PJ Frantz is Ready to Talk It Out
Frantz tells Pleaser that his latest mixtape “Claw Marks” traces some topical themes in his life, including suppressed emotions and heartbreak, but a true first album is in the works
One thing I truly admire about musicians and artists is the skill to extract truths from their chaotic minds and meld them into a melody. I was once again reminded of the generosity of those who put their hearts into their music during my conversation with PJ Frantz. He released Claw Marks, which he’s calling a mixtape, on September 27. Frantz says that despite the 13 track length, Claw Marks is more of “a collection of songs I’ve made over the past two years,” than it is an album.
“An album is more of one cohesive message. Though this [Claw Marks] is thematically consistent, I wanted to save room for my debut album. That’s going to hit so hard,” he said.
Another reason he didn’t want to dub Claw Marks his inaugural album is because nine of the 13 tracks on the list had been previously released as singles.
Frantz told me that the cohesion in Claw Marks derives from the same internal struggle he's had for the past few years. Creating this project helped him realize he was grappling with repressing his emotions. In past relationships, he’s had trouble conveying how he truly feels. He said the record deals with “knowing something is wrong but not knowing how to say it.”
He says the image of claw marks is a visual representation of the hurt his inability to dictate his thoughts leaves behind. He says the title track of the mixtape emulates his complicated feelings in the best way. This track represents Frantz feeling like his relationship needed to end but not knowing how to say it. He sings:
Dreamers with you
Sleepless at night
Everything I ever let go has claw marks
And you ask me why
“It feels symbolic of the impact of emotional repression and what the album means as a whole,” he says.
Another track on the mixtape, “i can only write songs about you,” was released as a single in September 2023 and is drenched with a raw emotion that is quintessentially PJ Frantz. The melody starts slow and balanced, utilizing repeating piano chords and high-pitched harmonies that grab the listeners attention. Frantz introduces his despondency within the first two lines, encapsulating the vulnerability he harnesses in his lyrics.
How do you cut a person out of your life?
'Cause you ripped me out, but you're stitched in mine
How do you fall in love with someone new?
While I can only write songs about you
Sonically, this tune does not stand still for long, as each section introduces a new instrumental element. The second chorus brings a drum-pad techno backbeat in with the piano, creating a dynamic listening experience for the audience.
In the music video for “i can only write songs about you,” Frantz is running at night through empty streets, past vacant storefronts and into a forest. I, and I’m sure many other hopeless romantics, resonate deeply with attempting to escape feelings of sadness by a walk enclosed by darkness. Knowing what I now know about Frantz, I would say the running is a metaphor for his inability to address his feelings head-on. At the end of the video, he finally stops and catches his breath for the first time. When the running ends literally, Frantz allows himself to release his emotions — he can truly breathe again.
During our interview, we rewound the tapes to Frantz’s childhood, where his love of music really began. He grew up around music, his parents loved the Beatles and all things classic rock. In the sixth grade, Frantz said he had a little bit of trouble making friends (don’t we all?), so he went to the choir teacher’s room during lunch to play piano. He fell in love with working out chords and putting songs together. He already had experience singing for an audience, being a choir singer for many of his younger years.
This current project came to be a few years ago, when Frantz was pitching songs to Lauve. “He didn’t want them, so I just decided to put them out,” he said.
Frantz said his biggest inspiration growing up was Jon Bellion, who is also a favorite of Noah Henderson, LA-artist and a good friend of Frantz’s. (Read my Pleaser interview with Hendserson here!) As an adult now, he said he feels more connected to alternative artists like Joji and the 1975.
When two Gen Z like Frantz and I get together, it's hard to avoid discussing the powers and pitfalls of social media. We couldn’t resist. With 16.1k Instagram followers and 18.3k followers on TikTok, Frantz said social media is responsible for a lot of his dedicated fans. However, like it is for many other artists, Frantz said balancing virality with talent is a challenge. But, the solution many artists point to is also the same: remain authentic. Being true to yourself usually leads to longevity and organic success because there’s no facade that will inevitably wear off.
“I want to build a world around music that’s totally consistent with who I am. I’ve taken some detours along the way, but I’ve always come back to being authentic with who you are,” he said.
Over the holidays, Frantz said he is planning to release another single as a first step to the release of his first album.
Also on the horizon, he wants to play more live shows. So far, he’s played some house parties and other local LA venues, as well as some New York City staples like Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg. But he’s got his eyes on the big leagues.
“Madison Square Garden is definitely a dream of mine.”