English punk, folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner is headed to Australia next month.
Turner, who has a unique way of creating and combining his music with a historical backstory, has released eight albums during his solo career.His most recent release was 2019's 'No Man’s Land', which saw the Hampshire native approach the creative process a little differently to his previous works. “I feel like I want the art to come first and the message to come afterwards. . . Essentially a different approach to my previous albums, I didn’t want to repeat myself,” Turner says.
When it came to lyrical inspiration for the album, Frank explored a general theme of 'fascinating women' with historical connections to music or political activism. “I'm a music-history geek before I am anything else. . . I want to understand the history of what it is I do for a living.”
One of the tracks off 'No Man’s Land' is 'Sister Rosetta', which explores one of the most influential women in music who first rose to prominence in the 1940s.
“In the past few years there has been an upsurge of interest in Sister Rosetta,” begins Frank. “I sort of got swept up in [it].” Sister Rosetta helped create the backbone of rock & roll music with the use of heavy distortion on her electric guitar, while often using the fundamentals of blues music.
“[Another] story that blew me away, was the life story of Huda Sha’arawi, an Egyptian women’s right activist from the early 20th century; not only that she lived an incredibly brave and dramatic and worthwhile life, I think it is interesting looking at her as somebody who was a devoted woman who found liberation and theology in her own religion, which I think is really important for the world we live in.”
Before coming to Australia, where he'll perform at Bluesfest as well as his own headline shows, Turner ventured to Africa in January for a series of shows in Sierra Leone, which was his third visit to the west African country. “There was confusion for the most part,” Frank says.
“That specific genre of music had not made it to west Africa just yet. . . I was standing on a box and just belting out a couple of songs. . . People were welcoming and I was very humble about that.
“It’s an amazing thing, it’s been my third visit out to the same project called WAYout Arts. It’s a project that uses music to reach the most marginalised and poor people in the world, and it gives them everything from skills for employment and also a sense of self-worth and community.
“My role is basically to shout about it and raise funds. It’s an incredible thing to be out there.”
Turner is set to land in Australia next month with shows planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide stages and obviously Bluesfest.
“We have been [to Bluesfest] once before. We played in 2013. I’m looking forward to returning back. . . it’s a beautiful, beautiful place for a show. It’s a wonderful part of the world to be in.”
This year's Bluesfest line-up includes Alanis Morissette, Crowded House and Patti Smith among a slew of the world's best acts. “They have a killer line-up,” enthuses Frank, “it’s a good vibe. . . I am very much looking forward to returning to Australia.”.
As for the remainder of 2020, Turner is planning a trip South America for the first time as well as writing his new record at the end of the year. “Hopefully there will be new music at the start of next year.”
Frank Turner 2020 Tour Dates
Fri 3 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)Sat 4 Apr - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne) - sold out
Tue 7 Apr - Rosemount Hotel (Perth)
Wed 8 Apr - UniBar (Adelaide)
Thu 9 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
