Catch Of The Week:Frank Viele
Meet Frank Viele from Milford, CT
There is no way to accurately describe Frank Viele’s sound. It’s that unique. What’s undeniable is the grit, the soul and the fire. His songwriting and guitar skills are as instrumental (sorry about that pun) to his performance as his singing. It’s all intertwined. When you watch Frank Viele perform, you don’t just see and hear the singer. You are taking it all in… hearing the ache, feeling the chords and listening to the movement.
There’s a sense of recklessness in his poetry that makes Frank’s music edgy. But it’s the soulfulness that makes it go down easy. Viele’s intense when he performs, making it hard to take your eyes off him. I would imagine that to catch him live on stage with a full band, would be one wild ride. And I’m not just talking about the music. Frank’s notable sense of humor compliments his intensity as a musician. perfectly.
Viele Visits
“A Redbull and 2 albums” later, Viele made the drive to Boston from New Haven to share his unique brand of “Americana” with us.
He told me that he found inspiration in a Boston pub and wrote this one, “Til The Bourbon’s All Gone”
Viele describes his song, “Honey.” as funky country
Let’s Be Frank
- From: Hamden, Connecticut
- Grew up in: Milford, Connecticut
- Now lives in: Hamden, Connecticut
- What lead you to music: Gramma who used to play piano when I was a kid and my older brother who introduced me to the guitar and rock n roll.
- How old when you started: 14
- Instruments played: Guitar
- How would you describe your sound: “New Americana” or Americana Soul, (or soul infused rock n roll!)
- Who inspires you: Historically Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, and Bill Withers. More modern artists include Dave Mathews, Chris Stapleton, and John Moreland.
- Awards/accolades: New England Music Award 2018 Songwriter of The Year, 2017 Deli Magazine New England Root/Americana Artist of the Year, New England Music Awards 2016 Artist of the Year and Album of The Year, 2014 New England Music Awards Live Act of The Year.
- All- time favorite country song or songs: Anything by Will Hoge and then… Travis Tritt – “Here’s A Quarter Call Someone Who Cares,” Johnny Cash – “A Boy Name Sue,” Willie Nelson – “Always On My Mind,” Garth Brooks – “The Thunder Rolls”, Chris Stapleton – “Millionaire”
- Favorite country concert: Mack, Myers, & Moore – Did two national tours with these guys and every night was a party…
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: “Love Ain’t”- Eli Young Band
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: bar tender in Key West Florida.
- Day Job (if applicable): School Furniture Salesperson/Classroom Designer
- Most proud moment: Leaving the stage at My Father’s Place on Long Island last year to a standing ovation opening for John Waite.
- Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: Last year a fan showed me her new tattoo that was of one of my lyrics…that was a game changer.
- Other things you like to do: I collect Vinyl Record, I collect Funko Pops
- Fun facts: I was a chef all through college, and I absolutely love cartoons.
- Mantra: “Don’t Worry. If You Work Hard And Your Successes Are Few, Remember the Mighty Oak Was Once A Nut Like You”. My grampa had a little plaque above his desk that said that and it always made me smile.
View Viele
Follow Frank
- Wednesday, June 5 -The NYC Song Room in New York, NY
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Saturday, June 29-Rose Arts Festival (Epicure Brewing Stage) in Norwich, CT
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
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*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
