Black Francis | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV |
Also known as | Frank Black |
Born | Boston, Massachusetts | April 6, 1965
Genres | Alternative rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1986–present |
Labels | |
Member of | |
Website | blackfranc |
Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV (born April 6, 1965) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter.[1] He is the frontman of the alternative rock band Pixies, with whom he performs under the stage name Black Francis.[2] Following the band's breakup in 1993, he embarked on a solo career under the name Frank Black.[3] After releasing two albums with record label 4AD and one with American Recordings, he left the label and formed a new band, Frank Black and the Catholics. He re-adopted the name Black Francis in 2007.
His vocal style has varied from a screaming, yowling delivery as lead vocalist of Pixies to a more measured and melodic style in his solo career.[4] His cryptic lyrics mostly explore unconventional subjects, such as surrealism, UFOs, and biblical violence, along with science fiction and surf culture.[5] His use of atypical meter signatures, loud–quiet dynamics, and distinct preference for live-to-two-track recording during his time with the Catholics, give him a distinct style within alternative rock.[6]
Thompson regrouped Pixies in early 2004, but continued to release solo records and tour as a solo artist[7] until 2013, when he declared his solo career to be over.[8]
This is what we do, and my solo career is over. I have no interest in making solo records. For me, this is it.