When you hear the name Franky Treau, you may remember a commercial that aired a few years ago via social media with Adidas featuring this up and coming artist. Fast forward to this year and he is now a Co-Host on one of the newest podcast shows called “615 Worldwide”. He is back with a new music project titled ‘Nostalgic: 90’s Tape A’ and we had the pleasure and opportunity to get a one on one with him to talk about it!
Where are you from?
Nashville, Tennessee
How long have you been making music?
18 years
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
Thousands of songs and 3 official solo albums.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My latest release is called ‘Nostalgic: 90’s Tape A’ and it is a project that is strictly for the people who grew up or had the chance to experience what the 90’s were like. Many times when we hear music or see movies, tv shows, etc from that time frame, it puts us in this happy vibe where you instantly start thinking about how great those times were and I just wanted to capture that in this project. My inspiration came from everywhere. As far as the music goes my inspiration ranged from ‘Brandy’ to ‘A Tribe Called Quest’. There’s clips from movies on this project ranging from ‘Boyz in the Hood’ to ‘Mo’ Betta Blues’. TV show clips from the 90’s Nickelodeon HIT ‘All That’ to clips from ‘The Jaime Foxx Show’. It is literally a project of memories.
I received my first initial start in the industry working on the ‘Unite All Originals’ campaign with Adidas back in 2013. From there I went on to do a small stint on MTV and eventually dropping a radio single titled ‘Weekend’ that featured R&B singer Sammie (I Like It, Come With Me). All experiences humbled me and I continue to use that as motivation.
What do you think of the music industry in 2016?
The music industry in 2016 is very different from how it was let’s say 10 years ago. There’s alot of artist who use social media as the platform to get noticed. This is the era where the people of social media have become the A&R’s of labels. They determine who is hot now. We breed so much talent and music solely off of social media. It is something you have to adapt to or you won’t make it.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
Most influential artist of RIGHT NOW I would say goes to Kendrick Lamar. He used his platform and became a voice for many inner cities. He broke boundaries and said and did things publicly that many folks would never get the chance to do. He is the voice of our youth and generation. J.Cole is another who has done the same. Everything he puts in his music gives the audience a sense of comfort. You feel like you know him personally and that plays a major role in who kids today choose to follow.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
Not many thus far lol. Other than Sammie not too many industry cats. I am a producer as well and I’ve had the chance to receive a placement with Lil’ Flip recently this year. That was major for me because I grew up listening to him.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I differ from other artist because I don’t care about what song I should create to cater to what’s hot now. I do music for what I like to make and based off my personal experiences. I don’t need to sound like somebody else just because the next 300 artist do. I stick to what I know and love and if people gravitate towards it then great, if not then still great.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Artist wise I would say LL Cool J. How can you not appreciate that man’s career? As far as production goes, I would love to work with Timbaland. He has never been apart of our time. Everything is futuristic.
What was the first album you bought?
First album I bought was Bow Wow ‘Beware Of Dog”. I was 10 years old when that dropped and to see another kid like me on a major scale was amazing. You can’t knock that man’s career either.
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Chance the Rapper – How Great (feat. Jay Electronica & My cousin Nicole) off of his Coloring book album.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
Dead the Competition. That was my last album and my best work to date. I released that September 22, 2014 and I hold that album dear to me because it shows the growth from me over the years.
What is your favorite saying?
WE UP!
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
Production. I love a good ol’ cook-up behind those piano keys. I am also a radio/podcast host and broadcasting is a fave hobby of mine.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Yes. Two piercings & five tattoos.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
Nothing more to say other than if you don’t want that walk down memory lane then this project isn’t for you.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
After this project I am right back in the studio working on ‘Nostalgic: 90’s Tape B’ expected to be released end of this year and my 4th studio album (Title Yet To Be Named) slated to debut in 2017
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you guys for having me! I appreciate the opportunity and love. Keep supporting dope music. Thank you to the folks who appreciate the music I make. Y’all are the reason I continue this. My passion is fulled by the love.
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