MAGNUM,,,The Moonkings !

Interview with Tony Franklin
 

1. Hallo guys, there’s a new album coming out. Would you like to describe it in your own words?

I would describe the album as a melodic rock album,the music is quite varied and there is a big emphasis on lyrics and musical arrangements

2. What about the lyrics, is there any concept behind of it?

The lyrics are not conceptual they are all about different subjects and each song stands alone

3. Are you going to shoot any video for the new album?

The digi-pack album contains a DVD with live footage,plus a50 minute inter view with all the band,all the lyrics and artwork and an amazing video of Les Morts Dansant put to-gether byRichard Mason

4. The artwork of your new album carries on the tradition of sword /fantasy themes that you always like to use. Who is the visual artist and and how the cover is related to the lyrics?

The artist is Rodney Matthews and the cover describes the song, the Moonking

5. Are you going to tour for this album?

Yes we,ll be going on an extensive tour and all the dates are on our web site www.magnumonline.co.uk

6. How do you review the fact that all your albums till the early 90s reached the UK charts in various positions? An almost impossible fact for today’s hard rock bands..

Times change and so do musical tastes so something that used to be popular may not be to-day but all you can do is make the best album you can and cross your fingers

7.Your sound was always between progressive and AOR music. Why do you believe that your melodic side wasn’t enough to reach the USA charts? Did you have any thoughts of moving the band in USA where melodic rock was more famous in the late 80s?

We never wanted to move to America and I look at Magnum as a totally European band and the last thing I want to do is change to fit in with America,s rock music,any way they do what they do very well,we,ve been down that route before against our better judgement with Good Nite LA….enough said

8. Which era of the band included the highest points for you as an artist?

The best times for me are now I enjoy making records and I love playing live ,what more could I want

9. You’ve been at independent and multinational labels too. What was your experience from both sides of the story? Any untold facts to share with us?

When we were with some major companys they try to strip you of your identity so you,d fit in,that was always the thing that put me off,most independants sign the band for what they are or what potential they have,this must be the best way for bands to become more creative

10. How do you review the status of the music biz tday and what about the future?

Things have really changed some for the better some not so,recording a record is alot less painful these days but the value of music has seemed to dissapear,I think music has become disposable like an empty coke can,but then there will always be people who get really excited and treasure music thats why its still worth doing

MYSPACE PROFILE FOR MAGNUM : www.myspace.com/magnumuk