It’s no question that rapidly evolving technology, ever-changing political climates, and economic challenges significantly impact artistic expression. The music industry is no exception, as veteran artists fight to follow sonic trends and capture the attention of audiences on the other side of the elusive algorithm. Over fifteen years into his career with Framing Hanley, frontman Kenneth Nixon understands this battle as well as any other long-time performer.
“It has a lot to do with the fact that we carry around this amazing invention in our pocket all day that truly gives us rushes of dopamine throughout the day,” Nixon says. “I don’t want to say that it’s replaced the live, in-person experience at all, because obviously people are still going to shows, but it’s so much easier to just forget about something or shrug it off and be like ‘yeah, I’ll get around to that later.’”
As far as holding the audience’s undivided attention, Nixon has faith that live music won’t go anywhere any time soon.
“Hopefully the show is enough to keep them entertained and off their phone,” he says. “Especially in this economy, it’s a huge deal that these people are choosing to spend their money to go and support live rock music. If they’re there, I think they’re there to have a good time.”
Despite any challenges that have presented themselves over the last fifteen years, Nixon continues to look forward to performing.
“When you’ve been on a break as long as we were, to go out and be able to do this again…it was those giddy feelings all over again,” he says. “It’s like ‘oh yeah, I forgot this.’ We felt young again. It’s like riding a bike; you figure it out quick. It was a blast all the same.”
Nixon attributes the fun of touring to the time spent on the road with the supporting acts.
“We had an awesome time out with Sierra Annie, Rookie of the Year, and Make Out,” he says. “Tour’s always a lot more fun when you’re on the road with bands that you enjoy. Tour is a lot of fun and has a lot to do with the company you keep. It was an honor to share the stage with them every night.”
With the Flowers tour wrapped up, Nixon has other ambitions for Framing Hanley in 2025.
“My goal at the beginning of this year was to put out more music than we ever have in a calendar year,” he says. “We put out that Flowers EP, and we’re going to continue recording. Ultimately, the plan is to have a full length album out this year.”
As audiences and trends continue to evolve, Nixon hopes to crack the code to reach new fans. “What is the answer really?” he says. “We haven’t been the most active band on social media in the last few years. When you don’t have an algorithm going, it’s hard to reach those fans. I’m still trying to figure that out as well. But at the end of the day, we stay true to ourselves and no matter how many people are at the show, we’re going to make sure everybody has a good time.”
