Interview With Frankie Cosmos

By Allison Johnson
Music Director

Frankie Cosmos writes quick songs for the tender heart. After releasing her debut studio album, “Zentropy,” in March, Frankie (AKA Greta Kline) and her band have spent time touring the U.S. and working on new music. I had the pleasure of seeing the band open up for Porches, drummer Aaron Maine’s band, recently, and was completely blown away by the beautiful simplicity of Frankie Cosmos’ live performance. Kline was kind enough to answer some of my questions, despite being tired and sick post-tour.

Allison Johnson: I know you are just getting home from a tour; what were some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced?  

Greta Kline: The highs were playing lots of great shows in new places and getting along and feeling comfortable with the six other people on tour through and through. The low was losing my voice and being sick on the last day when we were heading home. I guess my immune system just crashed after a lucky month of health on the road.

AJ: What has been the weirdest city you’ve played in and why was it so weird?
GK: We never really had a lot of time to experience the towns we were in, but our weirdest show was definitely Fargo, North Dakota. There were like two people at the show and the opening act was this really amazing solo local guy who sang along to an iPhone track he had made and pretended to play an unplugged keyboard. We got to stay with the really nice sound guy from the show and his girlfriend and her dog, which ended up being a really fun night. But yea, Fargo was weird.

AJ: How did you like Texas? Did you have time to do anything fun while you were in Austin?
GK: Texas was awesome — Austin was one of our most surprising and great shows because I had never been there and had no idea if anyone would come and it ended up being amazing. We didn’t get to explore Austin too much, but we had a good night at our friend’s house and went to Whole Foods with Krill (from Boston, who were there at the same time as us) the next day, which was fun.

AJ: What are some bands you’re listening to right now and why should our listeners check them out?
GK: Eskimeaux and Krill — I have both their new unreleased albums, which are gonna blow everyone’s minds when they come out. Both bands are so incredible and interesting to see and listen to over and over again.

AJ: You have over 40 releases on your Bandcamp and just one studio album. I know that you’re constantly working on music. Is there another studio album in the works?
GK: Yes! We’re heading up to the studio for the first session in November.

AJ: How did you all meet and form what is Frankie Cosmos (the touring band)?
GK: I met Aaron Maine [drummer] through his music and our mutual friends No One And The Somebodies [from Westchester, New York]. I met David Maine through Aaron because they are brothers. I met Gabby Smith through her band, Eskimeaux, and some mutual musical friends too.

AJ: Who are you outside of your music? (I.e what are you studying in school, what are your hobbies and your favorite places, etc.)
GK: The thing that defines me most is probably my music …there’s not a day in my life that I don’t work on something musical. I play in two bands, write a lot of songs, play a lot of shows …Music is my hobby! I also am in-and-out of school (always kinda difficult to stay involved because of touring, etc.), but I don’t have a major yet. Oh, actually, I do have a hobby — watching TV with my boyfriend …right now we watch “Parks and Recreation,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Trailer Park Boys.” Waiting on the next season of “Orange Is The New Black” too.

AG: Lastly, is Frankie Cosmos eternal?
GK: Hell yea!
You can find the sweet sounds of Frankie Cosmos on Kline’s Bandcamp page at https://ingridsuperstar.bandcamp.com/. To keep up with the band on-and-off the road, follow them on social media via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FrankieCosmos), Instagram (http://instagram.com/frankiecombos) and Tumblr (http://frankiecosmos.tumblr.com/).