Timothy Stroud Franklin
Ten seconds into the chorus of his single ‘The Storm’ and you'll be nodding your head. With an infectious lyrical style and sublime hook, the Christian / gospel artist known as Timothy Stroud Franklin seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
BLAKE: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: One thing that I am excited about as an up and coming artist is the ground breaking avenues that the Akademia is opening up for my career as an artist. One thing that I am afraid of happening in my career is being a one hit wonder or not being able to appeal to my fans.
BLAKE: Your song ’The Storm’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I can't wait to hear it. There is nothing like hearing your own song being played along with all of the other Akademia artists on the radio.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I have had a lot of deaths both family and friends, my mother, my dad, my step daughter, my best friend, my little brother in which the song is dedicated to, and so many more. And in the back of every mind is sometimes the question "why?” As a Christian artist living for God, my song "The Storm" speaks the truth about me and so many others in this spiritual battle on their way home.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I have experienced a string of pain throughout my life. Here is just a glimpse. I am grown now and trying to put it into words. As an adult, I'm looking at myself through an old looking glass. I see that little boy at the age of 5 standing under a street light all by himself till 4am frightened, waiting on his mom to come home. A lot of my scars and pain were emotional from childhood into adulthood. And that is what burns inside of me and desires to be set free in a blaze that reaches the heavens.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I will have to say that I am serious, loving, sometimes complicated because of the depth of my thoughts. This is what music brings out of me.
 |
BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: Right now I am a solo artist. I look forward to maybe working with others in the future.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I have several relatives that are talented with musical and song writing. They were talented with the piano and singing, but I am the only one currently pursuing my dream.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: It is always a gift to hear your fans respond to your creative works. As an artist, I am always trying to inspire those that are watching and listening to me. I find it challenging keeping up with the here today and gone tomorrow changes and the way music is bought and sold. It seems that when you think you have mastered one avenue, the new becomes obsolete.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: Growing up I wanted to be like many artists. I believe there were some artists that made an everlasting impression on my life. But there are so many it is hard to identify. To name just a few from old to new, LL Cool J, Heavy D and the Boys, Phil Collins,
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: My best most memorable performance was when I performed for my church. Me and two other brothers, Leon Hills, and Big Al did several Christian Hip-Hop songs. We received a standing ovation. There were 500 members present that day.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I would tell them to believe in yourself, and always continue to move forward. Look at the obstacles of your past as stepping stones for your musical future. Only look back in your past to find passion, and to add fuel to the fire for inspiration in your music. Otherwise keep moving forward. The past can sometimes cripple you.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
TIMOTHY STROUD FRANKLIN: I have a vision for a song that talks about the power that God has given us.
BLAKE: Wonderful! Thank you sharing some insights into what makes you the artist that you are. I wish you continued success in your career.