The Great Constantini

Antiwar songs by The Great Constantini

Transcript from an Interview with Frank Canonica

Francesco or "Frank" Canonica, "The Great Constantini" is based in Santa Rosa, California, USA..
"I am a multi-instrumental musician (except drums) and songwriter looking for other musicians to write and record with. I am tired of sitting here doing all this half as good as I want it to be because I do it alone. At times I feel less than talented, at other times I can't understand why others don't understand or like what I do, but heck it's cheaper than therapy and with luck I can make you smile! If you want to collaborate contact me …frankiezmole@yahoo.com
You know I've been making music for most of my life to date. I've played with others which I really enjoyed at times but at some point it became difficult what with jobs, family and the rest so I drifted into playing here in my studio by myself. Then one day I went looking for others and there were none to be found. I'm still looking, but I think my quirky music is not what many want to play. And I just can not fathom jamming while everyone takes turns wanking on their instruments. I like to sit and construct. If the need arose, I would go back out and play live with a band. I used to enjoy it and can be quite a ham on stage. But more over these days I would really love to work on collaborations.

Here at the Village Idiot Studios I sit and manipulate wavelengths, arrange them in patterns and on occasion, if the planets are aligned and the gods of sound are happy, some of it sounds like music. I am always looking to collaborate on songwriting and performing.

Why this name?

It's really a fictional name that I made up whilst thinking about "The Great Farini" who used to tight rope walk over Niagra falls in the late 1800's. In the long run I'd like a different band name. So if anyone comes up with one for me, let me know.

Do you play live?

Yes. I often play here in my studio, live. I've yet to attempt playing here dead, but I suppose I will get my chance some day. Let's see, any special moments....well, me and my old musical friend Grandma Melonhead once performed live at a state mental hospital. That was quite a unique experience.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

It allows so many of us home studio artists to find an audience. Really, I mean I have very few, fans, but I know people have listened to my songs and some have given them 5 little stars. So I have been able be heard and hopefully along the way someone will smile for me. It's an incredible thing to think only a short time ago there was no such vehicle for music. You performed, made a CD or cassette tape (remember those little things?) and tried to self promote your band locally. Now with very little effort a band can be heard anywhere on this big rock!

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

Of course. Who wouldn't. I know there's lots of people who say they would not but I think when the cash was waived in front of there faces, they'd jump on it. The "Oh I do it for the sake of art" is mostly vanity. I hardly think it's very realistic to think that a record company would want to sign someone like myself. I don't pose very much commercial value and I am somewhat older than most companies see as viable. But heck, if you want my songs I'm here.

Your influences?

Early on I was into Captain Beefheart, Chet Atkins, Pink Floyd, Yes, and a host of others. Today I am influenced by people like Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Wilco, Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, etc. Oh and you have to go and check out pampelmoose! on youtube. Dawn inspires me to get up and play music when I feel it is all hopeless. Great stuff!

Favorite spot?

I really like it here in Santa Rosa, Any where that's green and has water is okay by me.
Seattle is quite nice as well. And I really like that area just above the tailbone, kind of sexy.

Equipment used:

I use lots of nifty stuff... I only wish I used it all a bit better. The list is quite long. So I'll get back to you on this one.

Anything else...?

No, not really. Nothing else. Feel free to contact me : frankiezmole@yahoo.com
On second thought, yeah, I need help creating video content for my music and would really love someone to help create a web site as well.


MySpace page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-C/134...