A chat with Frank Turner

Hi Frank, how are you today, is there any downtime in your life at the moment?

I'm good thanks, on a day off today, just gathering my strength for another festival weekend.

What was the creative process behind the new album, what was the inspiration and how does it feel now it completed, to your previous records?

I write on the road, autobiographically and chronologically, so I was writing about the things happening in my life since the last record. Obviously, my preoccupation was a broken relationship and a tough time in my personal life. It was a very cathartic record to write and release, and it's been well received for the most part, so that's nice.

Who designed the Artwork for the new record and how much input do you control on that side of things?

I control all artistic aspects of what I do. I asked a friend of mine, Florida tattoo artist Heather Law, to draw up some designs. She's an amazing artist and together we got some artwork that I really love.

Do you mind writing about personal topics knowing millions of people are going to hear your deep dark secrets?

It's not really a question of whether I mind or not.. I just feel the need to. It can be uncomfortable after the fact, but I don't make art to be comfortable, I'll leave that to Avicii.

Has your writing process changed since reaching a much wider audience with your last few albums? 

Yes a little, but not because of the size of my fanbase. I think my writing style has got better, I hope it's evolved a little, and having a full time band (The Sleeping Souls) changes things a little as well.

How have you found touring America playing a very British style of music?

Great. I love America a lot, it's endlessly fascinating, and the people are, for the vast majority, warm, open and kind. They also tend to be Anglophiles, which is nice for me.

What's the most essential thing on your rider and why?

Water, for obvious reasons.

Are there any plans to get Möngöl Hörde on the road and in the studio?

Yes and yes. The album will be done before the end of this year.

You played Wembley Arena last year. Did you use the occasion to walk on stage an shout ‘Good Evening Wembley’?

Yup.

Do you feel like your punk rock ethos has changed sine the early days of Campfire Punkrock and Sleep is for the Weak?

Some aspects, sure - I know more about the world, it's a larger operation, a lot of people depend on me for their livelihoods now, which changes things a little. But the basic principles - honesty, no ego, no bullshit, stripped back music - remains intact.

How did you feel about representing British music in the Olympic opening ceremony at London 2012?

I'm not sure if I thought of myself as representing much being there. It was flattering to be asked by Danny, and it was a crazy and unique experience.

Questions from Joe & Toby, with thanks to Frank