INTERVIEW: Frankadelic drops new single “Villain”

Coming out of the Bay Area music scene, Frankadelic is an artist on the rise. As the son of the legendary drummer Tre Cool, known for his role in the iconic band Green Day, Frankadelic’s musical lineage is undoubtedly impressive. However, it’s his own ability to craft a unique sonic identity that deftly splices genres that makes him such a compelling musical entity.

Influenced by a diverse array of musical legends like Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie, as well as contemporary icons including Post Malone, Mac Miller and Anderson .Paak, Frankadelic’s musical palette is rich and vibrant. He stitches elements of hip hop, R&B, rock, funk and electronica into his musical fabric, challenging the boundaries of genre and pushing the limits of musical innovation.

His latest single, “Villain,” featuring the talented artist Conflict, is a shining example of his genre-blurring approach to music. “Villain” kicks off with a slick hip hop groove driven by glitching electronic percussion that immediately grabs your attention. The warbling sonic textures create an intriguing atmosphere, setting the stage for what’s to come. As Frankadelic’s smooth and confident vocal flows enters, you can sense the fusion of rock and R&B influences, adding depth and complexity to the track.

One of the standout elements of “Villain” is the incorporation of breezy guitar backing. It’s a subtle yet effective addition that infuses the song with a touch of laid back aesthetic, elevating it beyond the confines of traditional hip hop.

This fusion of genres is where Frankadelic truly shines. He effortlessly navigates the spaces between different musical styles, creating a sound that’s at once familiar and refreshingly unique.

As Frankadelic continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that he’s on a trajectory toward greatness. With each new release, he pushes the boundaries a little further, challenging our expectations and inviting us to join him on a thrilling sonic adventure.

We caught up with Frankadelic to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Villain (feat. Conflict)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out out interview with Frankadelic below.

Hey Frankadelic, how’s things?

Things are looking up! My new single Villain just dropped on September 30th, and tons of new shows and media coverage are unfolding, so I’m really hopeful to see what the future holds.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I remember at 3 years old, my dad bought me a tiny blue drum set with flames painted on the sides. I wouldn’t make “great” music, but liked just being able to create my own sounds. As I got older, I picked up piano and guitar. By the time I was in high school I was producing, writing and performing my own music.

Which artists do you draw the most inspiration from today?

I’ve always looked up to artists like Mac miller, Anderson .Paak, J Cole, Kendrick and rock stars like Dave Grohl, Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown. Anyone who can take an unorthodox idea and turn it into something beautiful. I’m drawn to good lyricism and originality, and most of all people who are able to fuse different styles and genres into something no one would have dreamed of. I also have a lot of respect for Tyler the Creator, how creative he is not just with his music, but his whole brand and aestic.It really shows when an artist continues to explore and expand their abilities regardless of their popularity.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I’m a firm believer that good songs are written, great songs write themselves. I can’t tell you how many timesI’ve had to drop what I’m doing to write down or record something that came to me in a moment of inspiration. The important thing is being able to get that idea somewhere tangible so when you’re in the studio, you can work off that inspiration.

What do you love about the Bay Area music scene?

The Bay is filled with tons of talented musicians from hip hop to indie rock to folk music. We tend to pay more attention to the originality and the emotion behind the track, rather than how many clicks a song is going to get.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your Sound?

I always tell people you haven’t fully experienced my music until you’ve seen me perform live. The ‘song’ is just one small part of the experience. My music has a very wide arrange of sounds from dark hip hop, to Latin hip hop, and poppy love songs. Villain is more of a darker vibe, which is why it is releasing before the month of October.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I started playing in bands at 12. I was a drummer first but it didn’t take long for me to get promoted to the lead member. By high school I started my own band. We played a lot of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sublime, and stoner rock from the 90s. At 16 I picked up a DAW for the first time, and made it a goal to try and mesh my favourite genres together to get a unique sound that I can truly call my own.

How did you find making your new single “Villain”?

I actually wrote the lyrics in High School. The beat was produced by one of my best friends growing up, so this song decapitates my early days in music and the mindset of a lost adolescent experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex, all memories that I look back on fondly.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

This record is for the kids who are trying to move forward but feel like they’re stuck. Suck in a society of distractions and vices. The first verse talks about giving into those primal intuitions like sex, drugs, and violence, and the second verse talks about moving away from those primal urges, being a boss, and focusing on what really matters in life. Have your fun, but don’t let distractions destroy you.

How was it collaborating with Conflict on the track?

Conflict has been one of my day-ones in Los Angeles. When we make music, the music just writes itself. The best people to make music with are the ones who make it feel easy. Every time we work, I already know we’re about to make something truly unique.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

My most listened to Spotify is Larry June (That’s that classic Bay rap you roll up to and feel like a boss), Corde, Anderson .Paak, and this really cool band called Sir Woman, shoutout to them. I was gonna gatekeep this one, but I’ve been super into 1980’s Japanese jazz as of late.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

My mission is to make music that other people can resonate and connect with, whether you’re a high schooler, a single mom, or a broke 20-something year old. We live in an age where connection is harder than ever, although we are connected to our phones 24/7, ironic in a sense. If I can make someone out there feel heard or understood, that would be enough.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Working with Roaring 20’s, I have played many live shows with them in New York, Los Angeles, and helped them set up events around the city. Although I don’t have one favourite show, I really loved being on stage and hosting events with other independent artists.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

As an event planner myself and an avid cannabis enthusiast, I’d love to one day have the budget to create a cannabis friendly festival in Humboldt County, California. Headlined by Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa, and Kid Cudi. It would be a full 3-day weekend event centred on health, wellness, and cannabis. I’d have vendors from different licensed dispensaries, meditation tents, multiple genres of music, healthy concessions, and art installations.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t give up, get used to being told no, consistency is key. Build a team, have a plan, and last but not least, relationships can make or break your career, so don’t let others define you.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

I drop a new single on all streaming platforms once every 2 months, but in between releases, I drop a Soundcloud exclusive to keep my fans happy. I’m also working on lining up some shows in Los Angeles before the end of the year.

Get updated about my newest releases by following me on Instagram and checking me out on your preferred streaming platform. If you’d like to check out my Soundcloud exclusives, click here.

Listen to Villain (feat. Conflict) below