– Kelly – 23/1/97
Conrad Frankland has been the keyboard player for Christchurch band Hampster for the last six years, and was a member of E.S.T (Excellent Soul Therapy) for three years. As he and the other members of Hampster decide whether their band has a future, Conrad admits, (in a world-weary tone), that for him being a full time touring musician has lost some of its appeal. He is currently exploring different career options in the music field, and adapting to the challenging role of being a father to his year old son.
Conrad was classically trained in piano, which he began playing at the age of 7. His skills have changed as the possibilities of music have widened in the computer age, and he has recently been composing soundtracks for promotional videos, CD Rom, and advertisements. He has also contributed to one of the tracks from the Curious Records compilation “On the Beaten Track”. The potential for the World Wide Web to become more of a vehicle for music, (as sound files become standardised and of higher quality), is a concept which interests Conrad, and he is enthusiastic about moving into this area.
Although he claims to not see that much of the Christchurch music scene because he’s at home being a Dad, Conrad characterises Christchurch bands as being less afraid to play in their own style; “there’s not so much jumping on bandwagons here”. When asked about drum’n’bass, and techno music generally, Conrad describes both anti and pro feelings saying; “like all styles of music it can be done badly and it can be done well. I’d like to try and play that kind of music myself but in a way that I find more interesting”.
Performing has its rewards, and Conrad describes the rush of being on stage; “Sometimes you’re putting out an energy, personally as well as with the music, and then the audience, if they’re enjoying themselves, gives energy back – and you can feel it, which really gives you a boost. It’s quite amazing”. He also comments on the “surreal experience” of seeing people in the audience mouthing the words to songs that he is playing. But following a career as a musician is demanding, financially and in terms of motivation. Conrad confirms that “You don’t make a lot of money unless you play the right kind of music and have the right connections. Hampster isn’t really get rich music unless you stick with it for a really long time”.
Conrad believes that the New Zealand music scene stems from Auckland where it is easier to get a record contract because that’s where the record companies are based; “To get a national profile you need to be that much better in the South”. Conrad observed the positive effects of government support of the arts while Hampster was on tour in Europe – in Norway even a small town would have sculptures, music venues, and thriving musicians: “The
injection of money into the arts in Norway has made such a difference there, and it would be amazing to see that here. But unless we strike oil I can’t see it happening, it’s just not a priority”.
Becoming a father has altered Conrad’s outlook on life considerably. He comments that it is a “challenge to live someone else’s life as well as your own”. When he is asked the incredibly unfair question – “What is the meaning of life?” – he flounders for a while and then responds self-consciously with: “Finding what you feel is your path in life and following that path”. Despite the limited rewards to be gained from being a New Zealand musician Conrad is admirably committed to the role.
More about Hampster…