It seems many have stories surrounding the complexities of the music they write, the town they’re from, and how it affects the creative process. French Mouth, an outfit comprised of drummer Brittany Macc, guitarist Jacque Parras, bassist Brandon Reyes, and vocalist/guitarist Dee Frank, are no different in those aspects it seems. The band’s frenetic energy can be heard on its debut EP, Paper Tiger, which entices with churning melodies, cataclysmic guitars clashing against one another, along with thunderous rhythms. But the band is more than just another noisy indie rock, post-hardcore outfit , as the band isn’t adverse to experimentation, which gives the band a range that possibly surpasses its contemporaries. I caught up with the band for a quick Q&A, and Dee Frank gave a bit more insight on the music and the band, its music, its life.
Who are you really?
L.A. natives from working-class roots. Tired of seeing the same music put out by the same type of people. We get it you went to art school.
What are your (personal) aspirations?
Change the impression of Mexican Americans, Chicanos and all POC trying to do something other than work to die in a 9-5 job.
Where do you currently live and how’s that affected your energy and your creative output?
Los Angeles, Los Feliz. the city shaped the hell out of our music. My father roamed the city as a drug user and convict. Eventually succumbing to addiction in 2012. I seek to roam the city in his shoes (literally) and make a new path. A better one.
When did you first begin recording and playing live?
No comment.
What would you like music listeners in the States to know about your music?
Your anger is validated. Whatever it may stem from. You just need the right music to inspire that energy and channel it in the right direction.
How would you describe your sound and/or the genre it exists in/out of?
Rock. Art. Spoken Word. Drama. Snarky AF.
Indie rock is a culture that’s changed dramatically from decade to decade. From vinyl & cassettes to CDS to digital downloads.
The ‘cliquey-ness’ of the music scenes in any big city. The homogenous look I see in indie music.
The pandemic has changed the way we go about living. Positives or negatives and how has it affected your music.
Our music was always aggro or at the very least trying to exorcise the demons. I think now more than ever people can relate to being upset. Maybe they’re out of a job, lost a family member to COVID, hate the president like everyone else does, and they don’t need another beach goth band to sing lyrics acting like it ain’t heavy out there. Let’s get real.
What’s next for French Mouth?
Since we can’t play shows we plan on recording more songs as soon as September!! Stay tuned!!
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