 "Photo: Special to The Prospector")
On Feb. 2, British born folk/punk singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, will be performing at Tricky Falls to introduce his life-inspired music to the El Paso audience. Originally a part of Million Dead, Turner separated from the group in 2005 due to internal-musical differences. Turner then pursued a solo career. The Prospector had the opportunity to interview Turner before his upcoming show.
Q: You've played in arenas across the United States and at European festivals such as Reading and Leeds. How is it going into a small town like El Paso and playing in an intimate venue? Is there a genuine quality that you enjoy from it?
A: I'm not fussy about my shows. I just like to play wherever people want to hear my music. El Paso has a place in my heart thanks to my friend Jim Ward - we demoed most of the last album in his studio in late 2010. I often get e-mails from people in El Paso complaining if we drive through and don't play, so I'm happy to be actually stopping this time through.
Q: You have been to El Paso and recorded several songs at Clap of Thunder studio. During this time, which was your favorite place to become inspired here in El Paso?
A: When we were at the studio, alas we didn't really have that much time to check out the city. We were in and out on our way through town. That said, Jim took us out for some awesome Mexican food, and we did have time for a drink at his bar.
Q: It seems you will be going out of your way to come to El Paso. You will be in Tucson, Arizona then heading to El Paso and back to Tempe, Arizona. Why did you decide to make the extra effort to give us a visit?
A: We had a free day from the Social Distortion tour, and I wanted to see Jim and play at his club and answer those people mailing me, so it all came together well. I'm not really one for days off, if I can avoid them.
Q: What do you think of the culture here, and being so near to Mexico? Was it a different experience from most towns in the United States?
A: I certainly ate the best Mexican food I've ever had in my life. It's great spending more and more time in the States. I get to find out more about all the cultural and geographic variety of the country. El Paso certainly has it's own vibe.
Q: This is just the beginning of the tour, Friday is the first day. You'll be touring with Social Distortion and the Sleeping Souls. Are you all excited? It seems like with each tour you grow a bigger following.
A: Definitely, we've just had a four week break over Christmas, which is actually the longest time off the road that I've had in years, so I'm keen to get out on the road again. We've toured with Social D a few times before, so it'll be nice to see them again, and to top it all I love touring in the USA.
Q: In your new album "England, Keep my Bones," it seems like you dug in deep to those feelings we all feel but want to hide. It can hit a chord on most anyone listening. Was it a difficult process being able to make a complete album like "England, Keep My Bones?"
A: Making "England" was actually a pretty satisfying experience for me. I felt like all the experience of the last few years, of songwriting, touring and recording, came together for me to make a record that is really my own, that superecedes its influences. I'm still really happy with it as a record, which is unlike me. I usually take to hating my most recent record soon after releasing it.
Q: You were inspired by bands like Bad Religion. How has it been so far working with Epitaph?
A: It's an honor to be part of the label and to work with Brett. Growing up with punk rock, the Epitaph logo was a kind of badge of quality for me, and it's a good feeling to see it on the back of my records now as well. They're also a fantastic label to work with on a day-to-day basis.
Q: What is some advice you can give to bands starting out today?
A: Work as hard as you can and make your own luck, be proactive.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!