Music
How Comedians Blend Humor and Serious Music
2024-12-05
A native of the Bay Area, Frak presents himself as a natural "class clown," yet his deep-seated passion for hip-hop emerged during adolescence. At the tender age of 14, he opened for Travis Scott, marking a significant milestone. Initially known as "Frak The MC," he broadened his brand to "Frak The Person" to incorporate his comedic endeavors. In the battle rap scene, Frak cut his teeth, infusing humor into the medium. There was a viral moment when he confronted an opponent's COVID denialism with a printed graph and even brought a backup copy, anticipating its destruction. Despite creating funny moments, Frak takes his musical output seriously, even while dropping a few humorous punchlines. He showcases his overt humor on Wild ‘N Out as a freshman standout and in social media skits like "Barry The Barsplainer," a dead-on parody of the overanalyzing common in hip-hop tracks online.
The Stigma Around Humor in Music
"There is a certain stigma attached to humor in music, whether it's in the form of parody like Weird Al or someone like Lil Dicky, with whom I often get compared. I believe there is a significant difference between our music. Lil Dicky intentionally creates satirical songs and they can be classified under the genre of comedy. While my songs have funny moments, they are not purely comedic," Frak explains. 1: Frak emphasizes that his music is more than just humor. It has a depth and authenticity that sets it apart from purely comedic works. He wants to be recognized for his musical talent and the emotions he conveys through his songs. 2: This stigma often leads to a misunderstanding of his art. People may dismiss his music as just a joke, but he strives to show that there is a genuine musical side to his work.The Bay Area Label and Musical Collaborations
Frak releases his music through a small Bay Area-based label called Wav.House. Meanwhile, Heidecker and Thomas have leveraged their success to release music through renowned independent labels like Spacebomb and Hardly Art. These affiliations come with a consistent emphasis on collaborating with well-regarded artists. From Frak's music with Del The Funky Homosapien to Thomas' work with Jay Som and Heidecker's time with indie production stalwart Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, these collaborations have played a crucial role in their musical journeys. 1: The Bay Area label provides a platform for Frak to showcase his talent and connect with local artists. It allows him to build a community and gain recognition within his hometown. 2: Working with these well-known labels and collaborators has opened up new opportunities for Heidecker and Thomas. It has exposed their music to a wider audience and helped them grow as artists.Thomas' Musical Journey and Transformation
Music was Thomas' first passion, and he initially pursued it before his band in LA transitioned into a sketch comedy group. He put music on the backburner for over half a decade but was unexpectedly drawn back in when a comedy show asked him to write a song advertising a date with him. From there, he began to think about how to merge his two passions. 1: His first public attempt, the breakout 2020 special The Golden One, was a learning experience. He initially sang in a funny voice but realized it didn't suit him. This led to a shift in his approach. 2: Thomas' subsequent music has a wryness to it, but it is played more straightforwardly than in The Golden One. He has found a niche in the crowded indie rock scene as a clever and candid songwriter, drawing inspiration from artists like David Berman and Phoebe Bridgers.