David Michael Frank – Only One

By starrymag | September 27, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) HA! I truly am all over the place stylistically, but imagine if Brendon Urie and Celine Dion had a child, and that singing child grew up learning how to shred on guitar from a young age. I LOVE the energy of having a guitar in my hands and fronting a sweaty, high energy rock show – but at the same time, I also love to slow it down with a light acoustic guitar and sing about real and raw life hardships. My sound is definitely full spectrum with a rock focus. No matter what style my music is presented as, I’m usually always singing my ass off though.

 

Q) You used to perform under the moniker Future Sunsets. What made you decide to change it?

 

A) First off, it was time. I’ve been holding onto the remnants of a band (that was truly a series of bands) that have been such a huge part of my identity. But now, as I’ve become a better artist and singer, it is finally time for me to confidently move into releasing music under my name and I couldn’t be more excited to do so. The ten plus years of releasing music and touring under my bands have all been developmental preparation for me to finally release music as myself.

Also, being way more viral under my own name than my band name helps make the argument too. [smiles]

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your upcoming single “Only One.”

 

A) I’ve written a lot of songs over the last few years and in the timing of the tour and the announcement of launching DMF, I wanted to choose a single that would have great live energy while also stylistically matching the vibe of the tour! It’s extremely difficult to choose one song out of everything I’ve been writing but it felt like a good introduction to who I am currently as an artist. Honest lyrics, rock energy, catchy melodies and high notes to make the hair on your neck stand up.

 

Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to the song?

 

A) It’s been amazing. We charted at #2 on the Alternative charts and #38 overall on All Genres on the same release day as Panic at The Disco and Demi Lovato’s new albums dropping! I performed it throughout this entire tour before the song even came out and the crowd WENT HARD! You can watch the performance video here https://youtu.be/TiCNHwi6rCs – My legacy fans that have been supporting me for years have been telling me that it’s the best song I’ve ever released. And my newer fans have been eating it up and being so incredible supporting with their sharing and support!

 

Q) On TikTok, you opened up an Open Verse Challenge for fans to sing with you on “Only One.” How has the challenge been going and are there any challengers that you feel have gone above and beyond?

 

A) The challenge is still going on! There have been some incredible submissions! There are so many talented people out there! I’ll be flying the winner out to my studio in Nashville and will be featuring them on an official remix/re-release of the song! It’s a great opportunity for an up-and-coming artist!

 

Q) With the release of “Only One,” is there a full-length album or EP in the works?

 

A) You know it! I’ll be doing singles for a while, but I can’t wait to package everything into an album! I’m an album listener so it’ll be an honor to put out this batch of songs as a collection! Stay tuned!

 

Q) What do you hope fans will take away from listening to “Only One?”

 

A) Fight for what you believe in. That could be yourself. That could be a relationship. Interpret it however you’d like, but what life gets tough – hold on and don’t give up.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can come up with the lyrics?

 

A) Usually, I write some form of instrumental first and then try to write catchy melodies on top. I like the melody to be dialed in before really getting the lyrics and my message across. Things usually change a little in that process of finding the perfect words to convey my message, but this is when I totally lose myself in the creative process. If I’m in the moment, I lose track of time and connect deeply with my own emotions within the song.

However, even in my bands in the past, I used to do this all alone! This batch of songs, including “Only One,” is the first time that I’ve ever written with other people! It’s been incredible getting to dive into this process with other people!

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have when it comes to the production side of your music?

 

A) As a multi-instrumentalist… All of it. I usually produce and play every instrument myself. However, I have been outsourcing some of my production lately to be more efficient with my time! It’s been extremely helpful!

 

Q) You’re currently on tour this summer with Halocene and Lauren Babic. Where are some of your favorite places to perform?

 

A) Chicago WENT HARD! Also, the tour wrapped in Phoenix for a Sold Out tour finale and I had the opportunity to bring my (almost) one year old baby (@AsherMaxFrank) out on stage! It was a true bucket list moment!

 

Q) Which songs do you love to perform live at shows?

 

A) Playing “Only One” was a dream!

 

Q) You have an impressive vocal range! Tell us a little about what you do to make sure you keep your vocals in tip-top shape.

 

A) I work on my voice for two to three hours a day. I treat it like a professional athlete would treat their body in training for an event!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to stay in touch with your fans?

 

A) The impact that a song, a video, any piece of content can make on a person could be completely life changing. We’re all just trying to feel a little less alone in the world and social media can really help us feel connected.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you for believing in me and my voice! As an independent artist, I wouldn’t be able to make art if it wasn’t for the 1% of my fanbase that actively supports me and makes it possible for the 99% of my fanbase to consume my art for free. Thank you to everyone on Patreon.com/DavidMichaelFrank and everyone picking up merch and supporting in any way. Onward and upward together!