We were lucky to catch up with Frankie McCabe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Frankie, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
I make a serious point to “put good in.” I typically eat very cleanly, which involves a lot of produce, healthy fats, complete proteins and no animal products, to name a few aspects of my diet. I also make a point to limit my intake of low quality oils, refined table salt, gmos and pesticides, and I take supplements like glutathione and astragalus for an added boost. I will very quickly notice the effects when I start to slack on my fitness and nutrition. Consuming “living foods” – not to mention committing to various forms of movement/muscle engagement throughout the day – keeps me energized and on a much more even keel; mentally as well! From editing to recording to calling venues and booking shows, my day-to-day life is not always very active, so Tibetan 5 Rites Yoga first thing in the morning really helps me to counter that.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
One thing I really love about this adventure I’m on is that it has brought me out of my shell immensely, and helped me to find so much more confidence in my expression. I have found no better way to connect with the world around me, when it comes to following a passion. The music videos and films featured on my youtube channel – created with the help of various friends I’ve made along the way – are extremely low-budget, and could understandably be described as “cheesy in a charming sort of way,” without me taking offense. Truly, they are from the heart, and I get a kick out of hearing something along the lines of, “Man, now I have no excuse to not be making art…”; from other creative types, because they understand I’m not doing this with the advantage of financial wealth or friends in high places – and so, that they are absolutely in a position to make something wonderful happen! The only thing better than that, is being told when one of my songs or film projects has reached a fan in some way; in a place they needed to be reached. Of course, I make these things for me, because I feel compelled to and I often experience a sort of healing sublimation through them, but to know we can create something of value just by expressing ourselves – telling our true stories, setting our sights on a goal and deciding that we are worth achieving it, and deciding that we can have purpose in a world that can often feel a bit bleak – well, that is just a super beautiful thing in my book.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Honestly, I think admitting that I don’t know it all has been a great help, because I’ve been super keen on seeking out experienced and competent collaborators that can help me grow in a multitude of areas! Another thing that seems to serve me well is my imagination; sure, there are times in my life that it really works against me, but when I attempt to wrangle the wily beast (i.e. put it to good use) I find a sense of fulfillment and belonging – that I am doing what I am truly meant to be doing. Lastly, I would say that being fairly raw and open about my shortcomings and insecurities through my lyrics has been a good move; just putting myself out there – pimples, scars, and all. It can be such a powerful gesture! Something about feeling the sun shine on those dark places we’ve kept hidden can help us to begin reclaiming some of that power we’ve given up to shame; not to mention, convey to others who may be strugging with a similiar battle that they aren’t inherently “defective” or “less than.” Just human. So my advice – learn to be and love who you are, and never lose it. That’s where the value in this journey really lies.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am wide open to collaboration – in my community and remotely! It is such an enriching experience, and I can’t say there are any genres of music I would turn down a chance to experiment with, so long as the vibe is solid. I count myself as very fortunate for the opportunities I’ve already had in my short career to create with folks from so many different walks of life, including artists in other countries. There will be a contact form on my website (frankiemccabe.com) but it is currently under construction and pending launching. In the meantime, good ol’ Facebook and Instagram are the best spots to reach out to me about any ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: frankiemccabe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankiemccabemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/normankathybates/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrankieMcCabe
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2j13awI0QxA4nsPRMogC2l?si=YzTxw7oCTI2mtPQrX9fhVw
Image Credits
Hope Lee Chicle Dueva Shane Maus Sam Reeves Markelle Palombo
