Meet Frankie Clarke
Between working on starting a new Rock'n'Roll band, maintaining a super-cool style blog and graduating college next spring, we’re pretty sure Frankie Clarke is superhuman. One look at her blog and you're instantly hooked. Now she is taking over the Rock'n'Roll world by storm with her new band Frankie and the Studs, that had their debut in Hollywood last month. Growing up with a Rock icon dad and fashion designer mom we're not surprised that Frankie is living both talents: fashion and music.
We recently caught up with the super chill Cali native to talk about her new band, her favorite winter styles and the funniest Christmas gift she has ever received...
You recently played a gig with your new band Frankie and the Studs in Hollywood. Where did you get the inspiration to start a Rock'n'Roll band?
I've been playing music since I was 10, and I've been in three bands since. My new band "Frankie and the Studs" is very different for me, not stylistically, but I'm definitely pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I'm more comfortable playing guitar in a band, but I love singing, so this time I'm the lead singer of my band. Rock n' roll is the only music I really know and love, so the style wasn't a question for me.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Singing around the house, playing with my puppy, and going out to gigs (oh, and of course I try to squeeze in shopping whenever I can) .
How does Rock'n'Roll influence your today's life and style?
Growing up with my dad as a musician has definitely turned rock n' roll into a lifestyle for me. I'm constantly surrounded by music, whether it's my dad practicing the guitar, hearing music blasting from our home studio, or going out to concerts every week. I love both the fashion and music associated with glam rock, so I've always looked up to musicians like David Bowie, Marc Bolan, and Joan Jett as style icons.
We've been inspired by your blog Frankie's Planet for quite some time now. What did get you into starting your own blog?
I had wanted to start a blog for a long time, but I wanted to do something different than normal fashion blogs. I decided my way to be different was to include both my loves for fashion and music and encourage readers to not feel pressured to follow trends. I also had friends who were bloggers, so that also inspired me to start my own.
What’s your favorite outfit this winter?
I love being able to wear jackets and scarfs in the winter, so I think my favorite outfit is my leather jacket, velvet scarf, black skinny jeans, and UNIF choke boots. Honestly, my style doesn't change much from season to season, I'm notorious for wearing all black no matter what the temperature is outside.
Who are your biggest style icons?
I'm very inspired by 70s glam rock icons like Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Suzi Quatro, and Joan Jett. I just love glitter and jumpsuits. But I also love Julian Casablancas' (from the Strokes) sense of style. He has his own unique style, which I love.
If your friends could describe you in 3 words, what would they say:
laid-back, goofy, and creative
With Christmas coming what's the funniest gift you've ever received / given?
I think the funniest gift I ever received was a School of Rock poster autographed by Jack Black. I was a super fan and that was one of my favorite movies growing up. Not going to lie, that movie played a significant role in inspiring me to pick up the guitar when I was 10.
A pretty attitude:
Being yourself, marching to the beat of your own drum, and not caring what other people think.
What is next for Frankie?
I'm graduating college in May and after that I'd like to start playing more shows with my band and continuing to pursue my love for both music and fashion. I'd love to start my own fashion line one day as well as being a musician. Follow @frankieandthestuds on Instagram and like us on Facebook to stay up to date with what we are up to! https://www.facebook.com/frankieandthestuds :)
(all photos courtesy of Frankie Clarke)