By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome singer and choreographer Frankie Zulferino to Jake’s Take.
The Staten Island, New York native hit the ground running when he received the opportunities to audition for both the US version of The X Factor and the short-lived CW series: The NEXT. However, Frankie decided to join The NEXT where Joe Jonas mentored him. Outside of his music career, Frankie Zulferino is also a dance teacher who led his students, the Struck Boyz, to America’s Got Talent: Season Eight’s semifinals and to three consecutive undefeated national championships.
As a recording artist, his music caught the attention of several media websites including Popwrapped, Popstar, and Twist. He also performed in a six week tour of China and also participated in PopNation’s Summer Concert Tour. He also produced and directed his solo sold out show at the Mohegan Sun Resorts Casino in Atlantic City.
In this edition of A Conversation, Frankie shared his songwriting process, the lessons he learned when opening up for Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Westlife, and his new studio album: No Boundaries.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in music? How did that passion evolve into the desire to a pursue a career in the music industry?
Frankie Zulferino: Since I was a kid, I have always had a huge love for music and dance. I dreamt of being in movies singing for millions of people and entertaining the world. Seeing people smile when I perform and being on stage has always made me feel so alive and it’s the only thing, I could ever imagine myself doing. Because of that desire, I knew as soon as I finished high school that I was going to pursue my dreams and I have been on that grind ever since!
Jacob Elyachar: Could you please describe your songwriting process to my readers?
Frankie Zulferino: For me songwriting comes and goes in waves. Sometimes I will just be driving in my car and if I have something on my mind, I would start writing it down in my notes. When I am in the studio, I usually go into my phone and look at all the topics and things I have been jotting down. From there, I will go with what I am inspired by at the moment. It’s all about the feeling for me! I cannot just sit down and write a song; it has to be organic and natural. Sometimes I will go into the studio to finish a record and if I’m in a happy mood and it’s a sad song, I’ll move on to something else and come back to it because I know I would not be fully connected.
Jacob Elyachar: You had the chance to open up with a plethora of recording artists such as Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Westlife. What were some of the lessons that you learned from them that helped you grow as a performer?
Frankie Zulferino: I think the biggest lesson I learned from working with big artists and having the chance to perform for so many people is just to really take in the moment and be so grateful for the chance to do what we love for so many people . There is nothing more special than that!
Jacob Elyachar: What were some of the challenges that you faced throughout your career?
Frankie Zulferino: I think the biggest challenge in the music industry is ourselves. Of course, so many people will give you their critiques. I have heard them all from “your sound is not right” and “ your look is not good,” to “you dance too much” or “you do not dance enough.” The list goes on and on, but I do not believe that was my biggest obstacle. I think it was letting those thoughts take over my mind and letting those negative comments affect who I am and my visions and goals. As artists, we have to be unapologetic. I’ve had to learn; I cannot please everyone. I have to be myself, and if you love me, great, and if you do not, that’s fine too. Once I found the power in my self, everything began to change!
Jacob Elyachar: Let’s talk about your new album: No Boundaries. What can my readers expect when they listen to your album?
Frankie Zulferino: I think the album brings a lot of different flavors and energies. It’s filled with some deep ballads. No Boundaries also has a lot of dance inspired records. The album is a mix of pop, rock, country, and R&B.
Jacob Elyachar: If you had the opportunity to meet with aspiring performers, what advice would you share with them?
Frankie Zulferino: To focus on being their genuine self and to learn how to take criticism but not completely change to please other people! It’s a super fine line and I have lost myself along the way because of it! Surround yourself with good people and positive energy, and always remember there’s someone else working harder than you! You cannot sit back and wait for your dreams to come true; you have to go out there and grab them!
For more information about Frankie Zulferino, visit his website.
You can also connect with Frankie on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & YouTube channels.
