Franky Selector: "Ice Breaker"
Coming from a mixed cultural family background and growing up in Florida, multi instrumentalist FrankySelector was exposed at a very young age to many influential music styles; his father's extensive Jazz and Classical record collection, the Funk-Boogie/Afro-Cuban of the 70's beach roller skaters or his mother's preference for 'Chanson Francaise' all contributed to his musical upbringing. Piano lessons at age 5 and various garage bands in his teens developed his taste for the stage and live performance.
A founding member of Montreal's sensation Skyjuice, which took the City by storm in the mid 90's, Franky and bandmates shared the stage with Ben Harper, The Herbaliser, The Groove Collective, The Band, Charlie Creed-Miles in various high profile festivals. The band spent a couple of years in New York City where, then manager Mathieu Bitton (Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Quincey Jones, etc.), signed them on his label Dream Factory Records.
Coming back to Montreal at the turn of the millenium, Franky broadened his knowledge of studio engineering and music production and started composing for television in his own studio. Here are a few television series released internationally for which he composed original music: Zooville; OuiSurf en Asie; Ouisurf II en Afrique; MayDay; Le Gout De Louis; Voyages Au Bout De La Nuit; BouffeMtl; etc. Between touring and recording with the National Parcs, Stéphane Moraille (BranVan3000), Artist of the Year and many RareGroove DJ gigs, he managed to release a solo album, Under The Midnight Sun. The single We Got Love was released and a video was shot by Ian Cameron in L.A.
After touring Canada and appearing in key industry performances (CMW, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival Orientalys), Franky was invited to the Trouville Off-Courts Short Film Festival in Normandy, France. On top of a live performance, a video was shot for the single No Half Steppin and Franky continued working on a new album upon his return. 'Shabby Chic' was released in June 2017 with feature singles No Half Steppin' and Got Your Back.
FrankySelector’s latest album 'Never Better' is yet another collection of feel-good, laidback sunny vibes. Blending vintage analog instruments and modern technology, bridging the Golden Age of FM Radio with today's streaming charts. It could be classified as Future Vintage, Quiet Storm or Rare Groove. Franky’s lyrical style is closely related to the Spoken Word tradition and his unique voice stands out as a trademark signature. On stage, Franky's group of eclectic & talented musicians take the music to another level where structures expand, rhythms shine and good vibes become contagious. Franky describes the album as “Whimsical tales of serendipity in the 21st Century.”
The new album 'Never Better' was released amidst a pandemic year.
She’s So Carefree, the first single, felt like a breeze of fresh air on a damp and heavy night. Ice Breaker follows in its footsteps as the 2nd single release, and a pure feel-good track. Reminiscent of Franky’s Floridian roots, hearing the song makes anyone dream of sandy beaches, palm trees and roller skates. The animation video by Andree-Anne Mercier is an honest tribute to the vibe.
The release of Ice Breaker coincides with a 3rd Italian tour, initially planned in 2020 and delayed due to Covid (see tour dates below).
FrankySelector is also a seasoned DJ/Selector, spinning a blend of his own productions and classic Rare Groove gems; a regular DJ at American band Phish’s after-concert parties(USA, Mexico), Franky has also been booked in various industry/private partys in New York City, France, and Montreal.
Franky has also been a go-to collaborator for many musicians along the way (recently: aRTIST oF tHE yEAR keyboards and production, Lucien Francoeur keyboards live, The National Parcs, Stephane Moraille (musical director) & James DiSalvio (Bran Van 3000), French artist Sista Ka (Songwriting), The Brooks (remix), Fwonte (production-songwriting), Freeworm/Moment Factory (production), Fred Everything (live keyboardist), Tundra Collective (production, mix)).
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