Defy the Doubters: Learning to Trust Your Path. Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution

Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.

Frank Turner kickstarted his musical journey as the frontman of post-hardcore outfit Million Dead, later transitioning to a predominantly acoustic solo career after the band's disbandment in 2005.

Throughout his solo career, Frank has launched nine studio albums, with his latest release, "FTHC," hitting the number 1 spot on the UK albums chart in 2022, just a week after its debut.

In the second instalment of a four-part special recorded at SXSW, we explore themes of pursuing one's dreams despite contrary opinions, resisting conformity, and confronting the challenges of addiction.

We discuss:
-Being sent to boarding school at 8 years old
-Securing a scholarship to Eton
-Picking up the guitar at 11 and forming a band
-Drawing inspiration from Joe Strummer and immersing in the Punk scene
-Engaging in band performances and touring
-Embarking on the first tour at the young age of 16
-Going to Cambridge University or never returning home again
-Navigating a journey marked by struggles with addiction
-Transitioning into the realm of Acoustic/Folk music
-Not being confined to one specific box

Chapters:
00:00:00 - The Start of a Folk Album Journey
00:01:41 - Reinventing and Sustaining Success
00:03:29 - Childhood in Hampshire
00:05:14 - Sent Away to Boarding School
00:06:47 - Privatized Education and Elite Schools
00:08:20 - Boarding School Experience and Punk Influence
00:10:02 - Discovering the Punk Scene
00:11:30 - The Class Stratification in the UK Music Industry
00:12:59 - Following My Own Path
00:14:36 - Discovering Iron Maiden
00:16:08 - Discovered Punk Music
00:17:40 - Hardcore Bands and Underground Shows
00:19:11 - Punk and the Straight Edge Movement
00:20:38 - Pursuing a Career in the Music Industry
00:22:09 - Estranged relationship with father
00:23:53 - Beginnings with Drugs
00:25:26 - The North London Music Scene
00:26:55 - Struggling with a Work-Life Balance
00:28:19 - The Nihilistic Period
00:29:51 - My Musical Journey
00:31:30 - Transition to Folk Music
00:33:06 - Following an Artistic Imperative
00:34:35 - Encouraging Artistic Experimentation
00:36:10 - Ambition and Success in the Music Industry
00:37:35 - Frustrating Times and Handling Success
00:39:00 - Doing Things My Way
00:40:27 - A Poem: Finding Inspiration and Filling Empty Rooms

How I Became Podcast Episode Links:
Frank Turner's Instagram:   / frankturner  
Frank Turner's Facebook:   / frankturnermusic  
Frank Turner's Twitter:   / frankturner  
Website: https://frank-turner.com/

Unity & Motion - https://unityandmotion.com/ - A London-based production company specialising in commercials and branded content

Email: [email protected]

Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh

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