who you are today?
I think growing up going to so many shows and being surrounded by music and musicians all the time gave me the stage bug. I took an interest in music when I was 4 years old, so it was almost innate. I remember taking piano lessons and dying to switch to electric guitar. As far as how it has influenced me today, I’m actually a really shy person, but music is how I communicate and release my emotions.
That’s great! Your latest release was the “Cheap Talk” EP in 2018 with your band, Frankie and The Studs. What is your favorite memory you have from making that EP?
Wow I can’t believe it’s been so long! My favorite memory would have to be having my band members stay with me when we wrote and recorded that EP. We would write together and in between drink and watch Adam Sandler comedies.
Sounds like fun! In addition to music, you also love makeup and fashion. How do you think that adds to your overall rock n’ roll aesthetic?
Makeup is a new interest for me, but I got into it through playing music. I met a makeup artist named Caroline Hernandez, who taught me how to do my makeup for stage. Her aesthetic and the way she explained how to use makeup resonated with me and inspired me to start experimenting on my own. I’ve always been interested in the intersection of fashion and music, and I think they go hand in hand. So makeup and fashion are an extension of how I like to express myself the same way I do through music.
That’s awesome! If your band could exist in any decade, what decade would you choose?
I’d say the 70’s… Specifically NYC CBGB’s in the 70’s! It would have been rad to open for the Ramones.
Great choice! If someone has never heard your band before, what song of yours would you recommend they check out first?
“Sick of You” off our first EP “High on Yourself”. It was one of the first songs I wrote with the band, but it’s still one of my favorites to play live.
If you could give one tip to young girls who are interested in playing rock music, what would it be?
Do it!! Women’s voices are so important and need to be heard especially in the rock music world. Don’t be intimidated just start somewhere whether it’s learning an instrument, writing lyrics, learning cover songs. Be yourself and resist comparing yourself to others.
What is coming up for you in the future?
We actually have a new single coming out Sep 18th, which I’m so excited about. I wrote this song a while back, but have felt really strongly about the message behind it, so I can’t wait for it to finally be out in the world. I’ve also started a YouTube channel where I make videos about music and makeup. It’s been a fun quarantine project for me.
Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Keep an eye out on our Instagram and Facebook for updates on our new releases. It’s been quiet for a while, but it’s about to get loud again!
Shannon Wilk is a Connecticut-based music industry creative; bassist and photographer. She has brought her bass guitar skills to stages all over the country in various bands, most recently The Heartless and Alice Loves Alien. Dubbed the “female Rudy Sarzo”, Shannon has a unique and captivating stage presence in addition to her distinctive playing style. Since beginning her professional career in 2019, she has made waves in both the live music scene and the digital world, playing legendary stages such as the Whisky A Go-Go and the Monsters of Rock Cruise, as well as accumulating nearly 1 million views across online platforms.At 17 years old, Shannon Wilk has become a force to be reckoned with in the rock n’ roll scene. In addition to her blossoming music career, she has continued to showcase her passion for live music through concert photography. From KISS to Foo Fighters to Evanescence to Yungblud and more, Shannon has captured rock royalty through her lens. In 2018, she launched her own publication, Rockin’ Interviews, where she has connected with beloved ‘80s heavy metal artists through her independently produced podcast.
