Today is a great day to share that singer-songwriter Frank Viele has returned with a great new single and video for a song that’s sure to pull on all your heartstrings, called “Trying to Raise a Man.” When speaking on the track’s origins, Viele shared:
”Trying To Raise A Man” is a song that came from a place of honesty, gratitude, and perspective. It was written on the first Mother’s Day of my life I couldn’t be with my mother due to the pandemic and corresponding quarantine rules. Writing this song was my way of still being with her in my mind and heart that day. The way my young adult life panned out, it ended up me and mom versus the world at a real confusing age for me. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to realize just how hard it is to be a parent and as I grew up and conquered so many obstacles in front of me, I eventually realized how all that strength and perseverance that became synonymous with my character came directly from my mother and the sacrifices she made for me and my siblings.
If you’re ready to discover your next favorite artist, Frank Viele is here for you. I was also able to catch up with this talented songwriter for an interview below.
You have an album coming out next year. Could you talk about some of the influences heard across the LP?
This new LP, which I can officially announce today is going to be called, The Trouble With Desire, is the first chance I’ve ever had to make music in the atmosphere that so much of my favorite music was created. I’ve always been influenced by music that originated down south. However all of my previous recordings were done in either Connecticut or New York. Most of this record was written in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and the entire record was recorded there. So sonically and composition wise, I really couldn’t help but let that deep rooted history in soul, country, and rock n roll seep into the writing. After recording 21 songs and then narrowing down the record to 13 tunes, the album definitely tells a story. Influence wise, I think the roots rock side of me really took over this record versus some of my soul and funkier tendencies. In light of that, this is actually my first ever full length album that doesn’t include any horns. In addition, this is my first record where I think hints of my affection for country music and the blues are showcased.
You’re kicking off an extensive, cross-country tour on October 22nd. What does the Frank Viele live experience look and sound like?
Well that’s a loaded question. This tour is a solo tour which I’ve been doing a lot more over the last few years. But I also tour with my band. The band shows are high energy rock n’ roll shows with lots of electric guitars, organs, vocal harmonies, and a thumping rhythm section; pretty much what I try to convey on the studio albums. Solo acoustic shows are fun but in a different way. Specifically because I try to still convey the energy of the full band studio tracks using nothing but my acoustic guitar and my voice. I employ a lot of guitar tricks to do this including a constraint strum technique allowing me to emulate percussion and add some lead guitar playing without using any effects or loopers. I think a large portion of my fan base has heard my music for the first time in this solo acoustic setting as it’s been my main vehicle of touring for years. However, it’s always a back and forth for me as I work to convey the energy and dynamic of these tunes in a stripped down setting.
Have you had the chance to play this new song for your mother yet? If so, what was that experience like?
I haven’t performed the song for her yet and honestly I’ve been super nervous about it. I sent it to a bunch of moms I know though to get their opinion and they all think my mama’s gonna love it! I’m actually answering these questions right now from a hotel room in Key West, Florida where I’m meeting up with my mom to celebrate her 71st birthday which is on 10/13/23, the day this song is being released. I’m planning to sing it for her then.