Lightning/Thunder now available online

The Lightning/Thunder 7" is finally available online. You can download it from our bandcamp page here.

Dunes

Photos by Chelsea Brewer



for more information: www.chelseabrewer.com

"Real Deal" Casal Puts it Nicely

Neal Casal was recently interviewed by the VC Reporter and had some nice things to say about us and our new record. Thanks Neal, welcome to the neighborhood. Read the interview here

Stole our tele

Halloween was a chance for us to have some fun in our collective cover bands. Bryan Russell's blue fender telecaster was stolen from Bombay on Halloween night, after an outstanding performance as Ray Davies. The guitar belongs to the band, and was a featured instrument on every album from Wildcat to Dark Cloud. Super Bummed.

Upright Citizens Brigade-Los Angeles

A few months ago we received an e-mail from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles, asking us if we would like to come participate in a sketch comedy show called ASSSSCAT. The deal was, we would play a few songs and then the sketch comedy team (which included: Matt Besser, Chad Carter, Ben Schwartz, and Jill Donnelly) would perform several improv skits based upon our song lyrics and "meanings".
Sounded like a good time, so we were all in. Our very own Brian Granillo has been a loyal patron of the UCB for many years, and managed to get a few of us to attend previous sketch and stand up shows, so we knew what a treat this would be.
The whole night was a hilarious whirlwind.



For more photos of that night, click here.

A bit about Dark Cloud

I want to tell you a bit about Dark Cloud, the latest LP. I know a few of you out there would like to know some more details about it and there is some credit which is due to the people who were involved.

Sometime in 2009 we started on the project with Jon Debaun behind the helm. Jon had recorded our previous full-length effort, SWELL (Beehouse Records). We were definitely in new musical territory. As a band, our palates had evolved and we had added a new member, Matt Barks on the Synth, Theremin, and "stuff". A big influence in the album's sound was based on our live shows.

The title, "Dark Cloud", is a reference to an anxious feeling of impending doom. Almost a year into the making it seemed as if the album may not see the light of day. A dark cloud on the horizon typically signifies a storm coming, a powerful, natural energy headed your way. In close second for the album title choice was, "Loser Delusions".

To me, the overall sound is unique unto itself. It was very much a collaborative effort by all the players, who each added their different stamps. Later on in the recording process, any visions that we once had at the begging had vanished and Dark Cloud took on a life of its own. Brian G could probably give you a list of genre-hyphens. I'm not as eloquent, although I would definitely attach 'psychedelic' to the the mix.

The cover photo comes to us all the way from Australia and the talented John Skuja. I described to him that I envisioned a crashing wave from the perspective of the sea floor. While out on assignment photographing surfers he captured the perfect underwater image for the album cover.

All in all we are very proud of Dark Cloud and hope it turns you on.
_Seth Pettersen



CREDITS:
Players
Bryan Russell: Guitars
Trevor Beld-Jimenez: Bass, Vocals, Guitars
Seth Pettersen: Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica
Matt Barks: Synths, Theremin, Stuff
Brian Granillo: Drums, Percussion


additional players
Paul E. Pate: Horns, Woodwinds
Mike Drohman: French Horn


Produced and Engineered
by
Jon Debaun

Cover Photo
John Skuja

Artwork and Design
Simone Rubi

Waterfall

Video by Angela Izzo!

photo by Sasha Green

poster by T Beld

Black Francis for Short

Find tickets at www.clubmercy.com +21

Michael Runion will never die

The Bootleg Theater is magical. Michael Runion is the King of LA. Also playing is a band we seem to be cosmically connected to: Threes and Nines. An evening worthy of your attention. Find tickets at: www.foldsilverlake.com

Neal Casal and Sparrows Gate

Origami Vinyl In-Store

Origami Vinyl is an all wax record shop located next to the world famous Two Boots Pizza. We played there last Saturday and had tons of fun. Thanks to everyone who came to the show! Look:

Back from the East

Toronto Crowd photo by Seth

We have been putting off updating the b-log because there is way too much to report. Way too many people to thank, way too many great pictures, way too much to tell you about.
I guess I will start by stating that the Kings of Convenience are aptly named. We learned so much from them and will forever be indebted for the experience of a lifetime. Now we'll let the pictures do the talking:
Webster Hall Photo by Sasha Green

Cheersing on the Bus Photo by Tim Bramlette

Erlend, Seth, Peter Photo by BG

?uest Love after the Fallon Show Photo by ?uest's Love

T Beld Webster Hall = Just like Skating Plus Photo by Seth


Kings of Convenience at the Metro, Chicago Photo by Tracy Graham

Franklin for Short Post Metro Photo by Tracy Graham

Franklin for Short at the Metro Photo by Tracy Graham

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Hey Ventura friends, we're playing one local show before we split to the East Coast. Come down to Bombay April 27th. 10pm. Free. +21

Short to open for the Hips

The Mother Hips to me, are the modern day Byrds.They got a new album out called "Pacific Dust" which is totally groovin' and to support it they are touring all over the map. They'll make a pit stop in Ventura on April 9th to to shake the halls of the Elks Lodge. Franklin for Short will be opening. Pre-sale tickets are available for $15 at www.zoeyscafe.com. Tickets at the door are $20. BUT...if you show up on the night of the show with a printed copy of this flier, you get in for a measly $12. Why? because we love you. Tuff Economic Tymes.

June Brides

Its looking like the Kings of Convenience // Franklin for Short East Coast tour will be rescheduled for early June. Phhew! Now chill my babies. See you soon.

Kings of Convenience // Franklin for Short CANCELED!

The Kings of Convenience // Franklin for Short East Coast Tour has just been canceled. Unfortunately, due to a rather gnarly illness the Kings have pulled out. Possible rescheduling of shows to happen in the future, be on the look out. We are super bummed and hope Eirik feels better soon!

Some Live Recordings and Podcasts

Josh Redman is one of the main dudes behind SBDIY and has booked Franklin for Short to play some of our most memorable shows to date. He has documented and archived a few of these shows. Check them out here:
Franklin for Short live at Muddy Waters w/ Palms
Franklin for Short live at Muddy Waters w/ Beehouse Fest
Franklin for Short live at Biko Garage w/ BOAT


Ted Coe hosts a radio show on 91.9 KCSB in Santa Barbara called "Freak Power Ticket". Both Seth and Trevor appeared seperately last month to hang out with Ted and talk about Franklin for Short and their seperate/together "side projects" Tall Tales and the Silver Lining and Seth Pettersen & the Undertow. Check out the podcasts here:
Seth and Trevor on Freak Power Ticket

East Coast Tour with Kings of Convenience

Our friend Simone Rubi introduced us to Eirik and Erlend aka Kings of Convenience, about a year ago or so. They were in town from Norway for her sister's wedding. We sang songs and played tennis. These guys are super good songwriters, fairly well known throughout the world and have invited us to go tour the East Coast of the US with them. 8 magical shows. Brooklyn on Valentines Day? Count us in! See you in the snow...