With Chasing The Dragon out now, we took some time to hear from Brian Bee Frank. Read below to learn more about Brian Bee Frank, the story behind Chasing The Dragon, and what’s to come.
Hi Brian Bee Frank! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
The name is not so special. I was called Bee throughout my career. Maybe due to Killer “Bee.”
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
Originally, I am from Toronto, Canada, currently have been living in Sweden the last 36 years.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I think music has always been a part of me from way back in my early years, being part of the school band at 10 and some adolescent bands in Toronto. Singing was always a joy, so when opportunity called, I answered. It really started when I was 17 with Rapid Tears in Toronto.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I attribute my sound and vibe as that of my youth. As a teen in the ’70s, I grew up with that raw jamlike feel of Zeppelin, Purple even liking pink Floyd, genius, Bowie, Cooper. All these great artists contribute to what I consider a true ’70s classic sound based on experience.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Hobbies, hmmm, yeah I must say that in today’s music world, it is very hard to make a living. I therefore have a company directed towards interior decorating, which is also a hobby of mine. I am very lucky that l get to do all the things that I love.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
My influences are diverse. Zeppelin, Deep Purple, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Rod Stewart with the faces, the stones. Pretty much anything that showed originality back in that great time of the early ’70s .
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
A proud moment, there have been many, very difficult to name one, but I guess being asked to headline a concert in Red Square Moscow. The first ever rock concert in Red Square.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
It’s only rock n roll, but I like it.
Now onto Chasing The Dragon. What inspired this EP?
Inspiration came from the crazy world that we live in, remembering what it was like when I was a kid and the frustration of all this hate rhetoric in the world. One gets so angry when all you hear is negative sh*t.
What is the overall theme of Chasing The Dragon?
The overall theme is something that I hope catches people. Love and Peace.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for Chasing The Dragon?
Music is sometimes like an addiction, and I really feel like sometimes an artist is chasing the dragon looking for that buzz that got them started.
How did the collaboration with Syndicated Madness come about?
Syndicated Madness is a project based on, not a band, but collaborative works with a variety of musicians, both local and globally.
What was the creative process like when making Chasing The Dragon?
We worked mainly remotely. Everyone’s contribution is of their own making without too much guidance, was very interesting putting together everyone’s ideas.
How long did it take to complete Chasing The Dragon?
The recording process was about 3 months.
Is there a specific song on Chasing The Dragon that speaks to you the most? If so, why?
I guess “Hate” has a deep meaning, but as well “Living in the Changes” also speak deeply to me. Both kind of speak the old adage, “make love, not war” – an era that I grew up in.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from Chasing The Dragon and your music in general?
Life can be fun, not always a struggle, and struggles give experience, not defeat.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
NO shows scheduled yet. We are always working on new music, so recording is the future right now.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2GuDYtydqnsTnFR9bChjX9
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
