FRANKO CARINO

1. Give us an introduction to yourself / the band members and the instruments each person plays.

My name is Franko Carino. I’m a multi instrument producer but mainly focus on

Electronic production.

2. How did you/the band get started? When did you begin, what influenced you, who helped you along the way, and were you trained or self-taught?

When I was very young I was obsessed with music and dancing. On one hand we had peak era Depeche Mode being released and MC Hammer happening in the world at the same time. Myinfluences started weird out of the gate. Then when I was 13 or so when I saw a local Jax band called Espionage. They were the coolest synth pop, mysterious party guys I’ve ever seen at that time. I really became obsessed with synthesizers and electronic music at that time. I was very lucky in my career to have some really incredible mentors. From Perry Safer to Joseph Rivers (Dynamix II, CCCP) to basically Everyone in Limp Bizkit. You can hear all of their teaching in my music if you really break it down.

3. What was your first live performance like? Also, what has been your favorite and least favorite show so far, and why?

Oh god, it was a train wreck in every sense of the word. But I learned the importance of setting up quick and getting the fuck off stage when you’re done. My all time favorite show that still gives me goosebumps was Limp Bizkit Metro Park 2012. When Fred pointed to the Mathew’s bridge and said “John Otto!! Take us to the Mathew’s bridge!!!” Least favorite show? Elara in Tampa when I almost broke my leg on stage and was in a wheelchair the next day.

4. What has been your biggest challenge to date?

My heart is in Darkwave and Drum and bass. I’ve found it very hard (no matter how good your music is) because a lot of people tend to be gatekeepers for their respective genres. So it’s hard to get people to discover new things instead of complaining about how this band they loved 40 years ago doesn’t do the thing like they used to. Ai is the other problem. It’s a powerful tool but it also makes art disposable to the general public.

5. What sets your music apart from everything else out there?

I think I have a unique fingerprint on what I do and create. I’m not afraid to genre mix or just pull from my tool box. I have a very diverse musical influence and I’m not scared of it.

6. How do you personally define success for yourself or the band? Do you feel being based in Jacksonville has benefited your career more or less—and why?

I personally think success is when you connect with a stranger through your art and creations. If you can give someone a moment to feel something real. That’s success. Being a Jacksonville musician is a weird thing right? We’re not LA, NYC or London but we have produced artists that have changed the world. So to be a part of that pedigree is something I wear like a badge of honor. Years ago I think we were in deep Russia somewhere and before the show started, the whole arena was chanting “Mathew’s bridge! Mathew’s Bridge!” I couldn’t help but giggle at that. But on the other hand, you ain’t shit if nobody has ever screamed “play freebird!” at you in the 904.

7. What projects are you currently working on or promoting?

I’m currently working on a Darkwave industrial EP that I’m pulling guest vocalist from different bands I love. There’s new 5imulator on the horizon. I’ve been producing a new artist named Sophie who is an incredible talent. I’m also putting the finishing touches on The first Angry Arcade release which is a punk, metal Drum & Bass band we’ve been working on for a few years now.

8. Have you toured yet? If so, how far outside of Jacksonville have you made it, and where would you love to play most that you haven’t yet?

I’ve been touring professionally for 17 years now with Limp Bizkit. So basically we’ve been everywhere. We haven’t done India or Thailand yet so hopefully that’s in the cards one day.

9. What are your craziest “on the road” or wild adventure stories? (Music-related or otherwise.)

Hmmm, there’s a lot. One of my favorites that is pretty safe and PG I can share. So Wes,

Kadaver and I were bar hopping in South America somewhere. He got recognized and we decided to change bars but as we’re waiting for the cross walk to change he says “when it changes let’s run” and we’re like yes let’s do that!! So we’re running down the street laughing and avoiding our chasers when a pack of dogs just started running with us all the way back to the hotel. It was the best time. Running with my best friends and 7 random dogs.

10. If you could collaborate or perform with anyone—living or dead—who would it be and why? (Feel free to shout out any living local artists you’d like to work with, too.)

I’d love to do a track with Ohgr! I’ve met a bunch of musicians and hero’s of mine but out of all of them I think Ohgr and I would have the best time and make something super fun! Or at least have some drinks and listen to the 999 happy haunts on loop.

11. What do you/the band members do with your time outside of the band?

Try to sleep when I can. Spend time with my Capricorn trinity and my puppy.

12. Name one thing you love most about the Jacksonville music scene that sets it apart from other cities.

We don’t follow trends, the trends follow Jacksonville.

13. What are your top three favorite local venues to play and your favorite local record store to get music from?

Jack Rabbits is a proving ground right? So you gotta start there. The Albatross is great. I also like what Kona is doing. I feel like they’re helping the younger kids that are into skate punk cut their teeth.

14. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you’d pass on to other local bands—and who gave it to you?

There’s two that I remind myself frequently. One is “be a sponge” -Dj Arcadia. Absorb

everything that you can. I know guys pushing 50 that couldn’t run a studio session if their life depended on it. The 2nd is “Never sacrifice the integrity of your beat” -DJ Lethal. I have always interpreted that as don’t cut corners and always do what’s best for the song.

15. Where’s the best place for fans to connect with you?

Instagram is my go to. You can find me

@Frankocarino on instagram and YouTube to watch videos. I’m pretty easy to get a hold of. You can find my music on all streaming platforms for just dm me and I’ll send you something.

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