Interview with Corners of Sanctuary Vocalist Frankie Cross
by Mick Michaels
COSMICK VIEW:
Hello Frankie! Welcome to the Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some
time out of your day to chat with me, it is greatly appreciated.
CV:
Where do you get all your energy while on stage?
Frankie Cross: Every show I tend to get excited like I did at my first show. That excitement of performing in front of a live crowd, the anticipation of performing our songs… from that point, the adrenaline takes over and just the sheer excitement of the opening drums and first guitar notes is enough to get anybody's heart beating fast… that and a 5-hour Energy Shot doesn't hurt either.
Frankie Cross: Every show I tend to get excited like I did at my first show. That excitement of performing in front of a live crowd, the anticipation of performing our songs… from that point, the adrenaline takes over and just the sheer excitement of the opening drums and first guitar notes is enough to get anybody's heart beating fast… that and a 5-hour Energy Shot doesn't hurt either.
CV:
What bands or artist have influenced you the most?
FC: Early Motley Crue, Metallica, Queensryche and Led Zeppelin… and of course Kiss. All these bands incorporated strong vocals and “anthemic” lyrics.
FC: Early Motley Crue, Metallica, Queensryche and Led Zeppelin… and of course Kiss. All these bands incorporated strong vocals and “anthemic” lyrics.
CV:
Who are some of your favorite non-Metal artists?
FC: I've always loved Billy Joel, Elton John, Foreigner and Styx… and Pearl Jam & Springsteen, Boston, Cars. Throwing in a little Imagine Dragons, The Shins and Muse.
FC: I've always loved Billy Joel, Elton John, Foreigner and Styx… and Pearl Jam & Springsteen, Boston, Cars. Throwing in a little Imagine Dragons, The Shins and Muse.
CV:
What would be your top three go-to albums for inspiration?
FC: Kiss “Destroyer,” “Operation Mindcrime” from Queensryche and Metallica “Master of Puppets.”
FC: Kiss “Destroyer,” “Operation Mindcrime” from Queensryche and Metallica “Master of Puppets.”
CV:
As a singer, what are some of your biggest challenges?
FC: Besides whatever health issue the day brings, the biggest is presenting our songs to a new audience and hope they feel the message, energy or story were conveying… and enjoy it as much as we enjoy bringing it to them.
FC: Besides whatever health issue the day brings, the biggest is presenting our songs to a new audience and hope they feel the message, energy or story were conveying… and enjoy it as much as we enjoy bringing it to them.
CV:
How do you see the current state of the music industry?
FC: Endless possibilities… easier access to new music, but
harder for older acts to stay radio relevant. Smaller and smaller bubbles of
genres now exist to keep interest in an ever-shifting landscape. One thing that
never changes though is the pop music formula.
CV:
The industry is without a doubt an ever-changing landscape. What do see has
been the biggest change in recent years?
FC:
Besides the internet, the ability for an artist to function completely on their
own. The digital world has given artists a new independence. Things like recording and mixing are more
accessible. There are so many tools
available… hardest part seems to be choosing what works best for you.
CV:
Who do see as a game changing artist? Why?
FC: We haven't had another Elvis or The Beatles or a Hendrix come our way recently… that's not to say we haven't had winners in the popularity contests in every genre. But if I was going to throw an artist out there, I would say Ghost shook the foundations a bit with their theatrics and shock, but interestingly enough, their style of music is a standout in Rock and Metal… in combination with all these elements and a Grammy to boot, they got my vote. Though I don't sympathize with their anti-Christian views, they were a game changer.
FC: We haven't had another Elvis or The Beatles or a Hendrix come our way recently… that's not to say we haven't had winners in the popularity contests in every genre. But if I was going to throw an artist out there, I would say Ghost shook the foundations a bit with their theatrics and shock, but interestingly enough, their style of music is a standout in Rock and Metal… in combination with all these elements and a Grammy to boot, they got my vote. Though I don't sympathize with their anti-Christian views, they were a game changer.
CV:
Are music videos still relevant to a band’s content catalog and success?
FC: Yes.
It is a standard package… audio, visual. Presentation is key. They complement
each other. Plus a video is always a way for an artist to express their art and
craft along with interjecting their own personality.
CV:
If given the opportunity, who would you like to work with?
FC: Robert Mutt Lange.
FC: Robert Mutt Lange.
CV:
With the rise and reach of the internet over the last 15 years, what do you see as its greatest impact on bands and artists?
FC: You see its biggest impact on bands and artists… the ability to expose your art to millions of people in a second. It’s connected the artist and listener in ways that please and benefit everyone substantially.
FC: You see its biggest impact on bands and artists… the ability to expose your art to millions of people in a second. It’s connected the artist and listener in ways that please and benefit everyone substantially.
CV:
What has had the biggest impact on your musical career?
FC: Shyness and my quest to overcome it.
CV:
What are some of your pre-show rituals?
FC: Stretches… vocal exercises that annoy everyone listening.
Mental lyric revie, pick out the right black t-shirt… and no cheese!
CV:
Do you prefer recording an album or playing live?
FC:
Both have their high points. I do love
recording… but it’s the live experience for me. Having that connection with the
crowd is second to none.
CV:
What’s been your biggest highlight to date as a singer?
FC: Having been on a nine-year Hiatus from singing and getting back into it with Corners of Sanctuary, the stage felt like an old friend. This band allowed me to grow as a vocalist and performer… and being able to take things to a higher level of the game… and to realize Glory Days don't need to be in the past… and also to appreciate the things I took for granted in my youth as a singer. In short: JOINING COS HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT!
FC: Having been on a nine-year Hiatus from singing and getting back into it with Corners of Sanctuary, the stage felt like an old friend. This band allowed me to grow as a vocalist and performer… and being able to take things to a higher level of the game… and to realize Glory Days don't need to be in the past… and also to appreciate the things I took for granted in my youth as a singer. In short: JOINING COS HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT!
CV:
Have you ever consider working on something other than Metal?
FC: I would like to try my hand at working with wood, clay or maybe stone… LOL!
FC: I would like to try my hand at working with wood, clay or maybe stone… LOL!
CV:
Your top three favorite vocalist and a song from each that showcases what you
admire about them.
FC: Pavarotti: “Che Gelida Manina from La Boheme,” Frank Sinatra: “The Columbia Years: Night and Day,” Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin: “Going to California.”
FC: Pavarotti: “Che Gelida Manina from La Boheme,” Frank Sinatra: “The Columbia Years: Night and Day,” Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin: “Going to California.”
CV:
Tell us a little about the new album “The Galloping Hordes.” In a vast sea of
unlimited releases, what does this record bring to the table?
FC: “Hordes”
is definitely a more polished album for us.
Our musical maturity as a group is being to peak and the songwriting is taking
on new heights, or depths, depending on how you look at it. The album is that
old school feel, takes you back just enough, but brings you to new places at
the same time. I think people will
really like it.
CV:
Any fond memories during the recording of this new album?
FC:
It’s all a good time when I’m working with Mick in the studio. He has this
vision… and we are all just drawn to it like a light.
CV: Corners of Sanctuary did their first tour of Europe this past summer. What was that like?
CV: Corners of Sanctuary did their first tour of Europe this past summer. What was that like?
FC:
It was amazing. The people were very welcoming… very warm-hearted. We learned two things: they are serious about
their Metal and even more serious about their beer.
CV:
What’s next for you?
FC:
The band has started recording a handful of new songs, so I will be heading
into the studio soon to begin laying vocal tracks. COS has a new music video
for “Hail, Hail” releasing in a couple of weeks. We also have a West Coast tour
scheduled in early November which should be a great time. Plus, I think there
is some talk about a new Holiday song just in time for Christmas this year.
Other than that, just keep making music.
CV: Thank you again Frankie for spending some time talking and sharing with our
readers. I wish you all the best and continued success with all your projects.
FC: Thank you!
FC: Thank you!
Check out Frankie and Corners of Sanctuary at:
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