Q&A With Murdocks' Franklin Morris

By: Music Staff

Saturday September 10, 2005

Franklin Morris of Murdocks took some time out during a break from the band's touring behind their album 'Surrenderender' (Surprise Truck records) to answer a few questions that Static staffers had.
What's the last song that flat-out scared you?

Scared? Maybe Crass's "Asylum" or Aqua's "Barbie Girl."

What was the worst show you ever played, and why?

Probably at an Oyster Bar in Chipley, FL. Because Chipley, FL (population 4 or 5 i think) is the asshole of the universe.

What will you do immediately after completing this interview?

Go down and gamble at the casinos!

Coke or Pepsi?

*Vomit*

What song are you most proud of on this album? Why?

Hard to say. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Probably "Saddest Star." When we went into the studio it wasnt a song. I wrote it then we played around with it for about 45 minutes and recorded it. I wrote the lyrics right before I sang them. We all thought it was going to suck and were recording it just as filler but I think in the end it turned out to be one of the strongest tracks on the record.

What artists have you discovered in the last 6-12 months and how has their work influenced yours?

I have been listening to a lot of Ted Leo lately. I think they really have the power-pop trio thing down. There is no fluff or bullshit in any of the songs. Great use of melody. Eisley is awesome because I'm into cheesy girly stuff. The Locust destroys all! ... but I don't think there is a great amount of influence there. Thats difficult to gauge because the influences arent really anything that is intentional. Just sort of happens.

What can fans expect to get at one of your concerts that they couldn't necessarily get on your album?

Strippers in cages and pyrotechnics.

Who/what were some motivators for getting you into the industry?

Geoffrey Schullman at Austin Community College who made me believe that it is actually possible to make a living playing music (that fucking liar!).

What direction do you feel you're headed in artistically? What's next?

Only time will tell really. The songs are becoming increasingly more melody driven and I do not necessarily mean more commercial. I think that with Tim Dittmar (our drummer for the time being) we are experimenting with a lot more dynamics and different structures as well.

What other creative mediums would you ever care to dabble in?

Fire.

Michael Jackson - pedophile or misunderstood eccentric?

Misunderstood Pedophile.

What was your first live performance like?

Drunk and scared.

As a kid, like 5-12 years old, what music did you listen to?

I think we all pretty much grew up listening to oldies. Oldies, NKOTB, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Who influenced (or dictated) what music you listened to when you were growing up (DJ, parents, siblings, classmates, captors, etc)?

I think Rob and I were both pretty free to explore whatever music we wanted to. Nothing was really dictated. My cousin Stephanie introduced me to Sonic Youth and the Breeders and stuff when I was about 11 and my uncle Alex got me into Nirvana at about the same age. I know Rob was influenced a lot by Chris Wardwell (got him into The Police and made him believe that he could actually be a musician). Chris played guitar on the first Bob McNipple tape (Rob's awesome old band).

What periodicals, if any, do you subscribe to?

Tape Op

Do you read music criticism? Who are some of your preferred critics, if any?

I read lots of music reviews but I mostly pay attention to descriptions of the sound itself and not really the writer's take on whether it is good or bad. I find that I don't often agree with people's opinions on music and if I like the same band as somebody else it is oftentimes for different reasons. I used to like Pitchfork a lot. I think they have been sort of slipping lately though.

What one thing must you have on tour with you...?

My teddy bear and vibrator.

Favorite recreational tour stop...?

Shakespear's Pizza in Columbia MO! We also usually like to spend time exploring the area around where our van breaks down (happens some place different every tour).

Got any pets...?

I (Franklin) have 2 cats ... Rivers and Zombie and some fish living in my bathroom that I don't know the name of. Rob has a kitty named Gus that is cute as hell.

What other artists are you currently listening to...?

The new Sleater-Kinney record is rocking my world.

What's the best thing about being a musician...?

The drugs and money. I am sure those are coming any day now. And herpes. Can't forget that.

Favorite fast food menu item...?

Anything from the 99 cent menu.

How much did luck have to do with your success?

Haha ... I think bad luck has a lot to do with our lack of success