How did you come up with the idea of becoming a children's songwriter and founding "Frank and his friends"?
I've been making music for many years, played in various "TOP 40 bands", imitated many different styles of music on the guitar and much more. When I became a dad myself, I became more and more involved with children's music and realized that it is particularly fun to share music with children and to see how children go through a very special development with music. So I turned my hobby into a profession and I have to say: I was exactly right to choose this path!
What makes you different from other songwriters?
We don't just make music with the guitar, as has usually been the case in this field up to now, but we always move with the times. This should be the case in children's music in particular, because the children AND the music are constantly evolving. Above all, however, I think it is important for children that colorful, lively and cheerful music plays a major role. That's why the fidget toy and Princess Mikidoo are an integral part of "Frank & his friends".
Which source of income is most important to you? Online sales, CDs or live performances?
We've been touring all over Germany since 2009 and have an incredible number of gigs a year, so that's one of our main sources of income. During our live performances, we also sell a few CDs, DVDs and much more from our merch inventory on tour - but also via our online store, for example.
What makes your shows so successful?
The fidget toy and Princess Mikidoo are part of every one of our shows. The two of them always bring a lot of freshness to the show and make the whole thing much livelier than a "normal concert". I don't think there is another children's music project in Germany with characters that have already developed their own personalities. It's not for nothing that the Zappeltier already has its own CD and is also touring all over Germany on its own. The fidget toy and Princess Mikidoo are part of every one of my many stage shows and always delight the whole audience anew. Because our shows really involve EVERYONE and get them to join in; not just the children, but also the parents, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. "Frank & his friends" is simply music for the WHOLE family!