Music

jessicabridgeman / 29 July 2015

Frank Iero tells new musicians: “Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable”

Frank Iero hasn’t looked back since embarking on solo project, Frnkiero and the Cellabration, in 2014.

Of course, the astounding success of My Chemical Romance put the New Jersey musician in a pretty good place when it came to embarking on Frnkiero and the Cellabration’s debut, Stomachaches. Once upon a time though, Frank was just a young singer and guitarist starting out in the music industry.

We caught up with the now-frontman when he played London earlier this year, to get his ultimate tips for new musicians. Notepads at the ready, here’s what he told us.

1. “I think the first thing is if you’re starting a band with aspirations of grandeur, to be the biggest band in the world and make a ton of money, then stop and get a job in a bank.”

2. “Just whatever you do, don’t be full of sh** and make sure it comes from the heart. People see through that and it’s not flattering. Do it because you’re compelled to do it and because you couldn’t possibly see yourself doing anything else; because that’s the only way you’ll be happy doing it.”

3. “And three, I guess just work your ass off. Eat as much sh** as you possibly can until you can’t eat it any more, then stand up for yourself and just work to the best of your ability.”

4. “Sometimes things go wrong on stage and if you don’t let on, no one else really knows. That is a trick of the trade; don’t let on that anything’s wrong, it’s all part of it and you can get through if you just keep a cool head.”

5. “As far as the confidence of being a frontman, understand that one day if it is your show, that people are there for you. Even if you stutter or don’t have much to say, as long as it’s genuine, I think that’s kind of cool. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and just try as hard as you can to be yourself. If you can do what you love and still be able to sleep at night, then you’re on the right track.”

Frnkiero and the Cellabration play Reading and Leeds Festival 2015, 28 – 30 August, get full line-up details and tickets now at Ticketmaster.co.uk/reading-leeds-festival-2015.

Frnkiero and the Cellabration will also release a limited edition split 7 inch with Lonely The Brave, featuring artwork by Daniel P Carter, available from 28 August. Pre-order now from Hassle Records.