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INDUSTRY REPORT # 55
Catching Up With
February 26th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
For most people there is a saying that hits close to home, “Music is Life.” For me, I’ve always liked my music loud with over-the-top guitar licks and vocals had to move me. If there was a great message in the song, cool… but it’s always been the sound of music that makes my day. Being a child of the ‘80s, I have a soft spot for anything new wave. Recently, I came across a band that has a Blur-like champagne supernova vibe about them. They are loud and electric; they are Frankie and the Studs.
The quartet appropriately hails from Hollywood, and their music is part of the next evolution of punk rock. Like The Struts and blink, they maneuver between the lines hanging out in the crevices of straight up punk and their pop-punk persona; and they do it effortlessly delivering a volcanic eruption of sonic youth and delight.
Photo by Brian Bowen Smith
Recently I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with the band’s lead singer Frankie Clarke. As she entered the room, she was exactly like a lead singer from a ‘70s glam band. She had a confidence about her that resonates and a style that screams punk.
Immediately I could tell she was more about music and results than appearances. I could see that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree being the daughter of a very successful musician in his own right; we’ll circle back to that.
Photo by Brian Bowen Smith
We discussed her early days and the bands that shaped her musical vision. She loved everything about Joan Jett and her time with The Runaways. Jett’s music was foundational in her approach to her own music. She believes that proving that there is nothing wrong with being yourself, regardless of who or what is the in thing at any point in time, that’s the power of music.
We identified bands we both loved that had such an influence in our lives, The Clash, Ramones, Blondie and Bowie. Frankie loves Paramore and we both love and respect Green Day.
We considered a fact that is often overlooked when it comes to how being in music you can create a platform, like Green Day has done. We discussed how they have always stood by their beliefs no matter what people think; all while wrapped in kick-ass music.
I then asked about the band’s origin story, at least their name. She rolled her eyes and with a devilish smile – she giggled and explained that she had the band name in her head before she had a band. She explained that she always loved the look of rockers, black leather studded jackets – there’s nothing better she said.
She went on to say that she came up with the name and thought to herself that one day when she puts together a kick-ass band she can say “I’ve got the name ready to go.” Truth be told the name fits the band perfectly; a band that doesn’t take themselves to seriously, only their music.
We segued into the band’s music. She laughed and had the biggest smile. She loves everyone in her band and is so proud of the music they put out. The band today features Clarke on guitar and busting out the vocals, Frank Salazar or Frankie # 2 is lead guitar, Lizi Gionangeli slaps a mean bass, and Nick Rossi pounds the skins. Needless to say, this band can bring it!
In viewing their concert footage one thing stood out – their onstage persona is simply electrifying. I asked her how important it is to her to make sure their fans get their money’s worth at their show. Again, she smiled and said it’s very-very important. She said she wants to make sure they are entertained.
I mentioned her onstage persona is like she is someone else; I asked her where that comes from. She said she really doesn’t know, it’s a little bit of everything and everyone who has inspired her over her lifetime. She can’t really explain it, but in being herself she can see bits and pieces of the people she has always turned to for inspiration and it just comes out; and the results speak for themself.
I asked her that in every band’s tenure, there’s a moment that makes the journey real and solidifies that what they are doing matters. I asked, have you had a moment like that? She said that when she was on tour with Billie Joe Armstrong’s band (Longshot) a young girl approached her and told her that she could relate to their music. It was right then and there she knew that’s why she got into the biz, to touch people through music; to help them in any way they needed.
We shifted the conversation to the band’s new release “Life’s a Glitch.” We first touched on the icons that worked with them to put this album together. Industry legends like Macy Gray, Billie Joe Armstrong and Gilby Clarke… yes, that Gilby Clarke.
She went on to say that it is unreal that she has been fortunate enough to be around the industry to be around gifted people who took interest in her and her music and she still can’t believe they got to work with Macy and Billie. As for Gilby, she said “I’m his daughter and he has always supported me, how lucky am I!”
As for their single, it has a few elements that appeal not only to me, but soon, to countless others. Frankie merged her love for The Runaways, The Struts and Green Day and wrapped them all together in the cover of an iconic female band from the ‘80s. The band is Bananarama, the single is their massive hit “Venus.” And those guitar riffs, yeah – that’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
Needless to say, this single is very-very good.
“Life’s A Glitch” is a compilation album so to speak. It is opus; they overcame a ton of challenges to put this out and her smile could light up any venue – she is that proud of it. She said everything you can imagine would get thrown at you, they did. Everything from being signed as COVID hit. To a failed crowdfunding venture, the rotating door of bandmates and heartbreak. The fact they made this album is a testament to the spirit of their music. And more music is coming, no exact date, but it is coming.
They are working on a summer tour, so be ready to see them on the road soon. In the meantime, here is a band doing what they love for all the right reasons. “Life’s a Glitch” is available now everywhere you get your music.
The future is now for Frankie and The Studs, so go out and pick this album up, it’s a sonic indulgence you can’t pass up.
TO FOLLOW
SID 260225 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
