5/6/2005

MP3 Download: Lonely Handy Chap

Samuel Aaron: How is life treating you these days?

Frank Lenz: Oh, Life is just fine.  I'm leaving for Starflyer tour today, right now I'm getting ready to go to the airport

SA: What music projects are you currently working on, and who are you working with?

FL: I just finished playing drums and arranging strings for a new Kevin Max record. I just recorded a band called “The Wheepies” and I'm also recording/playing drums and producing an LA artist named Paul Layton.

SA: How has the response been to “Conquest Slaughter”?

FL: Mixed.  There were a lot of people who thought it was a Neil Young rip off.  It's not really in stores, so I'm not sure how many people are actually buying it

SA: What music influenced you while you were recording it?

FL: Actually when I was making Conquest Slaughter, I was trying to not listen to anything too 'influential'   I did listen to Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach, Edward Elgin, stuff like that.

SA: Do you have any favorite song from it?

FL: At the moment, I'm not really happy with that record, so I'm going to say no.

SA: I heard it was recorded wholly in your house – do you prefer home recordings to studios?

FL: I prefer home recordings when it's just me, cause I can be as creative as I want...but the sounds you can get in a good studio are just better.  I don't like the studio environment as well, at home you can work whenever you want, for as long as you want.

SA: What is the biggest difference (for you) between those two types of recording?

FL: I do more with sound objects and more unique sounds when I’m at home, cause I tend to be more creative.   And at home, I'm more concerned with the way a song feels.

SA: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

FL: I listened to a lot of vocal records, like Jackie and Roy, Mel Torme, Keely Smith, Julie London...and then Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, James Taylor, Loggins and Messina.

SA And what do you listen to now?

FL: Whatever anyone turns me onto - right now, Coco Rosie, Okkervil River.

SA: Where do you see yourself musically in ten years?

FL: I have no idea.  I would like to still be working, that's all I'm really concerned with.

SA: Are there any bands that have really caught your attention this last year?

FL: Deer Hoof - There's a bunch of bands, I just can't remember who they are right now!

SA: What about any films?

FL: I don't have a lot of time to see films, but the last one I saw that really turned me on was “Million Dollar Hotel”

SA: Have you ever wanted to be seen on MTV? And why?

FL: NO NO NO NO NO!

SA: What is something you have always wanted to be asked?

FL: Would you like $10,000 - no one has ever asked that.

SA: And lastly, I have some questions from various fans online, these are questions they have always wanted to ask but have never had the chance (until now):

SA: Have you ever driven to the desert in the middle of the night to see the space shuttle land...?

FL: Yes

SA: Do you he prefer drumming in a band, producing others or your own singing projects?

FL: It's a toss up between producing and doing my own thing.  I really like producing the most, but it's not like everything you work on is something you really like.  If you're not into it, it's really un-fun, but if it's a project you enjoy, it's really rewarding.

SA: Who has been your favorite band you have performed in?

FL: Richard Swift and the Sons of National Freedom

SA: When did you first meet Jason Martin and how did you come to be in Starflyer59?

FL: I have known Jason for well over 10 years - probably more like 15 years.  Their drummer was late to rehearsal and I was the first number in his phone book.

SA: Will Starflyer59 be getting any new members for the upcoming tour, or will it be just Jason and yourself?

FL: Josh Dooley from Map will be playing guitar on this tour.

SA: Was there any band you have played (or are still playing) with that you felt really had the potential to make it big?

FL: Not really.

SA: Are you still in contact with Jyro and Jerome, and is there any chance of a Fold Zandura reunion?

FL: It's been a long time, but when I do see them, it's always a great time.  It's really hard to stay in contact - we have such separate lives.  It's like leaving college - you love your friends, but as you grow, it's harder to keep in contact.   I miss them and would love to get together - but I'm 99% sure there will not be a FZ reunion.

SA: What's it like to truly jam?

FL: Super awesome.

SA: If you could drum for one band that you have never been involved with, who would it be?

FL: Pink Floyd around 1972 / Dark Side of the Moon, Meddle.

SA: How did you like acting in the video for the song "More" by Crystal Lewis?

FL: I feel as good as my performance reveals.

SA: I am not sure if this question is serious or not, but it was posted so here you go – Was every Seven Day Jesus song (except“Forgive You”) really about you?

FL: Yes.

SA: Well, I believe that is all of them. Thank you so much for your time, we wish you the best, and it has been an honor.

FL: Thanks!


To hear more of Frank’s wonderful music, please visit him online at franklenz.com. The Photographs are courtesy photobyskeebo.com & blakephotography.com.