Exposed Vocals just sat down with Frank Roland for an exclusive interview.
Roländ (23) is a London based Melbourne Bounce / EDM Dj. He produces under the ‘umbrella’ of Universal Music Group. He has already played around Europe, and currently working on a new tour. His sets are known by his extremely energetic performances. Since 2015 he is a signed artist of Australia’s biggest underground label, Hungry Koala His main follower base : Australia
Currently, he is having a ‘break’ of touring and back in the studio, working on his new EP, with featured artists from Australia & US.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Frank Roländ:
I grew up in Budapest, Hungary. I didn’t want to be an artist at the beginning; I was only a kid who really loved music. At the age of 17, I have attended my first concert ever in my life and it was amazing; I still remember how amazed I was. That was the moment when I decided: I want to be on the stage, I want to make people happy with my music.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Frank Roländ:
Well, I have tried several artist names, however none of them was really “me”, so I decided to use my own name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Frank Roländ:
I think Internet is an amazing invention! Within a couple of seconds, everything can be shared with anyone, no matter where they are, in the US or in Australia. Also, interesting to see the feedbacks. Online sharing can be monitored, so I can get a realistic picture about the “popularity” of a track.
Well, sometimes I gave out music for free. The reason behind is that I make music for the people, not my bank account. I do not want to earn wages by selling it; it is a passion for me. However I cannot do it frequently, record labels have strict regulations…
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Frank Roländ:
My biggest advice is: believe in yourself. It won’t be easy, but hard work always, always pays off.
Also, try to surround yourself with people, who motivate you. They will push you through when you are down or lost your motivation.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Frank Roländ:
Well, I think everyone does mistakes; it is always a big pressure to be on the stage. I know that I always have to do my best, no matter how tired or sick I am. Once my USB stick crashed, the CD player switched off… but I am very lucky, to work with my team, they are always there to help me out, and save the day.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Frank Roländ:
Yes, I tour around Europe, but now I focus on my new tracks. Being in tour is always fun, but at the main time, extremely stressful. We’ve missed flights plenty of times, lost our hotel and once we even tried to check in the wrong hotel at night. But of course that was a no go.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Frank Roländ:
It is a difficult question. As I mentioned, I was a kid who really loved music, so most of my inspiration come from listening music. Not only electronic, but each and every genre.
I like to produce music that makes people move. I’m best satisfied when I see them lose their minds on the dancefloor to it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Frank Roländ:
I am available on mostly each social media platform, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. My music usually shared on Spotify and Soundcloud, however usually I publish some preview on SnapChat or on Instagram.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Frank Roländ:
Although I play electronic music, I love music generally, every genre. So you might found some classical music, rap and even rock. The only emberassing one is propably Let it Go from Frozen.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Frank Roländ:
Music is my passion, so I won’t be able to just stop it for a year. I think I would use the money to travel around the world, gather inspiration from different cultures, moreover to find other artists to collab.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Frank Roländ:
I have only a small “home studio” with a few speakers and midi keyboards, that’s all. I mostly use my laptop to produce music. I use FL Studio as a D.A.W.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Frank Roländ:
Nowadays it is not easy to promote music, because thousands of new tracks releasing daily. I mostly use the social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to promote it. Also, the record labels are usually supporting me with promotional campaigns.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Frank Roländ:
I would like to perform with Chuckie at Tomorrowland. Chuckie is my favorite Dj, moreover he is my idol. Not only he is a freaking talented performer, but a great person as well. I really would learn more from him.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Frank Roländ:
Currently I am back in the studio for a couple of months. It means no touring or performing, only focusing on the new tracks. I am working with another 4 international artist, so it is very exciting! Cannot wait to release previews about the new projects! I hope people will like it!
I will be back on tour around December.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Frank Roländ:
I’d learn how to make it, haha
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Frank Roländ:
My first album was : Green Day : Bullet in Bible. Actually I liked one of their songs.. and for somebody at that age the cover was really cool, haha.
AND ! I still have that album in my room.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Frank Roländ:
It is very hard. As an artist, I always have to be happy, concentrated and work under big pressure. In my private life, I try to surround myself with people who understand it, and help me to be balanced.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Frank Roländ:
2016 is a great year! As I mentioned, I am working a lot in the studio on my new releases. I want to expand my existing style. Also, I am working with a lot of international artists, so people can expect a lot of new tracks and new tour around Europe.
Moreover, I have a special surprise for my fans in Australia !
