FAULT Magazine in conversation with Franklin
Despite most listeners being locked indoors during the release of Everybody Dance Ft. Nile Rodgers, Nile, Fedric Gervais and Franklin’s track still managed to set the airwaves ablaze with their fresh take of the classic dancefloor staple.
2020 was a tough year for musicans across the spectrum of the industry but some like Franklin pulled through and continued to create through the storm. We caught up with Franklin to discuss his process, rising acclaim and of course, his FAULTs.
December’s release of Everybody Dance Ft. Nile Rodgers took the world by storm, is the success of the track bittersweet knowing that all the clubs and festivals where it could be enjoyed were shut?
Of course. There have been so many great moments with this song, and I can’t imagine what it would have been if Covid wasn’t around. For one, making the song between Cedric’s studio in Miami and Nile’s studios in NY and London sounds a lot more appealing than my Dad’s shed in North Norfolk. Saying that – being able to finish the song during lockdown did provide great escapism for me and allowed me to forget about everything going on, which was a big plus.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business as a much sought-after producer, as your acclaim continues to grow, do you ever feel pressure to live up to your growing name?
Definitely, but I’m glad the pressure seems to be continually growing because it must mean that I’m doing something right. The more pressure I have put on me, the more I really want to deliver and raise my standards.
We know Covid forced you to move home, is it easy for you to adjust to working in different creative spaces?
I’m an easy-going person so as long as I have a space to work from, it’s never much of an issue. I’ve worked in some of the most ratchet setups you’ll ever see, but because I was in an environment with great minded people, it’s never usually been an issue. If I ever feel uncomfortable in a space for whatever reason, I may as well pack my things and bounce because I will get nothing done, but it would take something pretty extreme to make me feel like that.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a producer?
I’d say being open-minded in my work. At first, I found it so strange having other people in the industry say ‘get rid of that sound and replace it with something like this’. I was really stubborn with my productions in that once I’d told myself “this feels great and is finished”, I’d never accept other people’s feedback because I’d think they were wrong and I was right. It’s often the other way around, and having a couple of extra pairs of ears giving you pointers is invaluable. But don’t get wrong, if I’ve found a synth lead or sample I really love, but others don’t, I’ll fight for its cause!
What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of creating music?
Obviously, there are tons of quantifiable rewards like how many spins on the radio it has had, which is one of the primary rewards in my line of work. But as well as that, not a lot has ever compared with just sitting in the studio for 12 hours straight, missing lunch and dinner because you feel what you’re creating is brilliant and you don’t want to halt that flow. Nothing really compares with that buzz.
What are you working on right now?
I’m also working on my next single and a bunch of productions for some really big DJs that if I announce now, I’ll probably be out of a job so ‘watch this space’.
When you look back on your career in 20 years, what do you want it to say about you the person?
Just being associated with peoples’ best memories is the best thing I could hope for.
Do you like to set goals for your career, or do you prefer to take each achievement as it comes?
I’d say a balance of the two. If I never set goals for myself I’d never be in the position I’m in now. Though the issue I have is that if achievement comes in, I’m instantly off looking for whatever the next one is rather than taking a moment to be proud of whatever I achieved.
What is your FAULT?
I guess this follows on from the last one. I’m often not being appreciative of things happening ‘in the moment’. Taking a minute to reflect and be proud of something is an area I need to work on. Other than that, I’m a sucker for a lie-in…I’m working on it though!