Frankie Zulferino – Hit That

By starrymag | May 26, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is definitely an influence of a lot of different time eras that inspired me to want to be an artist. Those include 80s, 90s, Motown, and Disco! I love taking inspiration from those time eras and bringing it to a new generation.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) People that inspire me are Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Prince, Madonna and Whitney Houston.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Hit That.”

 

A) When I went into the studio to record “Hit That,” I just wanted to create something feel good and fun! Something people could dance to. I was really inspired by the era of music from the late 80s\early 90s so that was a big motivation behind the record.

 

Q) How did you come to work with Melii on the track?

 

A) The collaboration with Melii happened really organically. We sent her team the record, she loved it immediately and understood my vision. That, to me, is super important because everything about my project is about passion.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it takes you back to a time when music just made you feel good and brought people together.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video was actually inspired by the early 2000’s, Puff Daddy and Missy Elliot visuals. The record at the end of the day is meant to make you want to dance, and so I made sure that the video had a lot of dance inspired scenes to reflect that.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I usually go into the studio with a vision of the energy and vibe I’m looking for with the record. Every session for me is different depending on what’s going on in my own personal life, and how I’m feeling. So, I can’t say I have a specific way of creating, besides a feeling in that moment.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) As of right now I really want to focus on pushing singles, until I feel like I’ve reached enough people and a big enough audience to release a body of work together.

 

Q) You’ve done forty concerts during the pandemic! Why was it so important for you to keep live music alive?

 

A) At the end of the day a lot of people can sit behind a computer and a phone, record videos and post them. But performing live is a whole different feeling. To me there is nothing more special than that.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Well, of course, I love to perform in NY because that is where I was born and raised. But, besides there, wherever there is a stage, lights and an audience, I’m happy to perform wherever it is!

 

Q) You recently got to work with Paula Abdul! What did that collaboration mean to you?

 

A) Working with Paula was a huge honor. I still can’t believe that I had the opportunity to connect with her on that level. Growing up, especially as a dancer, Paula was a huge influence to me and that moment really felt full circle!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) There are so many people I would love to collaborate with in so many genres of music. But an ultimate moment for me would be the one and only Janet Jackson.

 

Q) We loved seeing you on The Next where you were mentored by Joe Jonas. What did you personally take away from your time on the show?

 

A) The show was a really great experience. I learned a lot from it, and it was a great stepping stone. I don’t think I would ever want to do reality TV again, but I’m super grateful that I had the opportunity on THE NEXT for my career.

 

Q) What advice would you give to those just starting out in the music industry?

 

A) My advice to other artists would be to always stay true to who you are and what you love, but of course listen and take the opinions of other people to learn and grow from. It’s not an easy road and there are so many obstacles. The most important thing is to surround yourself with people who can lift and motivate you, and who understand your vision.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) That is the only reason I’m on social media. I honestly don’t love much about social media, but the one thing I do love about it is the ability to connect with my fans. For me, that’s what it’s all about.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) It’s cliché to say thank you and I love you, and my fans already know that. So, what I will say is, I hope my dream inspires you to go out and chase yours and to live your life to the fullest.

 

 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

STREAM THE TRACK HERE