FranKo
Encyclopedia
FranKo are a pop/rock/alternative band from South London
, England
. The group consists of Tommy Bastow
(Lead Singer), Richard Craker (vocals/guitars), Chris Gilbertson (Bass/backing vocals) and Richard "Ricky" Rayner(Young Drummer of the Year 2009 and personal friend of Dizzee Rascal
) on the Drums.
2011 saw them enter the inaugural Online Music Awards
, where they were the only entrants selected as finalists in 2 categories by an industry panel. They won ‘Best Rock Act 2011’ as voted by the public. The second category was ‘Best international Unsigned’.
on their Solaris UK national tour.
Hard working and naturally charismatic, they are currently putting together the finishing touches for their latest collection of songs, which finds them realising a compelling new sound. They have just completed 2 tours of the UK (supporting Room94, then Dave Giles) and just before that returned from Music Matters in Singapore (and a sold out show in Bangkok) where they were lauded as one of THE bands to see at the festival. During Music Matters, FRANKO contributed performances to international charitable single 'Fix You' by Music Matters For Japan - which is out now.
Their international and home-grown fanbases continue to swell as more and more towns and territories latch onto their distinctive sound. Fan pages have been springing up all over, including those in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina - and the guys make sure they service their fans diligently, and with the respect they deserve.
Earlier in the year, FRANKO were nominated as finalists in 2 categories at the inaugural St Helier Cider Online Music Awards: Best Rock Act 2011 & Best International Unsigned - and winning Best Rock Act.
December will see them playing to a potential 100,000 people over 6 days at Birmingham's NEC, where they are the only live band appearing at the Clothes Show Live event, lining up alongside acts like Alexandra Burke
and Parade
. And January 2012 sees them looking to take their live show to the Asian market, including a slot supporting Incubus in Thailand.
Singles
FranKo have won best rock act in the past for Take a Bow
South London
South London is the southern part of London, England, United Kingdom.According to the 2011 official Boundary Commission for England definition, South London includes the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Southwark, Sutton and...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The group consists of Tommy Bastow
Tommy Bastow
Tommy Bastow is an English actor and musician from Epsom, Surrey. He is best known for playing the character Dave the Laugh in the 2008 film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, as Joe in the BT adverts and as the lead singer in the band FranKo.-Education:Bastow attended the independent City of...
(Lead Singer), Richard Craker (vocals/guitars), Chris Gilbertson (Bass/backing vocals) and Richard "Ricky" Rayner(Young Drummer of the Year 2009 and personal friend of Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal
Dylan Kwabena Mills , better known by his stage name Dizzee Rascal, is a Ghanaian British rapper, songwriter and record producer. His music is a blend of garage, hip hop, grime, ragga, pop and electronic music, with eclectic samples and more exotic styles...
) on the Drums.
2011 saw them enter the inaugural Online Music Awards
Online Music Awards
The Online Music Awards are a multi-genre global awards ceremony in which unsigned musicians are rewarded and celebrated. The awards take place online with nominees, voting and winners announcements all being done via the Online Music Awards social networks...
, where they were the only entrants selected as finalists in 2 categories by an industry panel. They won ‘Best Rock Act 2011’ as voted by the public. The second category was ‘Best international Unsigned’.
History
'FranKo' are a young, pop-rock band from South London UK. Their blistering live style is matched by their unique, savvy songwriting and sharp looks. Having already made their mark, the 4 piece has achieved plenty - playing for London's City Showcase, touring in Thailand, taking their live show to NYC and supporting Elliot MinorElliot Minor
Elliot Minor are a classically influenced rock band from York, England. The group consists of Alex Davies , Ed Minton , Dan Hetherton and Ed Hetherton .-History and formation: 2000-2006 :...
on their Solaris UK national tour.
Hard working and naturally charismatic, they are currently putting together the finishing touches for their latest collection of songs, which finds them realising a compelling new sound. They have just completed 2 tours of the UK (supporting Room94, then Dave Giles) and just before that returned from Music Matters in Singapore (and a sold out show in Bangkok) where they were lauded as one of THE bands to see at the festival. During Music Matters, FRANKO contributed performances to international charitable single 'Fix You' by Music Matters For Japan - which is out now.
Their international and home-grown fanbases continue to swell as more and more towns and territories latch onto their distinctive sound. Fan pages have been springing up all over, including those in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina - and the guys make sure they service their fans diligently, and with the respect they deserve.
Earlier in the year, FRANKO were nominated as finalists in 2 categories at the inaugural St Helier Cider Online Music Awards: Best Rock Act 2011 & Best International Unsigned - and winning Best Rock Act.
December will see them playing to a potential 100,000 people over 6 days at Birmingham's NEC, where they are the only live band appearing at the Clothes Show Live event, lining up alongside acts like Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke is a British R&B and pop recording artist who rose to fame after winning the fifth series of British television series The X Factor in 2008...
and Parade
Parade (band)
Parade are a British five piece girl group, who are currently signed to Asylum Records. The band has five members: Emily Biggs, Lauren Deegan, Bianca Claxton, Jessica Agombar and Sian Charlesworth. They are currently working on their debut album. Before Parade, Biggs was a member in the girl group...
. And January 2012 sees them looking to take their live show to the Asian market, including a slot supporting Incubus in Thailand.
Discography
Albums| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Vote FranKo |
| 2011 | FranKo |
Singles
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Breathe |
| 2009 | Night Time |
| 2009 | Today |
| 2010 | Love For Fame |
| 2011 | Vienna |
FranKo have won best rock act in the past for Take a Bow
Current
- Tommy Bastow - lead vocals (2007–present)
- Richard Craker - guitar, vocals (2007–present)
- Chris Gilbertson - bass, backing vocals (2007–present)
- Richard 'Ricky’ Rayner - drums (2011–present)