Frognot – April Samuels
By Alex Teitz
Frognot is a Dallas alternative groove band. Frognot attracted FEMMUSIC’s attention by not only playing great music, but also by being involved in organizing other artists for large benefits. Frognot is April Samuels on drums and vocals, Brian Starustka on bass, Mike Harris on guitar, and Dennis Leonard on congas, violin and vocals. Frognot’s latest CD is Welcome to Frognot.
FEMMUSIC: Describe your songwriting technique.
AS: Usually, when Frognot writes a song, I’ll start playing a beat, the bassist will start poppin’ and the guitarists will chime in. Then, we throw down some previously written lyrics from our lyric books, and WHAM!, you’ve got a song! Sometimes our singer/guitarist will write something on his own and bring it in completed as well.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making your current CD?
AS: Post production. The mixing, mastering, and manufacturing really have a way with killing your excitement about the project if you aren’t careful. This process can drag on for months.
FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making your current CD?
AS: The actual recording went the smoothest and felt the best. Watching your songs come together on CD is a great experience. Many times you realize parts the other members were playing that you didn’t even know about!
FEMMUSIC: Who have been your musical mentors?
AS: Musically, Sister 7 – an Austin-based female fronted act. They are extremely funky, have catchy melodies and soothing harmonies – all things we tried to duplicate in Frognot. I respect every artists talent in Sister 7.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing have you learned that has helped build you audience?
AS: We really stay on top of our Web site, e-mail list, and try to get out on the streets as well. Also, at a show, we’ve found throwing out our glow in the dark frogs makes them feel a part of what’s going on.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
AS: I’ve heard horror stories about great artists being signed and not getting the deal they deserve. I would make sure that artists are properly compensated by their labels.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?
AS: Not really. Actually, I’ve had the opposite response. Having a female drummer comes across as a novelty – something that sets us apart from other bands. The closest thing I can think of as being discriminated is a few people coming up to me at shows and saying “You’re pretty good for a girl” which I think is pretty shallow. Fortunately, that’s only happened a handful of times.
FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
AS: Stay on top of promotions. Keep your name out there be it via radio, print, e-mail, Web sites, or phone calls – make your band a household name.
FEMMUSIC: What are your plans for the future?
AS: Frognot is releasing its second CD, Uncovered, in the next few weeks. It’s a ten track album that I’m proud of. Also, I’ve recently begun a new project called Baby Jane Hudson which features three more female artists. We plan to release a CD in the next few months and begin heavy promotion for it. I’m really looking forward to this great new project.