Frank Turner is one of my favourite British artists, having been on the folk scene for years now. He’s recently announced the release of his new album, Undefeated, which is his tenth solo album! Frank’s also gearing up for a few tour dates soon, so keep your eyes peeled for more soon!

By Jane Howkins

You’ve just announced a brand new album titled Undefeated. What can you tell us about the record and what does the title refer to?

It’s my tenth solo album, but I am pleased (and relieved) to be able to say I feel as fired up as I ever did. It’s my first record with my new drummer Callum, it’s the first I’ve produced myself, and it’s a punk rock record of sorts. The title was a defining thing for me while I was writing, the word came to me as a cool summation of how I feel right now about my music and my career – kind of like Jake LaMotta, ragged but still standing.

The lead single is Do One. What can you tell us about that track?

That was the last song I wrote for the record, and it’s the first song on the album (as well as the first single). It feels like a cool statement of purpose for the record, it’s a defiant song, thumbing its nose up at the doubters and the haters.

Do you have any more singles planned for release anytime soon?

Very much so! Lots more coming soon. 

You’ve decided to step away from the major label world, with the new record being released through Xtra Mile Recordings. What prompted the decision?

Technically I’ve always been with Xtra Mile, but we licensed albums to Universal for a while. I came to the end of my deal with them – they were kind enough to offer an extension, but at this point it felt like the right thing to do was to come home to the independent world properly. It feels like the right decision, the whole team is amazing! 

Was the writing and recording process different, going towards a more independent sound?

I think there was a sense of release, coming out the other side of covid, working with a new drummer (who has really brought everything together musically in the band). Overall, I think the band and I were having a lot of fun making music, for the first time in a while, and you can hear that in the finished product. 

You’ve announced a couple of festival dates this year – we’re hoping to see you at Y Not Festival! Are you excited for these dates? Will you be pulling anything special out of the bag?

I love festivals, my god have I played a few over the years! It’s a nice way to make new friends and it’s a holiday in an alternative reality that makes a lot more sense to me in many ways. It’s always a moment to please the crowd, but I have all these new songs to share as well, so it’ll be a mix-up. 

Do you prefer performing at festivals over your normal gigs? How do they differ for you?

It’s nice to mix it up. Every year I’m stoked for the start of festival season, and by the end I’m ready for headline shows again. Feels like a good balance really. Festivals are a bit like speed-dating, people are seeing a lot of bands in one day so you have to put your best foot forward. 

Are there any plans for a headline tour in the near future?

Yes indeed. Watch this space, or I guess my social media and announcements and such. 

What are your thoughts on the current music industry? Are there any bands/artists you recommend we check out?

The music industry continues to change and be weird and beyond any one person’s contribution. TikTok, for example, is basically a mystery to me, but it’s also a way of reaching new (younger) people so I’m doing my best to not be a dinosaur. There’s so much good music out there right now. The Meffs, Black Guy Fawkes, The Wilderness, Dingus Khan, so much good stuff. 

Any last words for the fans?

Thanks for sticking with me this far, loads more music and shows coming very soon!