Transcript from an Interview with Frank Canonica
Francesco or "Frank" Canonica, "The Great Constantini" is based in Santa Rosa, California, USA..
"I am a multi-instrumental musician (except drums) and songwriter looking for other musicians to write and record with. I am tired of sitting here doing all this half as good as I want it to be because I do it alone. At times I feel less than talented, at other times I can't understand why others don't understand or like what I do, but heck it's cheaper than therapy and with luck I can make you smile! If you want to collaborate contact me …frankiezmole@yahoo.com
You know I've been making music for most of my life to date. I've played with others which I really enjoyed at times but at some point it became difficult what with jobs, family and the rest so I drifted into playing here in my studio by myself. Then one day I went looking for others and there were none to be found. I'm still looking, but I think my quirky music is not what many want to play. And I just can not fathom jamming while everyone takes turns wanking on their instruments. I like to sit and construct. If the need arose, I would go back out and play live with a band. I used to enjoy it and can be quite a ham on stage. But more over these days I would really love to work on collaborations.
Here at the Village Idiot Studios I sit and manipulate wavelengths, arrange them in patterns and on occasion, if the planets are aligned and the gods of sound are happy, some of it sounds like music. I am always looking to collaborate on songwriting and performing.
Why this name?
It's really a fictional name that I made up whilst thinking about "The Great Farini" who used to tight rope walk over Niagra falls in the late 1800's. In the long run I'd like a different band name. So if anyone comes up with one for me, let me know.
Do you play live?
Yes. I often play here in my studio, live. I've yet to attempt playing here dead, but I suppose I will get my chance some day. Let's see, any special moments....well, me and my old musical friend Grandma Melonhead once performed live at a state mental hospital. That was quite a unique experience.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
It allows so many of us home studio artists to find an audience. Really, I mean I have very few, fans, but I know people have listened to my songs and some have given them 5 little stars. So I have been able be heard and hopefully along the way someone will smile for me. It's an incredible thing to think only a short time ago there was no such vehicle for music. You performed, made a CD or cassette tape (remember those little things?) and tried to self promote your band locally. Now with very little effort a band can be heard anywhere on this big rock!
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Of course. Who wouldn't. I know there's lots of people who say they would not but I think when the cash was waived in front of there faces, they'd jump on it. The "Oh I do it for the sake of art" is mostly vanity. I hardly think it's very realistic to think that a record company would want to sign someone like myself. I don't pose very much commercial value and I am somewhat older than most companies see as viable. But heck, if you want my songs I'm here.
Your influences?
Early on I was into Captain Beefheart, Chet Atkins, Pink Floyd, Yes, and a host of others. Today I am influenced by people like Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Wilco, Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, etc. Oh and you have to go and check out pampelmoose! on youtube. Dawn inspires me to get up and play music when I feel it is all hopeless. Great stuff!
Favorite spot?
I really like it here in Santa Rosa, Any where that's green and has water is okay by me.
Seattle is quite nice as well. And I really like that area just above the tailbone, kind of sexy.
Equipment used:
I use lots of nifty stuff... I only wish I used it all a bit better. The list is quite long. So I'll get back to you on this one.
Anything else...?
No, not really. Nothing else. Feel free to contact me : frankiezmole@yahoo.com
On second thought, yeah, I need help creating video content for my music and would really love someone to help create a web site as well.
MySpace page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-C/134...