Fran King profile picture

Fran King

Nothing ever stays.... so let it slip away..

About Me

"Beautification" is the critically acclaimed debut solo album from Dublin Pop / Rock Artist Fran King. The album has received rave reviews since its release in Ireland in June 2005. Fran is a former member of Beach , who scored a top twenty hit in 1997 with their debut single. Fran left the band in summer 1999 to pursue a solo career and commence work on his debut album. He's worked with many talented people along the way, including the worlds most successful producer, Sir George Martin, with whom he performed three sell out shows in Dublins National Concert Hall with a full orchestra in October 1999. He's guested in the past in the Studio / Live with: Brendan Benson, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), David Mead, Tears for Fears, Texas, World Party, Sugababes ..to name only a few. He's completed two short film soundtracks (one with Duncan Maitland, his good friend and producer whos worked with the likes of XTC & Colin Hare of sixties legends The Honeybus). One of these soundtracks won a top award in Italy! Fran's a seasoned musician & performer who's played to an estimated 70,000 people @ O2 in the Park in summer 2004, as well as every major venue in Ireland. He's just returned from a very successful run of shows in New York ( Beautification has already sold out four times on-line in America since his return!). He's a regular visitor to the Big Apple, a lot of the album was penned there. In May 2006 Fran performed to a television audience of 1 Billion in Athens, Greece, as part of Irish singer songwriter Brian Kennedy's band in a European song festival. A second single from his album will be released in Ireland on August 16th 2006. It's titled fine day, and will also be available to download FREE right here for ONE month from 16th August.(Keep an eye out on his My Space profile for an exclusive look at the video). Summer 2006 was spent on the road, bringing Beautification to a new audience and test driving some new songs. A second tour of America in October 2006 proved hugely successful. Fran begins 2007 back in the studio resuming work on his eagerly awaited second album. He's also recording a duet "Lullaby" album with fellow band mate / Keyboard player, Nancy Falkow (a fine singer / songwriter in her own right). They hope to release it later this summer. Another tour of America is planned for May.Below are a number of links where you can purchase this fine record.. www.cdbaby.com/cd/frankingwww.notlame.comwww.koolkatmusik.co mThe official Fran King homepage is located at: www.franking.tvRecent Press / Media Reviews: "Sun kissed shimmery pop/rock, equal parts Brendan Benson & Elvis Costello with old school love songs, infectious.."- HOT PRESS"Sublimely beautiful songs that slow burn their way to your heart"- DUBLIN MAIL"Somewhat of a rarity these days, strong melodies, a very fine debut.."- DAILY MIRROR"He had me after the album's beautiful intro, worthy of international exposure.." - ECHO"I like the sound of this CD. A very dry vocal sound brings to mind Emitt Rhodes and McCartney. Great melodies and chord changes prevail on this CD. I especially like " Misunderstood". Well done to Fran."- Steve ( MELODY MAGAZINE,U.S.A. )"Sophisticated adult pop, If youre a fan of David Mead & Neil Finn, you'll love this record, one of my top twenty of 2005"- ABSOLUTEPOWERPOP.COM"King has the ability to teach doctoral studies in pop craftsmanship"- NOTLAME.COM .. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- CDBABY LINK for FRAN KING: Beautification -- WWW.ITSABOUTMUSIC.COM

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/15/2006
Band Website: myspace.com/frankingband
Band Members: Fran King, Duncan Maitland, Brett Sawmy, Geoff Dorman, Nancy Falkow
......

Influences: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, My Parents, My Sister's record collection! David Mead, Gilbert O' Sullivan, Nilsson, E.L.O. Elvis Costello, Mel Torme, Rufus Wainwright, Michael Penn, Duncan Maitland, Ron Sexsmith, Wings, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, Brendan Benson, Pernice Brothers, Finn Brothers, High Llamas, Sugarbomb, Ether (the Welsh ones), Dodgy, Squeeze, Del Amitri, XTC, Crowded house, Jonatha Brooke, Badfinger, The Association, The Zombies, Emitt Rhodes, James Taylor, life..
Sounds Like: Fran King:
Record Label: Head Space Records / It's about Music
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Minneapolis: Blog 3

Sunday started as it meant to continue, Warm (for this time of year) and sunny& Yay! Duncan and I had booking to perform outside on the patio at The Nomad World Pub. Mere stones throw from the new Aca...
Posted by Fran King on Sat, 24 May 2008 06:05:00 PST

Mini Minneapolis Blog (sort of) PART 2

Our second show on this trek to the Marvelous Mid-West was at "The Hollow" which is located at "The Local", an Irish theme bar of sorts. Unbeknown to us it was a hockey night, so the Bar was wedged wi...
Posted by Fran King on Sat, 17 May 2008 06:07:00 PST

MINNEAPOLIS : BLOG 1

In my not unusual fashion, I boarded the plane to Chicago flanked by my cohort Mr. Maitland, at a silly early hour. Indeed only a handful of hours after being on stage in a Victorian House in Co. Wick...
Posted by Fran King on Tue, 06 May 2008 08:47:00 PST

Playgirl of the Western World.....Anyone??

Hello Dear friends, HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!!....YAY!!!!... Well as you can obviously tell I've made it back to home turf safe and sound, from what has easily been Duncan Maitland and my good self's most suc...
Posted by Fran King on Thu, 01 May 2008 08:44:00 PST

SUNFLOWERS are GO!!!!

Hello dear friends, As you may or may not be aware SUNFLOWERS (A collective side project of myself, Nancy Falkow & Duncan Maitland) have just posted some delicious samples of the tune variety on our M...
Posted by Fran King on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:30:00 PST

SUNFLOWERS BLOOM AT LAST!

Hello friends, I hope 2008 has started positively for you and yours. A little update on things here. I've been busy working on sessions for the debut album of my side project (SUNFLOWERS) please accep...
Posted by Fran King on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:12:00 PST

New Year New Music

And so dear friends 2008 is officially upon us!!!... Congratulations to us all for getting through another year. So much new music to bring you all....it's really very exciting!! I really hope (though...
Posted by Fran King on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:20:00 PST

The Merriest of Crimbles!!

I just wanted to wish friends one and all, a wonderful Holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2008. Thank you for your continued support and well wishes. I look forward to bringing you two new albu...
Posted by Fran King on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:27:00 PST

Lights, Cameras, Action @ 7th Street Entry (Fifth Avenue)

Sunday Oct 28th 2007, 7th Street Entry (First Avenue) Minneapolis, MN.After a somewhat bizzare night & pairing (Sat' 27th) at The Women's Theatre, as guests of The Electric Arc Radio show, We ended ou...
Posted by Fran King on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:16:00 PST

Footage from the Hoot’

Hi folks, The very wonderful Mr Tony Nelson, He of huge Photography talents, has kindly furnished me with this footage. Duncan and I perform "PRODIGAL SUNSHINE" at The Hootenanny in Minneapolis during...
Posted by Fran King on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:01:00 PST