WTF Goes On Inside The Mind of a Bassist?!

Today, is the day, that we finally get to hear the musings of Frankie Poullain. Frankie is the bassist in my and The Darkness and someone who is always worth listening. What goes on inside the mind of a bassist, what is their inner world like? Well, today we find out.
Make sure to go and follow Frankie over on Instagram here: / frankiepoullain
You can sign up to my special mailing list here: beacons.ai/justinhawkins
Get a Justin Hawkins Rides Again T-Shirt & Hoodie here: thejawsofvictory.com/
I do monthly Zoom Call Nights over on my Patreon, they're A LOT of fun: / jushawk
Justin Hawkins Rides Again...The Podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify etc: open.spotify.com/show/0hQYjIw...
The Darkness are going on a World Tour this year to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Permission to Land - get your tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-...
If you've managed to read this far down, this is something special for you: open.spotify.com/artist/1f16z...
#justinhawkins #musicpodcast #bassist

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

You can get the CD & vinyl re-issue of Permission to Land and tickets to our USA, UK & European tour this year here: linktr.ee/thedarknessband

[@richardbeaton7324]

Loved this ! , Would you ever get Ed on the show ? .. Would be great to get his view on the music industry.

[@NinStardust]

How does it feel to know that everyone who does buy the CD/Vinyl will listen to every second obsessively and probably on repeat for several months when you can’t even be bothered to listen to it once?!? 😂 Honestly, it’s kinda frustrating being in anxious anticipation of the release knowing that you have access to it and haven’t even heard it! 😫 *sulks* 😫 At least Dan listened to it. Always did like Dan 😝 😂😂😂

[@Cfolger]

I can't wait til you come back October 7th!!!

[@Cfolger]

I love hot cakes!!!!

[@they1373]

"has there every been a working class hippy" - if you mean 'new age travellers' as you are alluding to, then yes. Even in the 60s, there were 'working class hippies' the point of being one was a neutral zone where class was irrelevant. What is a 'hippy' anyway? It is a very general term. Guaranteed a huge chunk of hippy travellers were disaffected 'working class' looking for something different. To be an artist in the 60s was often different as you were going against say the common route of 'working in a field/factory' etc. Having the appearance and affectation of a 'hippy' for fashion, is something different, that Frankie is alluding to - but does not make the distinction. Anyone working and living 'off grid' or whatever in rural Scotland, is getting their hands just as dirty as rural Nevada - but in the US and Canada, people are much more reliant to big cities. You can apply: "never trust a XYZ" to virtually any demographic also. Is a hippy someone living in the countryside ? Not always. Many people dress themselves up as benevolent but "borrow your last fiver". In fact, a large swathe of working class people have that attitude also. Including rock and punk musicians, who claim to be 'anarchists.' The 'never trust a hippy' is an old hat lazy generalised sleight and buys into prejudice about 'English' ( everyone who is English is 'middle class' ) and other stereotypes, merely a kind of silly tribalism underwriting it all.

[@anythingspossiblemusic]

Us bass players are the cool ones and Frankie is no exception

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I'm a guitarist and.. ..I know better than to argue with fekkin bassists. You're the bassist, so you're correct of course. But bassists like being called "fekkin bassist" so I figure it's a fair trade.😇 Just kidding. Mostly. 😈🥰

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

Tuba players too.

[@bloffs3352]

I used to try to play the bass. I thought i was cool. No,Frankie is cool and a great bass player. As i have said before i think it is mainly bass players that know how good another bass player is.

[@MrCrispyduck]

Are you saying Bass players from other countries are not cool?

[@bloffs3352]

Lol. I think they mean us as in we,not US as in America.

[@andycg2]

I met Frankie's mum just as you guys were taking off. She was a tour guide in Scotland and came into my work all super proud because there was a spread in a newspaper about the band. Such a sweet woman.

[@Skittenmeow]

It's always such a pleasure to meet the family of talented musicians...They're often just as cool and interesting and creative in different ways. Lucky experience you got to have, but I'm sure that you gave her a genuine positive experience as well. Its great she felt enough comfort that you'd be interested in her pride

[@blueridger28]

That warmed my heart to read.

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

Ah! The Baron of Bass, The Prince of Pointing, Le Comte de Cowbell! I've been looking forward to this. ❤

[@scottklaiss8217]

Frankie has one of the coolest styles of any bass players.

[@lindseyd1208]

An hour and a half of Frankie Poullain is never enough Frankie Poullain! Love Frankie ❤️

[@mathewwinsor9111]

This is the VERY BEST interview you have ever done. You and Franky should do a regular show together!!!

[@jyvajemmar7189]

Very entertaining 1,5 hours! Thank you for this! Frankie comes off as intelligent and thoughtful guy who appreciates the band and the journey very much. Long live The Darkness! Hopefully you release the documentary later this year as Frankie said in this video.

[@citytonightproductions]

Frankie is so underrated as a bassist, he plays every note with purpose and they are always the right notes. Not easy to do, and be super entertaining on stage at the same time!

[@Rocksarum]

Frankieeeeeeee!!!👋 One of the best bassists in the fooookin' universe!!!🎸🌍 ...and extraordinary cowbell🔔!!!😉🥰

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

My dream, when I was child, was to grow up to be a successful and world famous cowbell player.

[@kevinmichael9482]

@@aylbdrmadison1051 The world needs more cowbell! it's never enough for me.

[@psophia17]

I think the metaphor of the sea swimming being cold until it burns is very like longstanding, true, honest love. First the shock of it happening, then the burning, which honestly goes on for years and years, and then coming all the way around to feeling amazing about it. Not a short term thing at all, a long term thing. Mentioning the elderly couples at the top of the cliff having picnics is an extension of that same metaphor - it burns to get up that cliff, it's beautiful when you get there. "That's the dream."

[@alessandrogiacomini6853]

Oh mamma mia Frankie!!!! Last but not least! ❤❤❤ the mighty Frankie finally for us to listen. I'll take my evening off for him🤘

[@bendtowardsthesun]

Really impressed by the quality of these conversations. They are disarmingly honest, and thoroughly engaging. I'm new to this channel, but I can already appreciate what a rare gem it is. Justin seems like an extraordinarily thoughtful and intelligent individual. What an absolute pleasure to witness. I've always been a big admirer of The Darkness and their contribution to the music universe - so this is an extra special bonus! Thanks, gents!

[@payleighsteele1540]

I love that Frankie brought up the Stoics! I find them fascinating.

[@leovlogslife]

In all the years following The Darkness, I've never heard Frankie speak, so this was a mega treat!

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Frankie is not only sartorially right on, he's smart as hell! Nice Marcus Aurelius quote, Frankie.

[@nigelsmith721]

Frankie and Jenny May have very similar mannerisms in conversation both in terms of speech pattern and vocabulary (In my humble). What a brilliant conversation. Fucking awesome.

[@AlexGrech]

Just two lovely people. Watched The Darkness in a small, intimate venue in Malta last month. Euphoric.... A real privilege. And particularly once Justin demanded that smart phones were put away so we could all live in the moment.

[@ragman1960]

Frankie!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SweetPandora326]

My favorite line in Frankie Poullain's book, "Dancing In The Darkness", is on page 180, "try to be happy cheaply". Good advice!

[@karencruddace4697]

What a lovely, genuine man Frankie is. I like how he takes the time to look closely at life before voicing an opinion. The camaraderie between the two of you shows how true friendship endures all things, the highs ,the lows, good times and times not so good, it’s beautiful to see. I hope that from time to time you repeat these chats with your fellow band members, it’s good to hear how the band interact. Thanks 🤟

[@saralowe_arts]

Justin and Frankie get real with life, character and attitude love it.

[@youreadyfreddie]

Love the Freddie statue.

[@fredvanvactor6110]

Been waiting for Frankie! So glad! My world is complete! 👍👍🌎

[@salomehoutch3321]

Frankie is the coolest bass player in the world ❤

[@sweetpandora2685]

This is great! Really enjoyable. In The Darkness, Frankie supplies a suave, sophisticated, smart, silky smooth, seventies sensation.

[@RoxanneT1]

oh lordy ... 15:12 ... When Frankie says .. "Can make you a bit self-conscious. But that's probably the thing that you suffer from the least" Wonderful! ;) And at 33:37 .. "I'm half French, so I'm probably the most pretentious in the band. " Salut Frankie! Je t'entends! ;)

[@bigdavekilbride9972]

What a great chat from two absolute legends.

[@mikebeardman5297]

As a fellow bass player and owner of the exact same mantle place clock, there is a connection there between Frankie and I - through time and bass :)

[@sandrahaight7278]

This has been one awe inspiring conversation thus far. Thrilled to have finally taken the time to watch this in it’s entirety. Frankie is an absolute renaissance man. You bring out the very best in one another. A timeless piece! Kudos gentlemen. ❤️❤️

[@raquelsnt]

❤ Very happy because you finally brought us to Frankie! I imagine your writing sessions like when the football player are in a meeting previous to a match. In your personal contest of stylish i really couldn't pick one!

[@Lukezo]

"Spinal Tap were a huge inspiration for us" - I KNEW it!!!!!!🤣

[@joelsignoretti]

Yes,YES! My prayers have been answered. I’ve been wanting this interview since the long form podcasts have started.

[@charliebluechaos4963]

Oh no! This is too cool. BASS!!!! Frankie is like Darth Vader or something dude's got the force. OMG So much love to you and your band Mr Hawkins ❤❤❤

[@sah-win]

Seems like each had a few “breakthroughs” during their conversation. Loved it!

[@GrahamDallas]

That was just stunning, I could listen to this all day. I love Frankie's view of the world, a very well read and educated man.

[@lindamcmahon358]

It's taken me a few days to get to this but I must say it was a triumph! Like eavesdropping on a family chat.....so full of love and optimism with a sprinkling of philosophy. Legends!!

[@harryman5747]

There you go boyz ! Your new album title! …. THE DARKNESS…..METAPHOR FOR LOVE🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Sinuite]

When you realise Frankie is Scottish because it's the first time you've heard him speak 🤯

[@GlasVelo]

I love Frankie...he's like the best teacher from school and he's Scottish, which is a bonus!

[@bradleypilon1124]

Been waiting for Frankie for awhile now, beautiful. Love you guys!

[@Tommi_D]

You mention the Disturbed gig. That was the first time I saw you and I was baffled how strongly the crowd reacted. If you asked me before, I would have said you weren't a style that I listened to much at that point, but my ex and I loved you for how you reacted to the response, turning round and wiggling your arse to give them a target and you could tell you were putting 100% in to the performance. I think you probably made a lot of fans or at least gained an awful lot of respect by the time you guys walked off the stage!

[@rors_racing]

Thanks Jus, what a fantastic conversation. I’m especially grateful for your excellent explanation of nihilism - something I identify with but have never been able to articulate so succinctly in a positive way.

[@BirdNerd311]

For comments day… Great chat with Frankie - cheers to you both, thanks for sharing! On the topic of “embracing when things go wrong during a gig”, there is a Darkness gig that comes to mind that I’ve always wanted to know more about from your perspective. I’ve seen you guys play a few times in the States, and none quite as unique as Halloween night, 2015, at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY - it was an unforgettable night for multiple reasons. The concert was being hosted by some local radio station next door. One of the DJs introduced you like an MC would introduce the headliner for a comedy show, calling you “the world’s number 1 Halloween party band” before you took the stage. I remember the crowd being quite inebriated and unruly, especially so for the frequency and fervor with which song requests were shouted throughout the show. Halfway through your set, the show was stopped for a Halloween costume contest, where The Darkness were the judges, and you guys selected a man dressed as Freddie Mercury as the winner. You guys immediately launched into, what I think most would consider, a Queen deep cut, and with “Freddie” on lead vocals having the time of his life. Last tidbit that stuck out to me, was when you returned to the stage for the encore. I remember you saying something along the lines of “In the words of Frankie Poullain ‘let’s just make the best of this’” before beginning the encore - which I thought was quite cheeky and a well deserved dig at the crowd given all the night’s antics. I have not seen a gig like that before or since, and it was quite the rollercoaster to watch from the audience! I would love to hear your recollections of that night. What was that show like from your perspective? Did you know that you were going to be stopped for a costume contest? Did you guys have a good laugh during the encore break? Thank you for doing what you do - cheers!

[@MariaFrancesca]

What a great story! 🙂

[@Grubsils]

What a great comment & story! Looking forward to the next comments day video 😊

[@dwightsurgan9887]

From long island, I would have loved to see this show! Super jealous, great story.

[@maryfields1111]

❤loved it. Thanks Justin! Thanks Frankie! Me loves ya both!

[@glinteastwood]

I adored listening to this conversation at work yesterday. Most of the time, it sounded like two interesting well travelled comrades looking back on their many years of collaboration and friendship. But here and there… I felt like I was listening to two hungry young rockers chatting to each other in the almost giddy way that I remember doing when I was a carefree young man in love with making music with my mates in our band- every day a new adventure. These moments brought an extra big smile to my face.

[@marklewis35]

Great episode!! Love the fact you mentioned the Holmfirth gig from the 10th anniversary tour. We were at that gig and it was absolutely awesome!!!

[@elleeme9451]

I found this so mentally stimulating! It really got me thinking philosophically and deeply about life and people, myself, art. I wish I had friends like the two of you. Such intelligent, deep thinkers. Can we please make Frankie a podcast regular along with Jenny.

[@user-ty5dc9vr7x]

More Franky interviews please, Thanks:)

[@anniefuller8458]

Loved this interview. Two of my favourites. ❤

[@orcafinn]

I love your description of swimming! I get that burning thing too, it's how I trick myself into swimming longer. I've just been in myself! Then I put on this interview and you two have been sea swimming too!

[@muzgash]

For some reason Frankie really reminds me of the late George Harrison, especially his smile. Something mysterious and mischievous at the same time.

[@clairotway6045]

Amazing Frankie. Love ya Justin❤

[@briohnymay]

Been so looking forward to this!

[@emilybaker3703]

Wow been waiting for this moment.😮😁

[@theultimate1000]

Awesome long-awaited vid! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 On an unrelated note, who else thinks deep cuts like Planning Permission and Live ‘Til I Die would sound great with Justin on the keytar?

[@bellatyler7376]

Hi Justin & Frankie! Saw that you had this video up and thought- this is going to be epic! Frankie is an interesting soul for sure! Started watching and Justin, you said he was interesting as well. Going to watch and then come back to say hello...again! Hello, watched the video and enjoyed every moment. Let's just say it was an ineffable connection we felt watching you guys talk...good stuff! Thank you!

[@likepaintedkites]

Psychotherapeutic! It’s lovely how you both express a longing for a way of being, while being it!

[@R.senals_Arsenal]

Very cool. We've met ALL of The Darkness now here on this channel! I love that your circle has varied personas, if you were all the same you'd probably annoy each other much more. I know if I hang w/anyone too similar to me for too long we end up at each other's throats, so good on you and the diverse views!

[@amcrorysd]

thoroughly enjoyed this one - made my day measurably better.

[@FeelAllSephyrsTone]

What I love about this conversation: The introspective connection between the 2 of you really does great as a "background sound" type of energy. Perfect to listen to while playing my own guitar, and conjuring up my own source of Divine talent. I'm reminded of the talking that existed between songs in the Pink Floyd video "Live At Pompeii". Thank you for a natural and honest capturing of 2 Friends on the deep end of eachothers landscapes. Be beautiful. Be well.

[@Ginger_shot]

Frankie ❤

[@OnlyUkeThatMatters]

Along with the enjoyable dialogue, fun to watch JH’s hair dry and Frankie’s body temperature adjust here 🏊🏻‍♂️

[@MrSargasmic]

You guys are brilliant, honest, on-point, and hilarious. Thank you

[@readysteadykeith]

What's not to love about Frankie? Legend.

[@jester6-1-6]

Saw you at looe fest years ago. You were all amazing 🙌🏻

[@racmonbrown]

A lot of fun. Thanks Justin and Frankie 🖤

[@moirashanks5860]

Wow very moving ! The joyful football smile , beautifully said .

[@MegaGreatpretender]

Great show !! Really enjoyed it, success has many fathers but failure is a ….. I remember this , cheers

[@dustyphertz9871]

Thank You J. Highly anticipated - did not disappoint.

[@cb_jackal9059]

Love the way you pass the cup to each other in the opening minutes

[@barristophilliesiii5863]

Amazing podcast. Love it.

[@robinwallace1399]

What a brilliant conversation 😉

[@concretel10n]

I Love You 5 Times is a masterpiece - I play it all the time, it's satisfying, fun, and an aspirational lifestyle. All encompassing

[@peterottes6900]

I'm sooooo looking forward to seeing you guys when you come to Boston. The Darkness are stil an exciting and interesting, anf fun band. You have so much more to offer as a band..👍

[@nickcoumbe]

I remember "never trust a hippie" from The Young Ones book back in the 80s.

[@fragglebrock6772]

This is a beautiful conversation. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely too fe things away from it too ❤

[@wewerecamerashy5190]

Frankie Poullain's Dancing in the Darkness is a brilliant read. Do hope, he and his Polish cleaner will write more.

[@petelewis6920]

What a great interview.

[@jimmccaig7946]

Frankie is a Don, even thou’ he eyed up my wife (see profile pic) in Glasgow Green before the Queen gig. Also the watch he desires is a PP Ellipse. Very 70/80’s and very Frankie. Great podcast. Loved it 👍👍

[@WOLFMOON275]

You guys sure didn't change much over the years. You're aging well I think I saw you guys play like 20 years ago I'll never forget how fun it was. Hope you play Florida again sometime this decade 😁👍

[@drwilliamlarge]

This is great. I found him very amusing when he talked about his gear, so I knew this was going to be good. I have read Either Or. It is massive.

[@drstephaniemitrano]

Thanks. That was the most interesting discussion I’ve heard in a while. Full of nuggets of wisdom, humour, self-awareness, kindness. I wish I had been here with you two.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@drstephaniemitrano]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain please call me doctor 😂

[@lornakarimjee]

Yay yay yay it's Frankie 🙌❤

[@weexist990]

Love this video. Learning so much. Yeah bassist are very cool.

[@joannetough822]

Yesss! What a treat to come home from work to. 😁👍

[@shanemichaelhenderson2728]

Thankyou Frankie

[@stratjed]

Heard Sting once say the bass is the silent dictator of a band. As a guitarist I would agree .Its really only a "D" if the bass plays "D". Everyone else could be playing in the key somewhere.

[@Ginger_shot]

Loved this ❤ Can’t wait to run up that cliff to find you guys - holding hands, having a picnic. Remember to play ✌🏼

[@NinStardust]

Brilliant! 🤩🥰 Of course whatever happens to you has been waiting to happen to you since the dawn of time! (Brilliant quote BTW) We’re all stardust. Everyone and everything is made of particles that have existed since the dawn of time, so surely it stands to reason that the events which happen to them are meant to happen. Everything happens for a reason. The important thing is how you deal with it when it does. 🥰 Love how philosophical Frankie is. We need him to duet the theme tune more often, but with a guitar next time please, Justin! 😂 Thanks for appearing on the channel Frankie! 🥰💖🥰

[@jeremybanks9007]

Given up is played on my earphones Max volume , I think I know where you went Justin, so glad you wrote an album about it !!!

[@soulflower8687]

brilliant convo

[@christisixty]

What a treat! Miss you guys...can't wait to see you in October! 💜 the "real" Chris Thomas : )

[@willnewsome6222]

Fucking brilliant! Loved every moment of listening to you cats💜🔥 On the topic of writing, I believe the songs are always out in the ether, we simply translate what we’re receiving from the universe. Thanks for the years of inspiration!! Cheers!

[@keepy85]

That quote is heavy. It's a scary thought at first but then I thought, well. It means I'm definitely meant to be here. Whatever happens to ME, has been waiting to happen to ME since the dawn of time. It waited for me.

[@martynwarren3192]

How do you two ever get any work done? Love this conversation 👍

[@KevKam]

47:56 Yes, my best guess is, that mind scrambling quote refers to determinism as you hinted at. Meditations is a classic (thin book) of his, tough reading but some great one liners in there. Good lyric inspirations/influences perchance. Enjoying the banter, ta very much.

[@mary-janebelec9082]

FINALLY, FRANKIE! Thanks, he's an interesting man.

[@lazlowoodbine7916]

The band walk in to the rehearsal room to see the Bassist hitting a small child. “He put one of my strings out of tune!” he explained. “So what?” said the singer, to which the bassist replied, “Yeah, but he won’t tell me which one.”

[@blueridger28]

I'd love to see Frankie again on a future episode!