Frankie Beanie, aka supermodel*, doesn’t really do overthinking, or explaining, for that matter. The LA-based artist speaks with the same cool detachment that runs through supermodel*ep, his self-titled debut record. Everything about the project, from the lo-fi 16mm visuals to the lowercase styling, feels deliberate in its understatement. He’s not chasing polish or meaning; he’s chasing instinct, and maybe a bit of indifference, too. Frankie moves through worlds with a kind of ease that borders on apathy, restless yet self-assured. Across our conversation, he doesn’t dress things up. He just says what he means, even if that’s not much at all.
You've set out these rules for supermodel*: Don't try and be cool, nick everything, keep it lowercase, don't overthink, always talk about fight club. Sounds like you're half-taking the piss and half-dead serious. How did those rules actually shape the way you made this EP?
i think my whole life is half taking the piss and half being serious. if i figure it out, i’ll let you know.
There's this stripped-back, almost couldn't-be-arsed minimalism running through supermodel*, from the lo-fi 16mm video to the lowercase styling, right through to the cover art and even how you run your socials. But it doesn't come across as lazy; it feels really curated, like a statement in itself. Where did that "not-trying-too-hard" energy come from?
i spent so much of my time making music, “trying” to be something that when i started supermodel*, i decided to just say “fuck it” and trust that at this point i either have good taste or i should quit and go work at an office.
Was it about resisting being polished, or just you going with your gut?
going with my gut. i think naturally, though, i always resist some polish. i was really inspired by the first MF DOOM album and how raw it feels.
You've hopped through a lot of different worlds: east coast punk, Liverpool indie, dance nights, and now the LA scene. How do all those past lives crash together in i used to live in england?
honestly, i wrote that song as a joke at like 2am. i think people have put much more meaning into it than i did. i’m literally just saying things that have happened to me in my life.
You've always carried punk and hip-hop in your back pocket. Do you see this record as straight-up rebellious or more of a collage of everything you've picked up along the way?
i think if i ever call anything i make rebellious, someone should take me out.
supermodel* feels like a character but also very much you. Where does Frankie end and supermodel* begin? Or is it all blurred at this point?
if i figure it out, i’ll let you know.
Listening to the full EP, I love the contrast between the more idgaf tracks and luminous ones like your house and my heart. For me it's raw and comforting, the kind of record that makes you feel less angry at the world, if that makes sense. What would you like people to take from the EP?
that’s nice of you to say, thanks. i know this is such an artist thing to say, but i really don’t think about how i want people to feel when they hear it. i feel like if i worry about that, i’ll make worse music.
I'm cracked up with the tune i used to live in england, I think it's brilliant. A few quick ones came to mind while I was listening: On the track you've got Tesco meal deals, Yank clichés, deadpan delivery; it's sharp and funny at the same time. How central is humour to the whole EP?
i guess it’s always something i’m drawn to; i don’t really think about it, to be honest.
Do you still have terrible taste in garage, or have we finally sorted that problem out?
i think i have good taste; it’s just basic.
And now you're based in LA… do you still find yourself saying "cheers", or have you fully traded pints for iced lattes and gone back West Coast?
nah, i’m off the “cheers” thing. i am probably more west coast now than i’d like to admit.
And most importantly, did Ross from The 1975 actually say your band was one of the best he'd ever heard?
still never met him.
Finally, with the EP out, what's next? Any gigs on the horizon, and will we get to see you back in England soon?
yeah, hoping to be in london and new york by the end of the year. i love london a lot.