It’s the end of January (finally!) and we’ve already listened to a bunch of records that have made it one of the happiest months ever. One of them is Young Franco’s debut album, It’s Franky Baby! — an incredibly feel-good, blissful experience.
The Australian artist releases this ten-track record that meanders through genres like Italo-disco and UK garage, is full of collaborations (Denzel Curry, Master Peace, or Kah-Lo, among others), and even features a new take on Moloko’s Sing It Back. To get to know him better, we’ve sat down with Young Franco to discuss his upcoming tour, Futurama, and his day-to-day life.
Hey Joseph, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. You’re about to release your debut album, It’s Franky Baby! How are your nerves?
It’s been really exciting working on the record. All the hard work is done. It’s summer in Australia at the moment, so I’m just chilling!
In Wake Up you sing “Wake up, Yorkshire tea / Cause I love a morning brew it comes straight after me.” So after that brew, what does the rest of a ‘normal’ day in your life look like?
After my morning coffee or tea, I usually try to work on some music or something music-related. Other than that, I enjoy going for a swim at the beach or playing football.
Listening to the album is such a joyful, energising experience — it’s a happy record. Did you feel like that when making it? Guide us a bit through the process of putting it together.
This is a very collaborative record. I think it’s a happy coincidence that all these songs came together that way. Dance music, for me at least, is generally a happy experience.
From Italo-disco to rap, to dance and UK garage, the amalgamation of sounds is very rich and textured. How did the album sound evolve from your initial ideas to the final result? What was the work with the producers like?
This project is an accumulation of genres I love to listen to. I get restless if I focus too much on one genre. Working with different producers and artists was amazing, as I’m a fan of all their music to begin with.
Let’s discuss the music video for Lose Control, a song featuring Earthgang and Jafunk. The little heads in glass containers remind me of the TV show Futurama. Am I very far-fetched, or was it part of the moodboard?
Futurama was definitely a reference — I love that show!
This past year, you’ve played concerts worldwide. But after releasing this album, you’re embarking on a tour again — starting in Australia in February. How do you aim to bring It’s Franky Baby! to the stage?
I’m bringing a bunch of friends and collaborators on the road with me for a bunch of fun outdoor day parties.
Touring is exhausting both mentally and physically. How do you prepare to endure the experience?
I try to exercise on tour, pack light, and surround myself with friends so I don’t get lonely.
Some artists prefer being in the studio working on their music, while others prefer to perform and be on stage. Where do you fall in that classification?
I like to have a balanced approach. I find that focusing too much on one aspect can burn you out.
