Brian Franke

Artist Information

Biography

Brian Franke is an award-winning folk-rock singer/songwriter residing in the Washington, DC area. An up-and-coming artist with dynamic vocals, his music provides subtle commentary on life events, social issues, and politics, spanning such genres as rock, indie pop, and folk rock. With a sound that’s raw, contemplative and often edgy, his music appeals to fans of Elliott Smith, Pete Yorn, Vertical Horizon, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Brian’s debut album ‘Six Blocks Down’ was released in the fall of 2010. ‘Six Blocks Down’ navigates through swells of hard rock, over meandering streams of rootsy folk, with an undercurrent of mellow indie pop. Lyrically he meditates on life, love, politics and social issues, blending lively folk-rock arrangements with colorful chord progressions and rich, raw vocals. The album’s award-winning title track is a breezy pop-rock number whose sound belies the serious nature of the song’s lyrics, about a couple struggling to find purpose in their relationship. Currently he is touring in support of the album making stops in such cities as New York City, Nashville, Johnson City, and Philadelphia.

Brian was born and raised in Fair Haven, New Jersey, where he joined his first band, Visitors Only (a fusion of acoustic rock and pop). After earning degrees in economics and public policy, Brian worked in the non-profit sector before starting his full-time music career in late 2009. Always seeking to engage others in his music, he collaborates often with local artists and involves his fans in his music career.

Today he is a permanent fixture on the music circuit in Washington, DC, with numerous residencies, and invitations to play top venues in the area such as Jammin’ Java, Iota Club and Café, and the Washington Nationals Ballpark.

Instrumentation

Brian Franke - vocals & guitar

Discography

Six Blocks Down, 2010

Official Website

http://www.brianfranke.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• Sound Cloud
• The Sixty One
• Pure Volume

Audio

• Six Blocks Down
  Listen  
• Reconcile
  Listen  
• The Way it Used to Be
  Listen  
• You Got All You Want (Girl)
  Listen  
• 07 Never Let Your Guard Down
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Way it Used to Be
• Never Let Your Guard Down

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Brad Pugh [+ Show ]
  

  I have been impressed with how Brian's music comes from such a sincere and authentic place. I alway...I have been impressed with how Brian's music comes from such a sincere and authentic place. I always enjoy hearing his well-crafted songs, with solid hooks, and I always buy in to his rootsy/rock/folk style. I wish him the best of luck in what could be a long and rewarding career in music.

• Dave Mallen [+ Show ]
  

  "I've been producing music for Brian Franke since 2007, and it's been exciting to watch his career t..."I've been producing music for Brian Franke since 2007, and it's been exciting to watch his career take off while helping him define his signature sound - combining sensitive yet brutally honest lyrics tackling personal and societal issues with hard rockin' rhythms and catchy melodies. With each live show, Brian's performances seem to become more dynamic and engaging, and he's built quite a fan base by truly connecting with his audiences. Brian Franke is definitely a talent to watch out for in the DC/Baltimore music scene and beyond."

• Marcus McGough [+ Show ]
  

  "Brian is a very professional and talented musician to book shows with. He's reliable and flexible w..."Brian is a very professional and talented musician to book shows with. He's reliable and flexible with scheduling and performs an entertaining show for the audience."

Setlist

Brian's sets are wide ranging and every show his set list is different. Along with his original material, he performs Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, The Killers, Eric Clapton, and many others. He's played 1 hours gigs to 4 hour gigs.

Basic Requirements

Calendar