The Road Beneath My Feet

1. Starting from scratch: The end of Million Dead and the birth of a solo career

"I knew I wanted to keep making music, despite the doubts of my friends and disapproval of my parents. It just felt like I had more to say and I had to at least try."

A new beginning. After the breakup of his post-hardcore band Million Dead in 2005, Frank Turner found himself at a crossroads. Despite the uncertainty, he felt compelled to continue making music, this time as a solo artist. This decision marked a significant shift in his musical style, moving from the aggressive sound of Million Dead to a more acoustic, folk-punk approach.

Early challenges. The transition wasn't easy. Turner faced skepticism from friends and family, as well as the daunting task of rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. He started by playing small acoustic shows, often to sparse crowds in tiny venues. These early gigs were crucial in helping him develop his new sound and stage presence as a solo performer.

Finding his voice. During this period, Turner began writing songs that would form the foundation of his solo career. Tracks like "The Real Damage" and "Romantic Fatigue" emerged, showcasing a more introspective and melodic side to his songwriting. This new direction allowed him to connect with audiences in a more intimate way, setting the stage for his future success.

2. The grind of early touring: Building a fanbase one show at a time

"I think most musicians who watch other bands play are secretly taking notes on the stagecraft and I was certainly learning a lot about how to engage and connect with that many people all at the same time."

Relentless touring. In the early years of his solo career, Turner adopted a grueling touring schedule, playing hundreds of shows across the UK and beyond. This period was characterized by:

• Long train journeys between gigs
• Sleeping on floors and couches
• Playing to small, sometimes indifferent crowds
• Selling merchandise and CDs directly to fans

Learning and adapting. Each show provided valuable lessons in stagecraft and audience engagement. Turner honed his skills in:

• Connecting with diverse audiences
• Adapting his setlist to different venues and crowds
• Dealing with technical difficulties and challenging environments

Building a loyal fanbase. Through this constant touring, Turner gradually built a dedicated following. He made a point of meeting fans after shows, selling his own merchandise, and cultivating a personal connection with his audience. This grassroots approach laid the foundation for his future success.

3. Breaking through: From small clubs to larger venues and festivals

"I felt like we were on top of the world."

Gradual growth. As Turner's popularity increased, he began playing larger venues and higher-profile festivals. Key milestones included:

• Selling out the Borderline in London (275 capacity)
• Playing the Reading and Leeds Festivals
• Supporting larger acts like The Offspring and Green Day

Expanding the show. With success came the ability to expand his live performances:

• Forming a backing band (The Sleeping Souls)
• Incorporating more production elements into shows
• Playing longer sets and headlining tours

Industry recognition. Turner's hard work began to pay off with increased industry attention:

• Signing with Xtra Mile Recordings in the UK
• Securing a deal with Epitaph Records for international distribution
• Winning awards and receiving critical acclaim

This period marked a transition from underground act to mainstream success, while still maintaining his independent ethos.

4. International expansion: Conquering new territories and cultures

"I'm happy to report that of all the bands I've had the privilege to open for on the road over the years, the Dropkicks are probably my favourite."

Crossing borders. Turner's career expanded beyond the UK, with tours and shows in:

• North America
• Europe
• Australia and New Zealand
• Asia (including China and Russia)

Cultural challenges. Playing in different countries presented unique challenges:

• Language barriers
• Adapting to different audience expectations
• Navigating unfamiliar music scenes and industry practices

Building international fanbases. Through persistent touring and engaging with local scenes, Turner gradually built loyal followings in various countries. He often played a mix of headline shows and support slots for established acts, helping to introduce his music to new audiences.

Memorable experiences. These international tours provided countless memorable moments, from playing to massive crowds at European festivals to intimate shows in far-flung locations. Each new territory conquered added to Turner's growing reputation as a global artist.

5. The evolution of sound: From solo acoustic to full band performances

"We were breaking in some new songs on this run, in preparation for our time in the studio, which was booked for January."

Solo beginnings. Turner's early shows were solo acoustic performances, focusing on intimate storytelling and raw emotion.

Gradual expansion. Over time, his live sound evolved:

• Adding backing musicians for select shows
• Forming The Sleeping Souls as his permanent backing band
• Incorporating more electric instruments and fuller arrangements

Studio evolution. This growth was reflected in Turner's studio albums:

• "Sleep Is for the Week" (2007) - primarily acoustic
• "Love Ire & Song" (2008) - introducing more band elements
• "Poetry of the Deed" (2009) - full band sound
• "England Keep My Bones" (2011) - refined full band arrangements

Balancing act. Throughout this evolution, Turner maintained the ability to perform both solo acoustic and full band shows, allowing for flexibility in different venues and contexts.

6. Maintaining integrity: Balancing commercial success with artistic vision

"I'm not saying I haven't changed – of course I have, I'd hope to change over such a time period, through such experiences – and I'm also not saying that there aren't bands who have made questionable career decisions."

Artistic growth. As Turner's career progressed, he faced the challenge of evolving as an artist while staying true to his roots:

• Expanding his sound and songwriting
• Taking on larger shows and higher-profile opportunities
• Navigating the music industry and business side of his career

Maintaining independence. Despite increasing success, Turner remained committed to his independent ethos:

• Continuing to work with independent labels
• Making decisions based on artistic integrity rather than purely commercial concerns
• Staying connected with fans through intimate shows and direct engagement

Addressing criticism. As his profile grew, Turner faced accusations of "selling out" from some quarters. He addressed these criticisms head-on, emphasizing that growth and change are natural parts of an artist's journey, while still maintaining his core values and artistic vision.

7. The road as home: Life lessons learned from constant touring

"I've now spent more of my life on the road than off."

Perpetual motion. Turner's career has been defined by near-constant touring, with thousands of shows played across the globe. This lifestyle has shaped his worldview and personal growth.

Lessons learned:

• Adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges
• The value of human connections across cultures
• The importance of self-care and maintaining mental health on the road
• Time management and professional discipline

Personal cost. The touring lifestyle has also come with sacrifices:

• Strain on personal relationships
• Physical and mental exhaustion
• Missing out on "normal" life experiences

Despite these challenges, Turner has embraced the road as his home, finding fulfillment in the constant pursuit of musical connection with audiences around the world.

8. Building a community: The importance of fan connections and loyalty

"I've shared drinks with, sold T-shirts to, slept on the floors of and talked the ears off a large percentage of the people who will read this. I think that's fucking cool."

Direct engagement. Throughout his career, Turner has prioritized building strong connections with his fans:

• Selling his own merchandise after shows
• Meeting and talking with fans at every opportunity
• Staying active on social media and his website

Fostering loyalty. This approach has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase:

• Fans traveling long distances to attend shows
• Word-of-mouth promotion driving career growth
• Crowdfunding and direct support for various projects

Reciprocal relationship. Turner views his relationship with fans as a two-way street:

• Regularly expressing gratitude for their support
• Organizing special events and intimate shows for dedicated fans
• Incorporating fan feedback and requests into his performances

This strong sense of community has been a key factor in Turner's sustained success and career longevity.

9. Milestones and memorable moments: From Wembley Arena to intimate house shows

"I'm not a fan of endings. After the Wembley show I went straight to Canada to tour at ground level, partly to keep my head together and partly to keep the wheels moving."

Career highlights. Turner's journey has been marked by numerous milestone moments:

• Headlining Wembley Arena in 2012
• Playing the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics
• Performing at major festivals like Reading and Leeds, Coachella, and Bonnaroo

Intimate moments. Alongside these high-profile events, Turner has continued to value smaller, more personal shows:

• House concerts and secret gigs
• Impromptu performances in unexpected locations
• Acoustic sets in tiny venues

Balancing act. Turner's ability to seamlessly move between massive arena shows and intimate performances has been a defining characteristic of his career. This versatility has allowed him to maintain a connection with his grassroots fanbase while also achieving mainstream success.

Constant forward motion. Rather than resting on his laurels after achieving major milestones, Turner has consistently pushed forward, always seeking new challenges and ways to connect with audiences. This drive has been key to his continued relevance and success in the music industry.

Last updated: August 12, 2024