Acclaimed artist, Griffith Frank, is not only an accomplished musician and singer, he’s also a composer, having written songs for Kendal K., Annie Leblanc, and Jojo Siwa, to name only a few. These songs have been streamed more than a billion times. Most recently, he released a gem of a single, filled with warmth and embrace, titled “You’ll Be There.” The song, a ballad, is a reminder that hope is not lost.
The music video accompanying the single, directed by Kaitlyn Fae, shows Griffith at a grand piano, flanked by gorgeous lights and candles. In between shots, there are three characters, one representing the experience of grief, one needing a friend during a very tough time, and one who is rude to the perils of a homeless man. These characters might start off with a sense of loss and no sight of hope, but they each get their own silver lining.
We had a nice chat with Griffith about his love of songwriting, playing piano, writing songs for other artists and for himself, his latest single and music video for “You’ll Be There,” what’s next, and much more.
When did you know you wanted to be a songwriter?
Griffith Frank: The day my first girlfriend broke up with me after we had been together for almost two years. I had already been a singer for many, many years up to that point, but never really considered myself much of a songwriter. Suddenly, after this incredible painful event, lyrics in so many songs I already knew became immensely more profound for me; and I realized the power of lyrics. So… I launched myself into songwriting; hoping to capture and describe these new stories that came out of this event.
What drew you to playing piano, and are there any other instruments you play or are interested in learning to play?
Griffith: I grew up playing under my father’s piano. He played classical music and jazz (besides being a composer himself) and it was really only natural that I started playing myself. I studied classical piano in my youth but put it down during college when I really started to focus on my voice primarily. I kept playing pop piano for songwriting purposes, but funnily enough, this pandemic made me delve back into classical piano. I also learned how to play bass guitar in college after getting frustrated by guitar. I thought playing one note at a time would be easy… little did I know playing bass and singing is one of the hardest things you can possibly do! I still play a little bass, but mostly focus on singing and playing piano… and writing of course.
What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “You’ll Be There”?
Griffith: Back when I wrote it in 2013, my mother was fighting stomach cancer. It was apparent she was not going to get better, and while I was going through my personal grief, there was a tornado that hit a school in Oklahoma; killing many people… including a few kids. Going through what was happening to me, and also realizing the insane pain that exists in the world, I wrote this song as a way to encourage myself to look for hope in the ones you love, even when that love may seem impermanent. And far from a guarantee.
You’ve written songs for several of today’s top hitmakers (Jojo Siwa, Annie Leblanc, etc.) – What’s your songwriting process when collaborating with others, and in solo form?
Griffith: I love collaborating with others. It really gives you the chance to fine-tune ideas and keep everyone accountable for creating the best possible song. Also, when dealing with the song’s concept, you can really dig into different perspectives and experiences with your co-writers. Writing by myself has its place to be sure, but definitely, I’ve found collaboration to be generally more fruitful and enjoyable. Harder to have perspective by yourself!
How much input did you have with the video for “You’ll Be There,” along with collaboration alongside director Kaitlyn Fae?
Griffith: Kaitlyn and I have been friends for many years and we’ve spent time picking apart what we like and don’t like about various movies and tv series. I knew she is an aspiring and very talented filmmaker, and I really wanted the chance to work with her and see what she could do. She did not disappoint. She came to me with the idea for the video of following these various people through their own storylines of struggle. I offered some opinions and input, but really it was her vision. I could not be happier with what resulted from it… It’s a truly moving visual that complements the song perfectly.
What’s coming down the pipeline later in 2021?
Griffith: I’m writing more original music, working on releasing some interesting content including reimagined classic songs which you can hear if you follow me, and practicing a lot more piano! I’m really inspired by the musical content that’s being released lately, including the new influx of music-oriented movies and tv shows…I have a dream to write songs for a movie musical or a TV show. And I may have some projects like that in the works!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite?
Griffith: Hard to say what my first was. Being raised in a musical household, we would regularly attend concerts ranging from symphonies to packed pop arenas. I’d say my favorite is when I got to see Sting perform with The Police at the Dodger’s Stadium back around 2007. And The Foo Fighters opened for them! It was an unforgettable night.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Griffith: I’d say the first album I listened to on heavy rotation was the 10th-anniversary concert recording of Les Misérables. I can literally sing that show backwards.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Griffith: Wow, that’s hard. I’d say my most influential albums are Diva by Annie Lennox, The Downward Spiral or With Teeth by Nine Inch Nails, Sing for Absolution by Muse, The Phantom of the Opera (the musical), and every single piece of music Sting or The Police have ever released. (I know I’m cheating).
Do you have a guilty music, and/or entertainment pleasure?
Griffith: I’m a huge huge, huge fan of The Weeknd. Especially his last two albums. I’m a sucker for sick bass lines and hooky top lines. Especially his new single “In Your Eyes.”
What have you been listening to, reading and/or watching lately?
Griffith: I just watched the first season of Sex Education and it blew my mind. The writing and the story arc through the entire season are so tight and solid and the characters are so deep and likable. Wow. I was in awe. Can’t wait to watch the second and the third when it comes out! Also, Fleabag. I was recently shown the first episode of the second season. The writing is UNREAL. Shows like that truly inspire me.
Find Griffith on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to his music on Spotify and SoundCloud.
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