The movie is getting strange
Los Angeles rock band Los Frankies came together the way a lot of things in this city do — a bit by accident, then by instinct. Built around the songwriting partnership of Frankie A Salazar and Frankie B Clarke, the band started simply by hanging out, playing music, and seeing where things went. Before long it became clear they shared the same instincts: loud guitars, sharp hooks, and the kind of rock and roll that’s meant to be played loud with a certain amount of attitude.
What followed were productive rehearsals, late nights, and the kind of creative chemistry that sometimes happens naturally if you’re lucky. Their debut album D.E.D. City captures that energy — sharp guitars, punchy rhythms, and songs that feel rooted in the optimism and momentum that makes Los Angeles special.
For this installment of Nice To Meet You, we caught up with Los Frankies to talk about how the band first came together, the story behind their first song, the meaning of D.E.D. City, and what it’s like finding your footing in the L.A. music scene right now.
Thanks for doing this. To start, what first brought you together as Los Frankies, and when did it start to feel like a real band?
We actually met on Tinder. A few days after I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco, I was in the studio recording with friends and swiping between takes. Frankie B messaged me back. We started hanging out and casually playing music together — and it’s kind of been that way ever since. Honestly, that’s about as close to a “real band” as we’re going to get: hanging out and making music we like or think is funny.
What was the process that led to writing your first song together?
We were both working retail jobs on Melrose and hated them. One day I was particularly hungover and kept muttering under my breath, “fuck this shit, fuck you, I quit.” When I got home, I strummed it out on an acoustic guitar. A verse and chorus came out immediately. I asked Frankie B to write a second verse and — bam — song number one.
Is Frankie and the Studs still active, or has Los Frankies become the main focus now?
Frankie and the Studs will never die. We’ve got a new single coming out before our tour with Kelsey Karter in June.
Was there a specific artist, record, or moment that made you realize you wanted to make music?
I was obsessed with The Beatles when I was really young — under ten. That probably sparked the desire to play music. But it was seeing The Strokes on the 2 Dollar Bill on MTV that made me think, this is what I want to do.
How is the L.A. scene right now? Any favorite venues or artists you love sharing bills with?
Two bands I really like and would love to play with are Bitchkiss and Self Improvement. We played with Spunk and they’re hella good. Zebulon is a great venue — they treat you right when you play there.
I love seeing a shared vision come to life. Making mine and Frankie B’s vision a reality is super rewarding.
Can you tell us about the name of the new album, D.E.D. City?
Dog Eat Dog City… or Deferred Enforced Departure City. You pick.
What is something you're especially proud of with this new band or this record?
I love seeing a shared vision come to life. Making mine and Frankie B’s vision a reality is super rewarding.
You recently collaborated with Billie Joe Armstrong — how did that come together?
Billie Joe Armstrong hit up Frankie B one night and suggested she cover “Venus” by Shocking Blue. Nick (our drummer) and I worked out a version, Frankie laid down the vocals with all the attitude, and we sent it to him. He loved it and added some background vocals. Pretty dope.
Can you tell us about The Gormandizers?
We’re playing in Venice on Friday. We’re basically a tribute to CBGB punk bands from the ’70s and ’80s.
What’s one of your lyrics that best describes your mood right now?
“I’ve got a question mark.”
Last question: can you tell us WTF is happening in the world right now?
The movie is getting strange.
Photo by: Max McGuire
Follow Los Frankies on Instagram at @losfrankies
