Griffith Frank Reach Out Interview

Reach Out For Griffith Frank's Moving New Single

Griffith Frank is an award-winning singer and RIAA certified multiplatinum songwriter hailing from Topanga, California. He spent his formative years developing as a musician under his father David Frank (writer/producer for many for diverse artists such as Christina Aguilera, Chaka Kahn, Phil Collins, and many more).

In his late teens, Griffith was signed to A&M/Geffen records under Ron Fair (Pussycat Dolls, Black Eyed Peas, Queen Latifa) and was featured on the soundtrack of the Golden Globe nominated 2010 movie "Nine"; in which Griffith's version of "Unusual Way" was notably praised by People Magazine. Griffith has since performed all over the world at legendary venues such as Disney Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Jakarta Jazz Festival.

As a songwriter, Griffith's works have garnered over 750 million streams worldwide, with notable viral hits such as "Boomerang" by Jojo Siwa, "Where would I be Without You" by Kendall K, "Two Sides" by Annie Leblanc, and "Handstand" by Rosie Mcclelland.

Griffith Franks last released single "You Will Be Missed" has been streamed over 300,000 times worldwide, "Reach Out" is out now.

Interview with Griffith Frank

Question: How would you describe your music?

Griffith Frank: I would say my music is atmospheric pop with a cinematic edge. I'm all about the songwriting: I like my lyrics to be poetic and relatable, as much as memorable, and I try to have my chords and melodies serve the song's emotions first and foremost. I'd say as a singer, people liken my voice to a mix of George Michael, John Legend, and Josh Groban.


Question: Can you tell us about "Reach Out"?

Griffith Frank: "Reach Out" is a song dedicated to my childhood friend who I lost about a decade ago. We grew up together and he was always one of my closest friends. As we became adults, he started to struggle with demons that he rarely let anyone see. Whenever he would show a sign that he truly needed help, he would quickly it laugh it off or say everything was fine. He was such a sweet and incredible person, and I wish both he and I had the strength and courage back then to reach out when we needed it.


Question: What inspired you to write "Reach Out"?

Griffith Frank: I've always wanted to write a song that would do justice to the memory of my friend. With the help of producer ESTICO and the artist Cait (we co-wrote the song together), I was able to bring this one to life in ways I couldn't have imagined. When we came up with the piano riff you hear at the beginning of the song, I knew I had finally found the right setting for such an important subject.

Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Griffith Frank: Honestly, it's the stories. To me, every song is a story; and putting it together in such a concise amount of space is like solving a really satisfying puzzle. Not only do I strive to get my own emotions and my own story across, but to inspire emotions in the listener from their own stories.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Griffith Frank: I love them both for different reasons. Recording a song is like taking your time painting a picture; you can do everything you need to make it just right and really express everything you desire. Performing live to me, is like repainting the picture in front of an audience; which can be amazing in its own right. You might have to face some imperfections, but that's what makes performance so real and raw.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Griffith Frank: Whatever song I'm performing in the moment! That's only half true… but in my life, I'd have to say that Bohemian Rhapsody is definitely my favorite song to sing live. It's like a complete musical exploration of my voice… I get to sing high, low, and then really high… and then loud and soft. It really has everything.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Griffith Frank: I know it's kind of sad, but my late friend and my mother who passed six years ago. So they would be able to see what I've created for them and how far I've come.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Griffith Frank: Currently I'm listening to Ariana Grande's thank u next and the original concept album of Jesus Christ Super Star. Sprinkle in a little Annie Lennox for good measure. Strange, I know…

Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Griffith Frank: My father (a songwriter) first taught me piano, but I believe I found my voice listening to Barbara Streisand. The way she effortlessly navigated her instrument on her third album was really one of my biggest reasons to start singing. Listening to great singers and always being surrounded by music, there's really no way I wouldn't have gone into music.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Griffith Frank: I think probably Sting or Annie Lennox. They are my two biggest idols as creators. I'd mostly love to learn from their process and how they go about songwriting.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Griffith Frank: I'd say it's how to categorise my voice. I've never been a totally straightforward pop singer… Riding that balance of being unique and also familiar is a very fine line. I'd say working to find that balance is definitely been a struggle throughout my career.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Griffith Frank: I usually try to practice piano, work out, and write a little (or a lot) every day. Often times I spend a little too much on Youtube… but I'm working on that!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Griffith Frank: Because I love solving puzzles (writing songs), I'd say the most satisfying part is when I figure out that lyric that perfectly fits and brings across exactly what I want to say. So when I have one of those aha moments… definitely my favorite.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Griffith Frank: www.griffithfrank.com
Facebook.com/griffithfrankmusic
@griffithfrankmusic
Youtube.com/griffithfrank


Interview by Brooke Hunter