Frank Foster’s journey in the music industry sets him apart from other artists. The Louisiana native is not part of any record label, but has already made name for himself in the country scene. The independent artist began writing his own songs when he was a junior in college, and shortly after, he began playing at local bars. After working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, Foster decided to pursue a musical career instead. Foster’s fan base grew in 2011 when he released his first album “Rowdy Reputation.” Since then, Frank Foster has sold over 125,000 albums, 325,000 singles, has over 5.5 million YouTube views, and has opened his own record label. Tonight, he’ll take the Druid City Music Hall stage with Lainey Wilson. We chatted with Foster about music, influences and his offbeat career path.
What is your favorite concert memory as a fan?
Last year I got to go to a Hank Williams concert – he’s my musical hero. I got to go back stage and have a drink with him and then after that I got to sit front row at his concert.
What is your favorite concert memory as a performer?
We did this concert in North Louisiana right where I grew up in a five acre field. To go out there and have a show in the middle of nowhere and have 4,000 people show up had to be my best memory. We performed in Cypress Bottom Boogie, Louisiana, three years in a row.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Hank Williams Jr. is my biggest musical influence, but I’m also heavily influenced by Hank Williams Sr. My dad listened to Hank Sr. when I was a kid and it just stuck with me.
In what ways has social media helped grow your career?
Social media has been my platform from the beginning. I’ve never signed a record deal. Most people would think I’m crazy, but I’m proud of it. I’m able to sell albums and do concerts because of social media. I owe everything to social media.
What is your favorite part about touring?
I love seeing new towns and trying new food. I like to stay there, hang out, and meet people. Traveling through a tour bus is a great experience.
What is the song that you enjoy performing the most?
That’s really hard, but probably “Blue Collar Boys.” It has been huge for us and it’s fun to perform. I also enjoy sitting down with an acoustic guitar and playing “Who I Am.”
What can the audience expect at Druid City Music Hall on Friday night?
We like to get the night kicked off really good with our high energy songs, then I like to sit down with an acoustic guitar and then we’ll speed it up again.
Tickets for tonight’s show are $25 at the door. The concert starts at 8:30 p.m., but the doors will open at 7:30. The event is open to people of all ages, however, attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
