Southern Californian native, surfer and musician Donavon Frankenreiter is headed back to Australia this November, bringing his honey-thick vocals, masterful guitar work and newest album 'The Heart'.
Originally a professional surfer, Donavon began his solo music career as the protege of Jack Johnson and released his self-titled debut album in 2004. He has so far released a total of seven studio albums, his latest 'The Heart', which came out in 2015.
'The Heart' has been called Donavon's most personal and honest work yet, and the recording process was live-streamed to the world from the studio in Wimberley, Texas.
Ahead of his Australian tour, we take some time with Donavon to talk about performing, new music and where to catch the best waves in Oz. Hint: he wouldn't tell us.
How have you found the response to your latest album 'The Heart'?
It’s a record we made three years ago; it’s been fun touring off that album and playing songs off all the others.
Being your seventh full-length studio album, did you approach writing and recording 'The Heart' any differently to other albums?
We recorded it while live-streaming it on the web: one song a day for ten days straight. It was a lot of fun letting anyone who wanted to be a part of the recording process to join us.
What did you set out to achieve with the album?
I wanted to make an album about what was going on in my life at that moment. A lot of stuff was happening and it was the most emotional record I ever made with the passing of my father during the recording process.
You were last in Australia in 2015 for Bluesfest; what are some of your memories of your last visit here?
We had such an amazing time. I just remember Jack [Johnson] and G Love sitting in on a couple of our sets and that was definitely the highlight!
What are you looking forward to the most about returning to Australia?
Just being able to play songs off all our records and bring our music back Down Under.
What are you hoping to get out of the live shows this time around?
I don’t really think about that, it all happens when it happens; that's the beautiful thing about live performances: you just let them happen.
Similarly, what can audiences expect from these performances?
Songs from every album, but I am most excited about this band I’m playing with; they’re amazing and makes what we are doing that much better.
Being a surfer, do you have any favourite breaks in Australia?
Maybe, but I can’t talk about them! Hahahahaha.
Will you be trying to catch some waves while you're here?
Yes of course. I am bringing my wife and two boys, and we will all be looking forward to some beach days.
What's coming next for you; another album?
Recording and writing as much as possible, and when it’s ready it will come out.
Donavon Frankenreiter Australia Tour 2018
Tue 20 Nov - Selina's Coogee Bay Hotel (Sydney)Wed 21 Nov - The Northern (Byron Bay)
Thu 22 Nov - Miami Shark Bar (Gold Coast)
Fri 23 Nov - Woolly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Sat 24 Nov - Queenscliff Music Festival (Victoria)
Sun 25 Nov - Narrabeen RSL (Sydney)
