Listen & Request
The John Orr Franklin Band
on the following internet
Radio sites!
News and information
August 2010 - November Nashville TN show announced! Stay tuned for details on how you can purchase your tickets!
June 2010 - This month John and the guys have collaborated on a cover song tribute which has been uploaded to You Tube. The guys took a moment in their spare studio time while working on the new album to record a version of Pink Floyd's "Wots... Uh the Deal?", originally released on the 1972 Pink Floyd album Obscured by Clouds. John is quoted saying "This particular Floyd song from the past has always been one that resonated with me and it's one that I've always enjoyed playing in a casual acoustic setting."
The guys have retained the original song while giving it a bit more modern sound that seems reminiscent more of the later Pink Floyd works as well as their own style which certainly comes through in the piece. Have a listen and see if you agree.
May 2010 - We're thrilled to announce that this month we've launched an all new storefront offering up T-shirts, CD's, MP3's and other memorabillia here on the website. This months special limited edition item is an autographed 11x17 concert poster from the bands concert debut this past October. A very limited number of these posters are available so be sure and get yours for safe keeping soon, it's sure to be a collectible!
We'll be using this storefront in the future as a place to purchase-presale concert tickets and other web exclusive offers that you won't want to miss out on. To ensure you get the most recent news before items go on sale, make sure you've signed up for the mailing list.
April 2010 - This month began with the digital only, sneak peak, release of the epic "Soldier On" from the upcoming CD release, due later this year.
Released as a way to help fund the future release, this special digital presentation presents over twelve minutes of music from the new album in one continuous file. The sales from this download will be used to fund the printing of the new release.
Blue Room Digital is distributing the song to internet and fm radio well before the album hits the streets. The song has already been picked up and played on numerous internet stations and is due to premier on the fm airwaves on a nationally syndicated radio show soon!
The release has also created some interest from "other undisclosed parties" that might help on the label side of things with this future release. Nothing 100% confirmed yet but the possibility is there for this release to get a larger push than the previous releases received.
We'll keep you posted as all of these things develop. If you'd like to help bring the music to life, head on over to the bandcamp site and purchase your copy of the new tune. The song is available in multiple high quality formats for just $2.99. Thanks for your support! We couldn't do this without your help!
February 2010 - This year began with a devastating blow to the island of Haiti on January 12th, when a magnitude 7 earthquake struck the island of Haiti. In an effort to try and help out, Indie artists have come together under the supervision of Nick Katona at Melodic Revolution Records and brought forth a double CD release called “Songs for Haiti” where all proceeds will be going to help the relief effort.
For the compilation John has donated a song entitled “Dreams” and he really hopes all his fans will go and buy a copy of this spectacular compilation to help out with the cause.
“This is something I’d love to do more of, my music may not compare in proceeds to more renowned major label artists but if it can help to raise even a few hundred dollars for a worthy charity while bringing some enjoyment to the fans that purchase the music, then it’s a win win for everyone involved.” - John
The release is currently available through Mindawn Online Music Services and CD Baby. Soon available on all major digital outlets such as iTunes, Napster and Rhapsody. Stay tuned and we will update you as the release is aggregated throughout the online marketplace.
January 2010 - Happy New Year Everyone! Transformation has received a three and a half star review in this month’s Austin Monthly magazine! Be sure and read the review here. Also this month John has mixed and released a new MP3 single for the song “Hypnotized” which was recorded live during last October’s Long Center concert performance in Austin Texas. This song as well as other live material from the show can now be purchased for $.75 an MP3 via Soundclick.com and can be previewed via the player on the home page here. There is also an accompanying video on YouTube.com
This is just a taste of even more new music that is to come later this year. John is reporting that the initial writing and demos for the next CD have been completed and the band is going to start laying tracks while playing more shows in support of Transformation this winter and spring. The new demos are sounding amazing and are sure to be yet another step up for the John Orr Franklin Band. John’s is saying in fact that “some of these new songs are quite possibly some of my favorite songs ever!” If this is any indication we are sure to be in for some rocking good tunes later this year from the guys.
There is a plan underway to begin releasing the new material as it is completed in an MP3 single fashion, which will lead up to a full CD release later this year or early 2011. Stay Tuned as these plans are sure to progress and develop further as the year progresses. - Stay Tuned!
November 2009 - Post production continues and John is staying busy mixing audio and editing videos from the Austin show. Keep an eye out for all of the new footage available on John's YouTube channel
Thanks again to everyone that came out for the video shoot. You helped make it a truly memorable night for John and the Band and we hope it was just as special for each of you.
News and updates on future shows are upcoming. The plan is to use the new videos to help get the word out to promoters and booking agents so we can start to develop a 2010 tour for the Transformation show! Stay tuned!
October 2009 - Tickets for the Long Center concert and video shoot are still available.
Be sure and get yours before they're gone!
Official Press Release:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For immediate release:
October 30th 2009
Austin, Texas
The Long Center for the Performing Arts and Blue Room Digital Productions presents:
The Music of John Orr Franklin
Celebrating the CD release of Transformation, with a concert and video shoot.
Austin Texas based singer, songwriter and guitarist shares an evening of original music which will debut his new band and live production. John has assembled a four piece band to perform the songs from the Transformation and Pathways CD’s as well as a few brand new songs. The band features Chris Cribb on Keyboards, Rob Palladino on Drums, Ryan Redfern on Bass and John Orr performing Vocals, Guitars and a even the midi foot controller.
The show production will include a 16x20 foot video screen that will feature videos that John has personally compiled and synchronized to the performance, adding what is sure to be a stunning visual aspect to the show.
The show will be videotaped and recorded in High Definition for future promotional videos and possibly even future release on DVD.
Seating is limited and tickets are available online at:
http://thelongcenter.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?lid=36655
To learn more about John Orr Franklin and his music please visit:
http://www.johnorrfranklin.com
###
In anticipation of the upcoming concert series John has released a brand new music video for the song "This Day" from the Transformation CD. In the video, John has taken super 8 footage that his grandfather filmed at the family's summer home in Tennessee and merged it with his original music. John described the editing process as "a sentimental and emotional process". The results are very powerful and we think everyone will agree. Make sure and give it a look!
See ya at the show!
September 2009 - Tickets for the Long Center concert and video shoot go on sale Tuesday September 22 at 10:00am. Seating is limited so don’t delay ordering your tickets.
Visit thelongcenter.org website and purchase yours. You may also stop by the Long Center Box Office if you are in Austin and pick up your tickets once they go on sale. In more band news John has officially announced the addition of Christopher Cribb to the lineup on keyboards. Things are really sounding awesome and those that have listened in on some of the rehearsals are reporting that "it sounds just like the CD!” certainly a review any band loves to hear.
It's also worth noting that the upcoming Long Center performance was awarded a Subsidy Grant by the Catalyst 8 Commitee for contributing to the arts community in Austin. John is honored to have his event picked for this award.
Stay Tuned for more news!
August 2009 - Save the date! FRIDAY OCTOBER 30, 2009 in the Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin Texas, the concert debut of the new band and live production is scheduled to take place.
Tickets will be going on sale very soon and seating is very limited for this very special CD release and video shoot concert event. Make sure and check out thelongcenter.org for more venue details.
John has prepared an hour and a half long show that will feature music from both the Pathways CD, the Transformation CD, as well as some new unreleased material.
While this will be the first of many more shows to come in support of the Transformation CD, this particular event will be an extra special occasion in John's hometown of Austin Texas. Get yourself some tickets and come be a part of the celebration!
July 2009 - Band rehearsals are continuing, a set list has emerged, and rumors abound about the possibility of a fourth band member being added to the group. More details on this soon!
John is in the process of organizing a debut concert in Austin, Texas that will take place the end of October at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The exact date, details on tickets and more information will be released very soon!
John is promising the wait for the new band and the new live show will be well worth it.
Be sure and check out all of the wonderful reviews the Transformation CD has been getting around the world here.
June 2009 - The Texas heat is on! John, Rob & Ryan are still diligently getting the new show ready and some bookings are in the works. Announcements will be made shortly about the where and when’s!
John was recently interviewed by Music Street Journal, read the interview here! Stay tuned!
May 2009 - Rehearsals are in full progress and the show is developing nicely. John has been developing visuals/videos to sync with the show and things are really starting to come together! The guys are preparing what should become a true spectacle of a rock show and we are fast approaching a "test run" show that should take place in the Austin area soon. This will likely be followed by a full blown CD release party blowout (about time!) that may very well stretch from Texas to Tennessee!
Pictured left - John, Rob & Ryan stretching it out a bit in rehearsal.
John's music to be featured on the Nationally syndicated FM radio show J-Rock And Patty The Radio Girl "Rock Solid Pressure" Monday May 4th at 9pm (EST) 8pm (CST). Here's some links to a couple of reputable streaming websites that carry the show: www.maddmixxradio.com & www.purerockradio.net. Also here's a listing from their syndication list, so if you're in the area tune in!
THE ROCKET 104.7 FM (Oklahoma)
WRBC 91.5 FM (Maine)
ROCK NATION RADIO (Virginia/Australia)
METAL X RADIO
WDYN 100.1 FM (New York)
ORADIO 1015 (Florida)
PURE ROCK RADIO (Canada)
MADD MIXX RADIO (Virginia)
April 2009 – Rehearsals for upcoming shows in support of the new CD “Transformation” continue and the guys are making progress on getting things together. In anticipation, we’ve added a new page to the web site where you can “Meet the Band” and read a bit about Rob & Ryan and get an idea about the gear the guys have assembled for the shows. So far the set list contains, as expected, a great deal of the new album, a few pieces off of the Pathways CD as well as a few unrecorded surprises that might make it into the show. More details soon as things get finalized.
Speaking of surprises John has added two streaming unreleased exclusive tracks to his page at Reverb Nation. One song “Wings of Chance” is an outtake from Transformation and will more than likely be included on the next album. The other song “Rain” is a piece John recorded a year prior to the Pathways album and is a nice bonus to all of you that have signed up at Reverb Nation as a fan and joined the mailing list.
In reviews news, Transformation has a glowing review out of France this month on Metal Integral. They have also made John artist of the month on their myspace page. We thank them for all their support! Also there is a published review in the latest issue of Progression Magazine. You can read the review here or subscribe to their wonderful magazine and get a copy for yourself.
Allot of plans are in the works and we’ll keep you informed here as things continue to develop.
March 2009 – New reviews are still coming in for the new CD! Look for more to be posted online soon! There will also be a printed review in the latest edition of Progression magazine due out the end of this month.
Rehearsals have begun with a core three piece unit featuring John as well as Rob Palladino on drums and Ryan Redfern on Bass Guitar. The trio plans to work up the base of the new show over the next few weeks and the first jam sessions have been extremely productive. More news and pictures from the jams coming soon! Look for more biographical info on Rob & Ryan in coming updates as well.
In other news Transformation has garnered an initial distribution deal in Germany via the JustForKicks.de website. Fans living in the EU can now order the new disc without coughing up for overseas shipping costs. Very cool!
Here in the U.S. Transformation has been picked up for distribution through Melodic Revolution Records out of Florida and New York. So when you need to pick up another copy, or potentially your first copy, head over to the online store at MelodicRevolution.com!
There’s quite a bit on the horizon! Rumors of some rather intriguing concert bookings already abound and we hope to confirm some of this before next month’s update. Until then, Stay Tuned! Peace, Love & Music!
February 2009 -John has been busy with label administration work this month, mailing out the new CD to various press and web outlets for review. The first reviews are just starting to come back in and John is pleased so far with what everyone is saying about the new album. John is also making final preparations for band rehearsals to begin shortly. Once the group gets together and the ball starts rolling we should be hearing news regarding appearances and release parties shortly thereafter. Originally, John was going to be doing the release parties solo acoustic but he's postponed the dates in anticipation of playing the songs with a band.
January 2009 –The long awaited new release hits the web this month. That's right the full length CD project "Transformation" is now available!! Please visit the CD baby website, purchase your copy and please leave a review of the new album!
The album is also available on 
get it on your iphone or ipod now!
Many aspects of the website have been updated this month to coincide with the new release, including the addition of a new Music Video for the song "The Dove", a new biography page, some new graphics and new songs from the new album added to the audio players.
John is planning on spending the next four to six weeks sending the new CD out to media destinations around the world while begining to put together a live show in support of the release. Look for reviews and feedback regarding the initial release soon. CD release party plans are in the works and we hope more details on this will be up in the next update as well. News and information regarding the new band also to follow shortly!
Another quick note regarding the "Guestbook" that was once available on the website. Unfortunatley, spammers and advertisers found the application and managed to over run it with posts that John, to say the least, did not want onthe website. It began to take way too much time to "keep it clean" so the app was removed. John would like to give a big"Thanks!" to all his friends and fans that took the time to post a note to the guest book. Once we can come up with amore secure means to have a place for everyone to post a note to John and the band, we'll let you know.
December 2008 – The "Transformation" project is off to the presses!
In eager anticipation John has added two “Fan Exclusive” tracks from the new album for all fans to stream pre-release. If you’re not signed up as a fan you can do so at John’s Reverb Nation site to gain full access to the new material. We’re almost there! Release day is coming up quickly!
On another note the “Pathways” CD is enjoying somewhat of resurgence amongst pod casters online. Podcasters in the U.K, Poland, New Zealand and Italy have all been spinning John’s tracks just in the past month alone. If you’re not familiar with podcasting we urge you to head over to the Pod Safe Music Network and check it out. Many of these shows are very entertaining and it’s a great way to get a taste of what’s happening street level in other cultures and it's an easy way to hear a lot of great new music. Because of these underground broadcasts John’s music is garnering exposure worldwide and we greatly appreciate all the support and rave reviews the music has been receiving.
November 2008 – Mastering is completed graphics are being finalized and the "Transformation" project is being prepped for duplication.
October 2008 – Mastering Scheduled!
Jerry Tubbat Terra Nova Studios in Austin for the project and the session is scheduled to take place after the first of November. In the mean time artwork and graphics are being finalized for the CD and everything should be ready for pressing by mid November.
September 2008 - Transformation sessions interview continued:
So the title of the new album is “Transformation” could you share with us how you came about choosing this as the title?
“Transformation” is the title of one of the songs on the album and it seems to sum up what quite a few of the songs are about so it was a natural as the title track. The song Transformation, as well as others on the album, deals with self empowerment and the ideal that we can make positive changes in our lives if we choose to walk that path. It describes a hope that humanity could do this on a global scale and actually become more than we currently are as a global population.Just the small stuff right(laughing).”
Yeah thats quite a large topic to chew on. So you say “Transformation” sums up what some of the other songs are about as well, would you consider this a theme for the entire album? Is it a concept album?
“I wouldn't go so far as to call it a conept album but it is an ongoing theme throughout a good bit of the album. One song takes the theme into more of an environmentalist setting, wondering if it’s not already too late to do anything to reverse all of the damage our lifestyles cause to the environment. Other songs deal with classic coming of age types of transformations.”
Sounds like some pretty heavy topics for rock n roll. (Smiling)
“Well there are other more straight forward songs on the album, some simple love songs, and even a couple of instrumentals that will hopefully keep the album from being too heavy. It is after all, as you say, a rock n roll record. It’s all in fun and hopefully everyone that hears it will agree.”
To finish up this month here's a panoramic photo taken by Kris Mathesen of the Blue Room Digital studio where the album was tracked and mixed. Until next month! - Stay Tuned!
photo by Kris Mathesen
August 2008 - It's been a couple of months since we updated the site so we decided to go all out and drop by the studio to see if John could give us a first hand report of where the new album stands and when we can expect the announcement of a release date.
So John, is the album done yet? -
"As of right now I'd say the project is 98% complete in terms of final mixing and tracking. I've decided on eleven songs that will be included on the project and I'll be saving a couple from these sessions for future projects as well. It sounds fantastic!"
Why the repeated delays on the release? -
"Well let’s just say it's been allot of work and we have hit a few snags here and there in terms of scheduling for some of the players involved, but all in all I'm extremely pleased and wouldn't have had it any other way. If I would have released this album six months ago it wouldn't be the same album that it is now. Everything happens for a reason and I suppose it's been a good test of patience and will that's allowed the project to progress and develop over the past few months as it has. Kind of like a good gumbo that needs to cook a few more hours! It does reach a point though when you start to over-think things and begin to second guess yourself. It's at that point that you just have to let it go and move on to something else!"
Any idea on a firm release date yet? -
"Nothing set in stone yet. We still have to have the album mastered and make some final decisions about packaging formats but all of that should happen fairly quickly. This year has gone by so fast I hate to think it will be the first of next year but.... wow is it August already? Well it’s likely we’d rather not get caught up in the myriad of Christmas releases. There seems to be so much grabbing for people’s attentions that time of year, I’d rather wait until things are a bit more quiet and then try and get people’s attention with the new release. So I guess it’s a pretty good chance it will be some time in January before we really hit the streets with it and start planning some shows to promote it. Don't be surprised if we start getting some promos out before Christmas though.”
Can we get a quick snap shot for the website? –
“Sure, then people will know what a musician that’s been spending way too much time in the studio looks like!”
Stay Tuned!!! More excerpts from this interview will be up next month!
June 2008 – Tracking & mixing continues on the new CD. This month John's friend Kris Mathesen stopped by the studio and recorded two new bass guitar tracks for the new album helping to bring the project even closer to completion. A few more recording sessions have been planned to finish out some of the songs before final mixdown. John is still filling in a few key parts making sure the project is the best that it can be. This means a bit more of a delay before it hits the streets but it should make for a great sounding album!
May 2008 – Tracking on “Transformation” is nearly completed! John has initiated drummer Brandon Aly to finish up the final drum tracks for the new album. Brandon is a founding member of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians and his playing has added new dimensions to many of the songs on the album. Brandon has contributed drum tracks for three songs and percussion tracks for a few songs as well. The album is sounding great and final mixing sessions will be commencing later next month.
April 2008 – New website launched in anticipation of the upcoming CD release.
If you haven’t already, make sure and have a look at the new music video "For the World to See" available on YouTube.com or on Myspace.com video.
Recently, John and Rob had the pleasure of meeting some life long musical heroes! Here's a picture from the event!
