Frank Watkinson is Goodieboy Music 2020 Indie Artist of the Year
In what shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, Frank Watkinson is our 2020 Goodieboy Music Indie Artist of the Year.
Frank has an amazing way of having his listeners experience his songs with his warmth and emotional singing and playing. His lyrics and vocals are reminiscent of past times where music REALLY touched your soul and is always imitated yet not rarely duplicated. Like many singers before such as Johnny Cash you can feel the sadness or warmth in his voice which we feel is missing is soo many songs today. On top of that are his excellent guitar skills that compliment his voice in such a simple setting.
Frank took time out of his schedule to interview with Goodieboy about his life, career, inspiration and advice to other artists.
Q: When did you start singing and playing the guitar, and was there a life event or artist that started that?
A: I can always remember somebody having a guitar but i really started to learn at about 16, from books and watching peoples fingers ,there was no you tube then.
Q: Who were your inspirations growing up?
A: Anyone acoustic, Ralph McTell, Paul Simon, James Taylor, CSNY, I could go on forever .
Q: Have you always played solo or were you in any bands?
A: I have never really ever played with anyone else, in fact I have never played in public at all, I’m not that confident and I admire anyone who does,
Q: What is the biggest obstacle in your music career so far?
A: I would say that I was my biggest obstacle as I don’t really think of it as a career .
Q: Which song you have written is your favorites and why?
A: I think it has to be the one about my pup called Buster, basically because it was a really bad time for us and the song just came out of nowhere, listening to the words it doesn’t mention dog anywhere so could be about anyone.
Q: When you’re not singing what do you like to do?
A: I walk the dog I do housework I look after grandkids, nothing really exciting I’m just a granddad.
Q: Favorite genre of music?
A: There was time when i would only listen to contemporary folk ,but as you get older you appreciate all genres, I have always said if it’s a good song it’s a good song no matter what genre , you need an open mind in music.
Q: What cover of an artist is your favorite?
A: It has to be my cover of when you were made by the Growlers, probably because they posted it on their own band page and gave me really good comments.
Q: How does it feel when you see comments on YouTube expressing how much your songs have touched someone?
A: It’s heartwarming and humbling at the same time, it’s always good to think you have achieved a reaction to your music.
Q: What are your future plans with your career?
A: I rarely make plans my age it’s a bit of take every day as it comes for me now.
Q: What advice would you give other independent artists who love to make music or might be looking to also develop a loyal audience on YouTube like you?
A: I don’t really think I’m qualified to give advice as i have no idea how i got the followers i have, I think whatever you are doing try to be honest and open, do what you are good at and don’t change just to please others ,i think most people can sense it if your hearts not in it.
You can see Frank’s acceptance video clicking HERE.
