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==Early life==
==Early life==
Turner was educated on a scholarship at [[Eton College]], where he studied alongside [[Prince William]], and later went on to attend the [[London School of Economics]] where he read History.<ref>http://www.frank-turner.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4168&sid=ce428b97468adf54a870fe4497633beb</ref> His father Roger Turner, is the son of Sir Mark Turner, formerly chairman of high street retailer [[British Home Stores|BHS]], and had himself also attended Eton before becoming a City investment banker, while his mother, Jane, the daughter of a bishop, is a primary school headmistress.
Turner was educated on a scholarship at [[Eton College]], where he studied alongside [[Prince William]],<ref>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23761754-frank-turner-from-punk-rocker-to-self-taught-troubadour.do</ref> and later went on to attend the [[London School of Economics]] where he read History. His father Roger Turner, is the son of Sir Mark Turner, formerly chairman of high street retailer [[British Home Stores|BHS]], and had himself also attended Eton before becoming a City investment banker, while his mother, Jane, the daughter of a bishop, is a primary school headmistress.


==Musical career==
==Musical career==

Revision as of 17:51, 25 November 2011

For the actor sometimes credited as Frank Turner, see F. A. Turner. For people with a similar name, see Francis Turner.

Frank Turner
Frank Turner at a radio session for XFM in London.
Frank Turner at a radio session for XFM in London.
Background information
Birth nameFrancis E. Turner
Also known asFrank 'Dave' Turner
OriginMeonstoke, England
GenresFolk, folk-punk, hardcore punk, alternative rock
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, Vocals
Years active2001–present
LabelsXtra Mile Recordings (UK), Epitaph, Paper + Plastick
Websitefrank-turner.com

Frank Turner (born 28 December 1981) is an English[1] folk/punk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Winchester. Initially the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead, Turner embarked upon a primarily acoustic-based solo career following the band's split in 2005. To date, Turner has released four solo albums, a rarities compilation album and four EPs. Turner began recording for his new album England Keep My Bones, in January 2011. It was released on 6 June 2011 in the UK, and 7 June 2011 worldwide.

Early life

Turner was educated on a scholarship at Eton College, where he studied alongside Prince William,[2] and later went on to attend the London School of Economics where he read History. His father Roger Turner, is the son of Sir Mark Turner, formerly chairman of high street retailer BHS, and had himself also attended Eton before becoming a City investment banker, while his mother, Jane, the daughter of a bishop, is a primary school headmistress.

Musical career

Beginnings and Million Dead (Up to 2005)

Turner's musical career began at school, with the short-lived alternative band Kneejerk. The band self-released three albums and played several shows around the UK (including a support slot for Boysetsfire), before disbanding in November 2001.[3]

In 2001, Turner joined London post-hardcore band Million Dead at the invitation of former Kneejerk drummer Ben Dawson.[4] In 2005, after four years and two albums, the band announced that they were parting ways, as “irreconcilable differences within the band mean that it would be impossible to continue.”[4]

Sleep is for the Week and Love Ire & Song (2005-2008)

Turner's first solo shows took place prior to the break-up of Million Dead, with a set at the Smalltown America all-dayer at 93 Feet East in London. After the band's split, Turner felt that “it seemed like the logical thing to do to try my hand at playing these songs more publicly and more concertedly than before”.[5] Turner states that "when Million Dead finished, I wanted to stay on tour, but I didn’t want the hassle of putting a band together."[6]

After a split EP with rock band Reuben, Turner's first solo EP, Campfire Punkrock, was released in May 2006 on Xtra Mile Recordings, with him being recorded and backed by Oxford band Dive Dive who he had met while out on tour with Reuben.[5][7] Band members Tarrant Anderson, Ben Lloyd and Nigel Powell would become his backing band from this point on, with most of his subsequent UK headline tours being full band shows. After touring in support of American singer-songwriter Jonah Matranga, the two released a split EP in August 2006. In September, he was the last act to appear on Steve Lamacq's “Lamacq Live” show on BBC Radio 1.[8] Turner's debut full-length studio album, Sleep Is for the Week was released in January 2007, again recorded at Dive Dive's studio, produced by their guitarist Ben Lloyd[9] and featuring drummer Nigel Powell.

After an extensive tour, including dates supporting yourcodenameis:milo and Biffy Clyro, and an appearance at SXSW,[10] Turner released an EP, The Real Damage, in May 2007. After a further tour with Jonah Matranga and Jacob Golden, the “All About The Destination” DVD was released in October, before returning to the studio in Hampshire to record his second album. The album, Love Ire & Song again saw Ben Lloyd from Dive Dive in the producer's seat,[11] and was released on 31 March 2008, followed by an extensive UK tour with Andy Yorke and Chris T-T. T-T also joined the live lineup on keyboards through summer 2008.

During summer 2008, Turner made several festival appearances, including sets at Y Not Festival, Two Thousand Trees Festival, the Cambridge Folk Festival, Truck, Glastonbury, Jam By The Lake (in Durham) and the Reading and Leeds Festivals.

In October/November, during his 2008 UK Tour for the Love, Ire and Song album, he became ill with gastroenteritis, and was forced to leave the stage in Nottingham halfway through his set. All remaining shows, which included Nottingham, Liverpool and Ireland, were cancelled - the first time that Turner had cancelled any show in ten years.[12] He went on to reschedule all cancelled shows in January 2009.

Frank Turner at The Park in Peterborough 2007

Poetry of the Deed (2008-2010)

In December 2008 Turner released The First Three Years, a compilation of demos, b-sides and covers that are not featured on either of his studio albums. In January 2009, he released a combined package of The First Three Years and Love Ire & Song, and supported The Gaslight Anthem on their tour of the UK and Europe, demoing several new songs and announcing his plans to record a new album in May. The album was produced by Alex Newport, as previously suggested in interview by Turner.[13] His band at the time still consisted of Ben Lloyd, Tarrant Anderson and Nigel Powell from Dive Dive, with keyboardist Matt Nasir having been added on the Love, Ire and Song tour.

Prior to recording Poetry of the Deed, Turner stated that:[14]

The new album is about 75% written - in the sense that the songs, as skeletons, are done, but this time round I’m rehearsing the material with my band before we record, so I’m sure that some things will change in terms of structure and arrangement as we settle into them. We’re recording the album as a band this time round, I’m really excited about it, the guys I play with are phenomenal musicians, and hopefully this way I’ll be able to close the gap a little between live and studio. Material-wise I’m really happy about where I am at the moment, though not complacent; there’s a fair amount of pressure for this record, from me more than anyone else. The album is going to be called Poetry Of The Deed.

Turner was announced as the support act on The Offspring's summer tour, during which he documented his travels with a blog on British music website NME.[15] Regarding the support slot, Turner stated: "Smash was one of the first punk records I ever bought, and I’m blown away to even be considered for the shows. From a “career” point of view, it’s also great - playing to many thousands of people a night across the States is an opportunity not to be sniffed at."[16]

On 28 April, Turner signed with Epitaph Records for releases outside the UK.[17]

Preceded by the single "The Road", Turner's third studio album, Poetry of the Deed, was released on 7 September 2009 and reached #36 in the UK album chart. The following month he embarked upon a UK tour with his band in support of the album (with singer/songwriter Beans On Toast and US band "Fake Problems" as support acts), culminating in a sell-out show at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on 29 October 2009. A live DVD/CD, entitled Take to the Road, documenting two shows from the tour - Shepherds Bush Empire and the Union Chapel - was released in the UK in March 2010. In November 2009, Turner began a tour of the US which moved to Europe from 28 November and returned to the UK on 19 December. He completed the year with a New Year's Eve show at The Spiegeltent in Gloucester.

In early 2010, Turner played several more UK gigs, with Chuck Ragan and Crazy Arm supporting. He also accompanied Flogging Molly and The Architects on the 2010 Green 17 Tour, and announced via his Twitter that he was working on new songs.[18]

In June, he supported Green Day on their stadium shows, and also featured as the cover star of Kerrang! magazine for the first time, with an article inside documenting his solo career up to that point.

Rock & Roll EP and England Keep My Bones (2010-present)

Turner played at many festivals throughout the summer, including his headlining appearance at the Two Thousand Trees Festival, playing his new song I Still Believe. The song was released first as a single and then appeared on his Rock and Roll EP. I Still Believe appeared on Turner's most recent album, England Keep my Bones, released on 6 June 2011.[19] Turner also contributed one song, a cover of Build Me Up Buttercup, to Centrepoint's 2010 Charity cover album 1969 Key to Change.[20] On 25 January 2011 Frank was nominated for two Shockwaves NME Awards, for best Solo Artist and best Band Blog or Twitter.[21]

Frank announced on his Twitter on 24 February 2011 that his fourth studio album would be called England Keep My Bones and that it would be released in the UK on 6 June 2011 and worldwide on 7 June 2011. He also announced details of solo tours in Australia, Germany, UK, and the US & Canada.[22] Frank started recording of this album on 10 January 2011 [23] and finished recording on 20 January 2011,[23] with mixing completed in February 2011.

In March 2011, Turner stated that:[24]

I wanted this album to feel more like a solo record made with a band, whereas the last record was more of a band album overall. There's still a fair bit of ‘rock’ material on the record, but there's a lot more folky, acoustic material this time around than last time. I'm not taking any drastic stylistic turns here, but there are little forays into new territory at the edges. ‘Poetry’ was definitely off to one side of the spectrum for me. This record is a bit more down the middle. There's even an [sic] acappella tune on there. But then there's a pretty full-on hardcore song as well.

On 21 March 2011, it was announced that Turner would be making the step up to the main stage at Reading and Leeds in August 2011.[25] He spoke about the "perks" of playing Reading in a recent interview with 6 Towns Radio.[26] He will also be playing Download, Blissfields and Cambridge Folk festivals, as well as many other festivals across Europe.

Several songs from England Keep My Bones were debuted at Playfest (a new music festival in Norfolk) on 28 May.

Frank Turner leaked new song 'I Am Disappeared' on to YouTube on 29 March 2011 later making it available for free download through Xtra Mile. He also announced on the 29th that he would soon be releasing 'Peggy Sang The Blues' as the first single from the album.

In early 2011, Frank Turner was booked to play as a headliner at Blissfields Festival. http://www.blissfields.co.uk/

During his May 2011 tour, Frank played a new song, tentatively titled "Rod Stewart." This song later became retitled as "Sailors Boots" and features as the B-side to "If Ever I Stray"

"England Keep My Bones" entered the UK chart at number 12 on its week of release, Franks highest charting album to date.[27]

Frank has also announced plans to release a rarities compilation titled "The Second Three Years."

1000th Solo show

On 21 April 2011 Frank played his 1000th solo show at the Strummerville festival in Shoreditch, London.

Backing band

Turner's band, 'The Sleeping Souls',[28] both live and in the studio, consists of:

Discography

Main article: Frank Turner discography

Studio albums

EPs

Compilations

Demos

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
UK
2006 "Vital Signs" – Sleep Is For The Week
2007 "The Real Damage" –
2008 "Photosynthesis" – Love Ire & Song
"Reasons Not to Be an Idiot" 124
"Long Live the Queen" 65
2009 "The Road" 62 Poetry of the Deed
"Poetry of the Deed" –
2010 "Isabel" –
"Try This At Home" –
"I Still Believe" 163 Rock & Roll
2011 "Peggy Sang the Blues" – England Keep My Bones
"If Ever I Stray" –
"Wessex Boy" –
"—" denotes a release that did not chart or has not been released

Guest appearances

Beans On Toast - "Money, Money, Money" from "Standing On a Chair" backing vocals 2009

The Dawn Chorus - Guest on backing vocals on various tracks on their 'The Carnival leaves town' album.

Splits and collaborations

  • Reuben / Frank Turner - Xtra Mile Single Sessions #4 (30 January 2006)
  • Jonah Matranga / Frank Turner - Split EP (17 July 2006)
  • Austin Lucas / Frank Turner - Under The Influence: Volume 7 (17 April 2009)
  • Frank Turner / Tim Barry - Split EP (13 October 2009)
  • Frank Turner / Jon Snodgrass - Buddies (22 November 2010)

Compilation appearances

  • Public Service Broadcast #8 (17 April 2006)
  • "Photosynthesis" - "2000 Trees - Cider Smiles Vol.1", (Hide and Seek Records, June 2008)
  • Xtra Mile High Club (Xtra Mile Recordings, 2008)
  • "The Quiet One" - "Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy" (September 2009)
  • "Sally" (Kerbdog cover) - Memoria : A Tribute To The Alternative 90s (Yr Letter Records, October 2009)
  • "Rock & Roll Romance" - "Take Action: Volume 9" (April (April 2010)
  • "Sons of Liberty" - "2000 Trees - Cider Smiles Vol.3", (Hide and Seek Records, July 2010)
  • "My Poor Friend Me" (Bad Religion cover) - from Germs Of Perfection: A Tribute To Bad Religion (free download, 19 October 2010)[29]
  • "Build Me Up Buttercup" - "1969 Key to Change", (Centrepoint, 2010)
  • "Poetry of the Deed" - "New Noise" (Epitaph Records, 2010)
  • "Redemption (New Solo Acoustic Version)" - Xtra Mile High Club Volume 3 (Xtra Mile Recordings, 2011)
  • "On A Plain" - "Nirvana Nevermind Forever" (Kerrang, 2011)

Videography

  • Casanova Lament (unaired)
  • Vital Signs (2006)
  • The Real Damage (2007)
  • Photosynthesis (2008)
  • Reasons Not to Be an Idiot (2008)
  • I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous (2008)
  • Long Live the Queen (2008)
  • The Road (2009)
  • Poetry of the Deed (2009)
  • Isabel (2010)
  • Try This at Home (2010)
  • I Still Believe (2010)
  • Peggy Sang the Blues (2011)
  • If Ever I Stray (2011)
  • Sailor's Boots (2011)

DVDs

  • All About the Destination (22 October 2007)
  • Take to the Road (22 March 2010)

Awards and nominations

Frank Turner awards and nominations
Totals[a]
Nominations6
Note
  1. ^ Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They recognize several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.
Category Result
Kerrang Awards 2010 No Half Measures Award Won
Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 Best Solo Artist Nominated
Best Band Blog or Twitter Nominated
Bandit Rock Awards 2011[30] Best International Breakthrough Nominated
AIM Awards 2011[31] Best Live Act Won
Hardest Working Artist Won

References

  1. ^ http://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Interview-Frank-Turner/7159/
  2. ^ http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23761754-frank-turner-from-punk-rocker-to-self-taught-troubadour.do
  3. ^ "Kneejerk official site". Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. ("Authorised mirror of Kneejerk official site".)
  4. ^ a b "Archive of defunct Million Dead official site".
  5. ^ a b "Biography on Frank-Turner.com".
  6. ^ http://stereokill.net/2008/11/11/interview-frank-turner/
  7. ^ "Frank Turner Interview".
  8. ^ "Frank Turner blog archive – January 2006".
  9. ^ "Sleep Is For The Week album credits".
  10. ^ "Frank Turner blog archive - March 2007".
  11. ^ "Room Thirteen Album Review".
  12. ^ http://www.frank-turner.com/2008_11_01_archive.html
  13. ^ "Frank Turner interview on Stereokill". Stereokill.net. 11 November 2008.
  14. ^ Miller, Campbell (4 April 2009). "Interview: Frank Turner". Stereokill.net. Retrieved 6 April 2009.
  15. ^ "Modest Mouse Confirm EP Details". idiomag. 23 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  16. ^ Lindsay, Andrew (9 April 2009). "Frank Turner to tour with The Offspring". Stereokill.net. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
  17. ^ http://stereokill.net/2009/04/29/frank-turner-signs-to-epitaph/
  18. ^ http://twitter.com/fthc/status/7993947688
  19. ^ http://frank-turner.com/blog/2010/10/ep-day-approacheth/
  20. ^ http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/key-to-change
  21. ^ http://www.nme.com/news/arcade-fire/54667
  22. ^ https://twitter.com/#!/fthc/status/40700277711581184
  23. ^ a b https://twitter.com/#!/fthc/status/24391040723058688 Cite error: The named reference "Twitter" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  24. ^ http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/163890/44
  25. ^ http://www.readingfestival.com/
  26. ^ http://6towns.co.uk/news/2011/06/terry-bossons-interviews-frank-turner-bossons-about
  27. ^ http://www.chartstats.com/release.php?release=50331
  28. ^ Turner, Frank (21 March 2011). "Festival Frenzy". Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  29. ^ http://www.spin.com/articles/listen-top-acts-pay-tribute-bad-religion
  30. ^ http://www.bandit.se/rockawards/voting.php
  31. ^ http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storycode=1047431

External links

Interviews

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