I caught up with one of the most fascinating artist’s I’ve encountered in a long time, Franki Pineapple. In the interview we cover all things musical, her favourite achievements and life in L.A.

Hey Franki! How are things in your neck of the woods? 

Hi Chloe! Things are moving along over here. I can’t complain although I’d be a liar to say these haven’t been strange days. Los Angeles has been all but locked down (on & off) for so long I’ve lost track. Now I hear the “stay at home” order is being lifted. It’s hard to keep up so I’ve quit trying. Once I accepted the things I cannot change, I began to embrace the silver linings of the tragedy. I have adapted to the transition into this new sort of life and now it is about making the most of it. I believe there is a positive side to every negative and I intend to operate in the positive charge. There is exquisite space in this slowed down pace. It has been transformative to go inside and straighten out a lot of inner (and outer) turmoil that got suppressed amidst a fast-paced, rat race L.A. life. Ironically, although these times are heavy, I feel more at peace and with more clarity than ever. I am inspired to stay grounded in the present moment and in gratitude of where and who I am instead of always wanting more. I have faith there is light at the end of this darkness and we are heading toward it!

You’ve got quite the story! Can you tell MoggBlog viewers your favourite achievement to date? If you can’t pick your favourite, your top 3 is also great. 

This question takes consideration. I will take a sip of tea and ponder before answering.

1) Becoming a songwriter. When I started writing my novel, “Father F*cker!,” (inspired by real events) in 2003, at age 27, I had no musical experience. My cousin asked me how the book would end and I said, “I think my heroine will become a songwriter.” My cousin responded, “That seems unrealistic,” and at the time it may have been; but there is no way to deny … my heroine has become a songwriter. Step-by-step action is key to manifestation.

2) Teaching myself to play guitar, not masterfully, but in my own unique style so I can write, play and perform original songs unaccompanied. I first picked up the guitar at age 28.

3) Releasing “Fuck It Man!” in 2020 has been the most freeing accomplishment of my life; not so much due to the material accolades it brings but because putting that bold, bald message out into the world inspired me down to my core to let go of giving a f*k what others might think of me. It’s none of my business and they’re probably not thinking of me anyhow. People pleasing is toxic. Freedom is everything.

You’ve recently released your new single ‘Evil Love’, which is awesome, what’s the
story behind that?

Thank you! I wrote ‘Evil Love’ in 2008, alone on my guitar, performed it for years, and finally got the chance to record it (with Chris Seefried) in 2019. It is the deepest and most personally emotional piece of work I have ever created. In writing the song, I created a channel through which to express my pain, resentment, sorrow and fear. Ultimately the song has taken an enormous part in my healing. I truly hope it empowers self-love in others.

‘Evil Love’ was inspired by the most painful love affair I have ever and will ever experience. It was one of those relationships I could not quit no matter how hard I tried although the man was unavailable and, it turns out, I was too. We pulled each other back into the web of our dramatic love for years on end, but when I finally had the wherewithal to look inside, I realized the song was not about him, but about my lack of self-love that had seeded during a traumatic childhood.

Right around the time I was finally getting down to the core of my original pain and the source of my self-sabotaging patterns, I manifested the opportunity to properly record ‘Evil Love’ with Chris Seefried. Chris “got” the heart & soul of the song the first time I played it for him on his Gibson acoustic in his studio. I absolutely love how he developed and produced it. ‘Evil Love’ took eleven years to come to fruition; it was never going to happen until I let go of the ‘evil’ and stepped into the light of ‘love.’

If you could describe your sound in 3 words that begin with F, what would they be?

What a brilliant question!!
1) Fierce
2) Fragile
3) Free

What’s in store for the rest of 2021? Obviously, the world is very different at the moment, how have you been adapting to the situation?

I’m in the middle of finding a new home after living in the dreamy musical vortex of Laurel Canyon the past five years. I love this place with all my heart. In this legendary canyon where Joni Mitchell and Carole King created music before me, I have grown as an artist and a woman in profound ways. This move is a huge and challenging transition for me that springs from the vast, myriad changes the pandemic has created. These unfolding events have been a wonderful teacher of the art of letting go. I have been living in the home of my partner who is also my longstanding musical mentor, collaborator and “Fuck It Man!” producer. I have been dependent on men throughout my musical journey. I have a sneaking suspicion—once I get into my own space, as close to the Pacific Ocean as possible, I am going to step into the light of self like never before. Layers will peel off as I get closer to my musical truth.

I am producing my own tracks now on Logic and although I am a fledgling producer with lots to learn, I’m intrigued to see what comes out. Making it through a grueling recording curriculum at
Crē•8 Music Academy at Westlake Recording Studios (where Quincy Jones and MJ recorded Thriller) is another notable accomplishment of mine. It’s time to quit my laziness and put my education to better use! As well, I look forward to getting back on stage once music venues open up. And, I have two more singles to release, produced by Chris Seefried: You Baby You & Chance At Happiness.

Music is on my horizon.