Frankie Wesson ‘This is motion’

Singer-songwriter Frankie Wesson’s third studio album ‘This is Motion’ has been years in the making. This coming-of-age record, although boasting two award-winning singles, is more than just a collection of songs. From start to finish it takes you on a journey through periods of Wesson’s life, loves, losses and coming to terms with what never was.

A present theme throughout this album is nostalgia in motion, moving from time to place, visiting and revisiting memories and relationships through an older and more grounded lens. Not only does Wesson explore time in this way through her songwriting on this record but also genre. From soft, folky, almost orchestral soundscapes in songs like Delicate and Valentines. She continues to move through her emotions leaning into country, ambient pop and heavier pop/rock sounds, showcasing her songwriting skills in a range of ways throughout.

We caught up with Frankie to talk about her life, her new album and what she has in store for the rest of the year.

What are your earliest memories of music? 

My earliest memories of music are probably listening in the car with Mum and Dad on the way to school or football. Dad’s car was always rock, blues and soul classics and some Eva Cassidy thrown in for good measure. Mum’s car was Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and more folky stuff, plus my uncle Rees’ zydeco band Jo Le Taxi. So a well-rounded musical education there.

Also lots of live music memories too! Mum and Dad would take me to Monmouth Festival (which sadly is no more) most years. Plus my extended family in mid-Wales were always involved in organising music festivals when I was growing up, specifically Welshpool Music Festival which I attended and helped out every year. Eventually becoming a regular fixture on the bill there myself.

Did you always want to be a singer/musician? 

I never really knew what I wanted to do, music was just always the thing that was there. I knew I could play guitar and sing – if nothing else I knew I was good at that. Thankfully I’ve improved a lot over the years as well and learned how to exist in the business which is another skill altogether that no one tells you about. I just love writing/recording songs and performing live, so here we are now at album three!

This Is Motion is your third studio album. What would you say you've learnt or have done better on this album, that you didn't do on the others?

The production level on this album surpasses that of any of my previous albums, for which I have to thank Ryan Jordan at AR Studios, who is truly brilliant at what he does and is also just the nicest guy to work with. As well as producing and engineering, Ryan is a hell of a drummer and plays all of the drums on this album. And of course, Ruby Ravelle who I call my musical partner. She’s heavily involved in everything to do with my music, especially in the studio. Ruby can play any instrument you put in front of her and play it well! Her skills put me in my place musically and I’m very lucky to have her on my team. 

With this album all three of us committed to being intentional with what we were creating, serving what the song needed above all else. With my second album, Still Got Time, I came into the studio with all my demos and parts pre-recorded to try and be as efficient as possible with studio time. This time around we listened to the direction each song felt like it wanted to take and let the songs breathe individually, which is why I think this is also my most varied album in terms of genre. So This is Motion took a lot longer to create (we started recording in 2019!) but I think you can feel the benefits and feel me growing as a songwriter along with it as well.

It's certainly like picking a favourite child, or a favourite pet. But, what is your favourite song on the album?

I love all the songs because they each represent a certain time in my life in a different way. With that being said, I have always had a favourite, I knew as soon as I wrote it and recording the song only solidified how much I love it. The song is track 5, In Her Room. It paints such a vivid picture of a specific moment in time for me, that looking back on now explains so much. Plus I couldn’t be happier with the production on this song, it turned out even better than I could have hoped when I wrote it alone in my bedroom.

What do you hope to achieve with this album?

I hope people listen to it and appreciate the songwriting most of all. My songwriting is something I pride myself on and this album showcases it in so many ways. I’m so proud of this record and I’m just so happy it’s finally out in the world!

You have an album launch at The Kings Arms on May 11th where everyone will be able to hear the album in it's entirety, as well as pick up a physical copy of the album. Do you have any other live shows coming up? 

Yes absolutely! The official album launch with my full band is at the Kings Arms, Abergavenny from 7pm on May 11th. Coming up I’ve got:

The Vaults Y-Fenni – May 30th

The Halfway, Tal-y-Coed - June 14th

Live at the Old Street Tavern, Ludlow – June 20th 

Ross Bands in the Park - July 20th 

Plus more exciting gigs I’ll be announcing shortly, so be sure to follow me on socials to see where I’ll be playing.

We spoke to the Editor in Chief of York Calling, Graeme Smith, and he said:

Wesson’s new album is pop/rock that’s brought to emotional life through passionate vocals. They speak of lost love and self-doubt but also finding one’s way through darkness and consolation. It’s a coming of age collection that touches on themes of nostalgia, times, places, memories and looking back with wisdom.

My Baby Blues is a rousing highlight, as is Undisturbed which builds gently to an epic and stirring crescendo. The title track This Is Motion, goes heavy with the emotion during a dynamic moment. Valentines, California and Delicate, by contrast, are soft and acoustic. In Her Room captivates with its intimacy and vulnerability, speaking of sexuality and connection. Hey English closes the album with rich storytelling and a display of Frankie’s impressive vocals. Throughout, elements of folk and country meet ambient pop and rock in a new and interesting way.

Wesson’s music has been compared to the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Paramore. Fans of either of those acts will find a lot to love about her new album, and may well discover their new favourite artist.