Singer-songwriter Frankie Wesson’s cinematic songs draw inspiration from her personal experiences of bitter-sweet nostalgia, unrequited love, teenage angst and the complicated reality of growing up LGBT.
Raised on artists like Alanis Morisette, Eva Cassidy and Stevie Nicks (whom her guitar is named after). Wesson also takes inspiration from a mix of contemporary artists such as Deaf Havana, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Gabrielle Aplin. Producing intimate, emotionally raw, yet laid-back music with a pop/folk/rock feel. Her versatile vocal range and talent for emotive, relatable songwriting, make her a captivating live performer.
Frankie’s original songs have been featured on BBC Radio 6 and BBC Introducing as well as Spotify’s ‘Chilled Pop Hits’ and ‘New Music Friday’ playlists.
Written in lockdown, Frankie, like many others in the creative sector, was told that their career was no longer viable. Feeling undervalued and unstable in her career, her mental health started to suffer as a consequence. This song Unviable came as a much-needed cry of anger and frustration from a desperate place of being absolutely done with the situation. Here, Frankie discusses Unviable as well as her music inspirations with Andy Howells.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into music?
Hi everyone! My name is Frankie Wesson (she/her) I’m a bisexual singer-songwriter from Abergavenny, South Wales. I’ve played guitar since I was a kid and started writing songs when I was 16. Music has always been a big part of my life, growing up around musical family members, listening to my parent’s cd’s in the car (mostly classic rock, blues and folk) helped me form my own musical taste and appreciation for what I was hearing and how it was created.
What is your latest recording and can you tell us a bit about it?
My latest single ‘Unviable’ was written in covid lockdown when my life as a gigging musician came to a complete stop and I lost all motivation. I was feeling discouraged and undervalued, like musicians and live music venues weren’t considered a priority or something worth saving by the people in power.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
I remember the first song I listened to that was so good it made me want to write my own song, to try and replicate that emotion through my own perspective. It was ‘Thinking of You’ by Katy Perry. To this day I think that song is such a standout piece of music. Incredibly well written and performed and so relatable to a teenage me who’d just had her heart broken. The music video as well is incredible and full of cinematic emotion. Acoustic singer-songwriter pop with a powerful unique female vocal and a minor chord thrown in for some extra drama – Perfection!
What was the first single /download you bought?
I don’t remember specifically what the first single/album I bought was but knowing me at the time it was probably Steps’ first album on a cassette tape. 5,6,7,8!
What’s your constant go to track?
My go to track totally depends on what mood I’m going for. I’d probably be choosing from Taylor Swift, MUNA or Deaf Havana.
Who’s your latest music discovery?
I don’t know if it’s my most recent discovery, but I feel like I was quite late to the party when I discovered The Replacements a few years ago, although not many people I’ve met have heard of them which I can’t believe! Also, I’m loving Jensen McRae at the moment too.
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
My own track that describes me best as an artist currently would probably be my previous single Just Friends. It’s that acoustic singer-songwriter pop feeling I was talking about earlier. Although I do have lots of new music to come that explores different genres. Including much folkier songs, ambient electro pop and pop rock influences.
Where can we catch you live?
My new single ‘Unviable’ comes out on all platforms on October 6th. I’ll be celebrating the release with a Launch party gig accompanied by my band on October 20th at Abergavenny Labour Hall, with support from Elian and Matti Elliott. There will also be a music video you can check on YouTube.
For more information on Frankie Wesson visit: frankiewesson – Official Music, Videos, Instagram – Linktree