Franky Perez is a vocalist, producer, songwriter, guitarist & multi-Instrumentalist known for his work with Scars on Broadway, Slash, Ducati All-Stars, Camp Freddy and FXP.   Franky is a true musician and a great vocalist, which is kind of rare these days.  He’s one of those people that can record an entire album from scratch all by himself without the use of any fancy technology.  He took time to talk about what he’s been up to, where he’s playing and what he has planned ahead of him.

Heavy Metal Hill:  Tell me about your background…. where did you come from?

Franky Perez:  I was born and raised in Vegas. I started singing in bars there before I was even old enough to actually hang in them.

HMH:  How did you get involved in music?

FXP: My mother, a Cuban immigrant, was a poet.  I got my love of moving people with words at an early age. She also sang a type of Cuban music called “Punto Guajiro”, which is in my opinion the Cuban equivalent of American Blues.

HMH:  Who are your influences? 

Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Ozzy, Zep, Hunter S. Thompson, Elvis, Marlon Brando, Sabbath, Howling Wolf, Chris Whitley, and The Beatles —  in this order: John, Paul, George, Ringo.

HMH:  You sing and play guitar.  What other instruments do you play?

FXP: Drums, Cuban percussion, piano, harmonica, and bass.

HMH:  Can you give an overview of your professional career?

• Started playing professionally at 17
• Sang for Malfunction and Signed to Conversion Records at 18
• Signed and released a solo album with Lava/Atlantic at 23
• Played Guitar for Scars On Broadway  (played, sang and toured in support of the first album)
• Was hired by Slash to sing for Velvet Revolver for a few months after they parted ways with (Scott) Weiland
• Have been a regular with Camp Freddy for the last 4 years
• I sing in The Sons Of Anarchy band The Forest Rangers
• I sing for Pusher Jones 
• And sing for Steve Stevens whenever he needs me
• My main project is Franky Perez and The Truth.  We currently have a monthly residency at The Palms in Las Vegas and Play the GVR (Green Valley Ranch) weekly in Henderson.  
• I also just co-wrote and sang on a track for The Crystal Method.
• A FXP&TT album will be out in March 2014

HMH:  What is you involvement in the upcoming Sunset Music Festival  event?

I’m playing August 2nd 10PM for the Swing House 20th Anniversary.

 

HMH:  You thrilled  the crowd with your performance at the Steve Stevens/ Sebastian Bach (with Billy Idol) show at the Viper Room.  What are your thoughts on that great event?

FXP:  I Love Steve like a brother. He and that group of musicians may be one of the most amazing line-ups I’ve ever had the pleasure and honor of performing with.

HMH:  How about your Vegas shows?    You gig a lot. 

FXP:  I work non-stop. We play 3 hour sets of high-energy Blues, Rock-n-Roll and soul music.

Here’s a recent Vegas article talking about Franky being the free best show in town.

HMH:  What can we expect with your upcoming album?

FXP:  With my band, The Truth, I have made my most honest record to date.    It’s called “Addict”.    I’ll be releasing it on my own label Small Window Entertainment in March, 2014.  It’s a blues-based  rock-n-roll record that takes you in a trip of 3 things I know very well:   love, loss and vices.   We recorded it straight to tape.   I produced it, Dave Schiffman recorded it, and we’re extremely proud of it.

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