WAIM #120: Frank Turner

Frank Turner is a man who largely made a name for himself by mixing pop and politics. Emerging from a youth immersed in the world of hardcore, Turner arrived on the scene as a solo act in 2005 and released his debut EP Campfire Punkrock the following year.Over the course of ten albums, five EPs, and a rash of other recordings, Turner has built a massive international following. His ninth studio album, FTHC even managed to go number on the UK Album charts the week after its release. Throughout that impressive musical history, Turner has managed to evoke both the personal and the political to forge a collection of songs that speak to almost any listener.Just before the holidays Turner and I had a brief, but fascinating discussion about how politics fit into pop music today, and we ponder whether or not a song can truly change the world. When I asked him about the lessons he’d learned from life on the road, Frank shared the story of his difficult years away at boarding school, and how it still affects his idea of home to this day.We also talk about the positive habits and life lessons that Turner has learned from life on the road and crashing on couches. They are simple lessons, but they can make for foundations upon which to base a life at home or on the road. There is verdant talk of history and its neverending mysteries and lessons. Plus, we ponder the idea that the internet will have the same influence on our civilization that the printing press had. This one might be brief, but there is a lot to digest.Cheers,Matty CShow Notes:Frank will be on tour with his band The Sleeping Souls in February and March throughout the United States. You can find full details at www.frank-turner.comThe What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C. Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. BaldwinYou can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show. You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe