Frant1c – interview with Anne-Claire Rallo
1. How did the band initially come together? Can you share a bit about your journey as a group?
Frant1c is a solo project I initiated running alongside Nine Skies, and was brought to life following the loss of my husband Eric Bouillette (Nine Skies, The Room, etc.).
The core lineup features familiar names: Alexandre Lamia (Nine Skies, Ingaro), Alexis Bietti (Nine Skies, Genesya), Johnny Marter (Nine Skies, Marillion, Mr. Big, Brian May, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, etc…), Martin Wilson (The Room, Grey Lady Down), Helen Tiron (Sun Q), and John Mitchell (Lonely Robot, Arena, Asia, Frost, etc.), who is overseeing the mixing and mastering.
The debut album, ‘A Brand New World’, is set for release on 27th September 2024, with a second album already in progress.
2. What would you say sets your music apart from other rock bands in the industry?
Obviously, the personal stories and the connections musicians share with each other are. I hope the sound is, too.
3. Could you describe the creative process within the band? How do you typically approach songwriting and arranging?
I started recording demos, then Alexandre re-recorded the parts ‘properly’ and arranged them, also adding his own magical touch and parts. Each musician recorded their parts on their own after that, except for Martin, who came to Nice, in France, to record the vocals in Alexandre’s studio. We both wrote the lyrics as I shared my idea for the album concept with him. Once everything was done, we sent all the demos to John Mitchell, who did an amazing job fixing, mixing, and mastering everything at Outhouse Studios. For this album, we also managed to include some of Eric’s parts—my husband who passed away—that he had recorded when we were working on the first demos (such as violin, piano, and backing vocals).
4. Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Well, obviously this album is a kind of catharsis I needed to bring to life after Eric passed away. The story talks about Charlie and Hope, who have always spent their lives together.
One fine day, Charlie wakes up alone in the middle of a completely different and devastated world. He then goes in search of his soul mate, pondering: ‘What is this world?’.
The discoveries and new encounters he makes throughout his adventure to find Hope invite us to reflect on various feelings and questions that are as universal as they are personal to each of us.
5. Are there any particular artists or bands that have influenced your musical style or inspired you?
I listen to every genre of music, from classical to rock, and I’ve probably been influenced by all of them. The list would be too long! From John Williams and Saint-Saëns to Opeth, Talk Talk, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Arena, Ozzy Osbourne, and Frost…
6. Are there any upcoming projects or releases that you’re excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for the band?
At the moment we focus on the release of the album, set on 27th September 2024, but a second album is already in progress.
7. What do you enjoy most about being part of a band? Is there a specific aspect of the music-making process that you find particularly fulfilling?
I enjoy creating and expressing personal feelings as a form of catharsis; sharing that with musicians, friends, or the audience. It creates such a powerful connection between people, don’t you think so?
8. How do you handle criticism or negative reviews of your work? Has it ever affected your creative process or confidence as a band?
The tendency nowadays, largely due to social media, for some people to express opinions without any foundation or arguments, just for the sake of it, can annoys me. Don’t get me wrong—I’m totally fine with the fact that some people might not like our music. However, I can’t understand why someone would trash a creative work, which represents such a personal investment from musicians, without any rational basis. But no, it doesn’t change our approach to making music. We’re simply sincere in what we deliver, and if we’re able to move people, that’s just a bonus.
9. Have you faced any notable obstacles or hurdles as a band, and how did you navigate through them?
The most difficult experience we faced with our band Nine Skies was, obviously, the illness and passing of Eric. We released our last album in his memory and did a few dates in France. This Frantic album is another way for us to come together through this personal tragedy and overcome it with music, united as a band.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring rock musicians who are just starting their journey?
Do not expect things to be easy, do not expect to become rich, and do not expect others to believe in you more than you believe in yourself. While you cannot achieve everything on your own, being surrounded by talented people is essential.
11. Are there any specific goals or milestones that the band hopes to achieve in the future?
To allow our music to be listened to, shared, and loved by as many people as possible, and to continue creating with future albums.
12. How do you maintain a balance between your personal lives and the demands of being in a rock band?
Being in a band and making music is an integral part of who we are and our lives!
13. Is there a particular song from your discography (Disc-og-ra-fee) that holds a special meaning for the band or carries a significant story behind it?
The single ‘Where Have You Been?’ references the many people we’ve lost, loved, or those who are still alive but with whom we’ve lost a personal connection.
14. What is the ultimate dream or vision that you have for the band’s legacy?
Than our music will continue to play for as long as possible and reach the widest audience possible!
15. What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
I’m not a professional musician, but I work in the music field as I run a music PR agency. As for hobbies, I enjoy writing (I’ve written a few books) and I’d also interested in working in the film or video games industry. I used to work with animals as well.
16. What song do you wish you had written by another band?
Bohemian Rhapdosy.
17. Is it possible to be on the road and not succumb to eating junk food?
NO WAY!!!
18. Are there any songs you have done you wish you hadn’t?
No. We always create music sincerely. Of course, we often feel that it could have been better, but we’re still learning all the time, and we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished so far.
Links:
https://linktr.ee/frant1c Linktr.ee
https://frant1c.bandcamp.com Bandcamp
https://www.facebook.com/frant1cband Facebook
www.youtube.com/@frant1cband Youtube
https://ftf-shop.com/product/frant1c-a-brand-new-world Shop
Single ‘Where Have You Been?’: https://youtu.be/fi9E8n9BKT0
