Wikipedia

Johnny Franck

Johnny Franck (born June 8, 1990), also known as Bilmuri, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He is best known as the former clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Attack Attack!. He departed the band in 2010, and formed a new group called The March Ahead. In 2016, he started a new musical project under the name Bilmuri. Franck has also produced music for artists such as Dave Days and Jarrod Alonge.[1]

Johnny Franck
Franck in 2024
Franck in 2024
Background information
Also known asBilmuri
Born (1990-06-08) June 8, 1990 (age 34)
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
OriginWesterville, Ohio, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
  • producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2005–present
LabelsColumbia
Member of
  • Chayr
  • The March Ahead
Formerly ofAttack Attack!
Websitebilmuri.com

Early life

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Franck was born on June 8, 1990,[2] in Columbus, Ohio.[3] He was raised in Westerville, Ohio.[4] He started playing music when he first received a guitar in sixth grade.[5] In high school, he met and befriended former Attack Attack! member, Caleb Shomo.[6]

Career

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2005–2010: Attack Attack!

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Main article: Attack Attack! (American band)

Franck, along with Andrew Whiting, Nick White and Andrew Wetzel met Austin Carlile while playing in local high school bands when they decided to form Attack Attack!.[7] In November 2008, they released their debut studio album, Someday Came Suddenly, via Rise Records. The album debuted at number 193 on the Billboard 200, selling 3,600 copies in its first week.[8] They released their self-titled second studio album on June 8, 2010. The album peaked at number 27 on the Billboard 200.[9] On November 10, 2010, Johnny Franck announced his departure from the band to focus on his relationship with God.[10]

2011–2020: The March Ahead

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In 2011, Franck formed a new group with Mike Caswell called The March Ahead.[11] The group worked on demos with producer Joey Sturgis, who also worked with Attack Attack!.[3] They released their debut single, "I.R.T.S" on May 26, 2011.[12] Their self-titled debut EP was released on August 16.[13] In September 2013, the band made a performance at Liberty University, before Franck gave his testimony and fielded questions from the audience.[5] In 2014, they released a cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life".[14] In late 2014, the band premiered two new singles: "Creation" and "Statues".[15] Throughout 2015 to 2020, the band released a handful of non-album singles.[16]

2016–present: Bilmuri

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In 2016, Franck formed a solo project under the name, Bilmuri.[17] The name is a play on the American actor Bill Murray.[18] He released his debut studio album, Jaguar Shark under Bilmuri in January 2016.[19] He later released the self-titled studio album on July 15.[20] In 2017, Bilmuri released two albums, Frame and Banana.[4] He released the album, Taco in August 2018.[4] A cover of Owl City's "Fireflies" was released in September 2018.[21] In November 2019, Franck collaborated with Shomo and released a parody version of their debut single with Attack Attack!, "Stick Stickly" titled, "Thicc Thiccly".[22] The single was included on Bilmuri's album, Rich Sips, which was released on December 17.[23] In April 2020, he released a collaborative album, Muri and Friends, where he had his friends sing the songs he produced for the album.[24] In November 2020, Bilmuri released the album Eggy Pocket, which features appearances from Jon Mess of Dance Gavin Dance and Dayseeker.[25] He was featured on the song "Into the Sunset" by Dance Gavin Dance on their album, Afterburner.[17] In 2022, he released the album, Goblin Hours. He also embarked on the Goblin Hours tour in support of the album's release.[19] Bilmuri joined Babymetal on the Fox Fest in May 2024.[26] In June 2024, Franck signed with Columbia Records and released the album, American Motor Sports under the label.[27] Bilmuri will join Sleep Token on a European tour in November 2024.[28]

2016–present: Chayr

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In 2016, he started an acoustic band with his friends.[29] They released their debut studio album, Desk on March 28, 2018.[30]

Solo career and collaborations

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In June 2014, Franck released his debut single "There's Always Hope", as a solo artist.[31] Franck has produced music for local bands like We Are The Blog, Boys of Fall, Insomniac and The Following, as well as with notable musicians such as Dave Days and Jarrod Alonge.[1] He also collaborated with groups such as Dance Gavin Dance and Make Me Famous.[32] He owns a recording studio, Johnny Franck Studios, where he has worked with over 70 bands.[5]

Musical styles and influences

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Franck cited early influences from Enter Shikari and Forever the Sickest Kids. According to him, he loved how Enter Shikari combined dance music and hardcore breakdowns and wanted to incorporate that in Attack Attack!'s music.[33] He also added some Christian themes to the band's music before his departure.[34] Bilmuri has been described as post-hardcore[20] and neon pop-punk, with hardcore and emo music influences.[1] Bilmuri also incorporates lo-fi and indie-pop music.[4]

Personal life

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He resides in Westerville, Ohio.[4] Regarding his departure from Attack Attack! Franck cited his desire to focus on his Christian faith.[10] He ran two Bible studies, one from his home and another at a high school.[5] He has subsequently expressed skepticism regarding Christianity.[35] Franck enjoys watching anime and cites it as inspiration for his music.[36]

Bilmuri live members

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  • Gabi Rose – saxophone, vocals (2022–present)[37][38]
  • Reese Maslin – guitar (2022–present)[37][38]
  • Xavier Ware – drums (2024-present)
  • Oblvyn – bass guitar, keyboards (2022)[37]
  • Josh Manuel – drums (2022)[37]

Discography

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'Attack Attack!

For a more comprehensive list, see Attack Attack! discography.

The March Ahead

  • The March Ahead (2011)
  • Weight (2017)

Bilmuri

  • Jaguar Shark (2016)
  • Bilmuri (2016)
  • Letters (2016)
  • Frame (2017)
  • Banana (2017)
  • Solid Chub (2018)
  • Taco (2018)
  • Wet Milk (2019)
  • Rich Sips (2019)
  • Muri and Friends (2020)
  • Eggy Pocket (2020)
  • 400Lb Back Squat (2021)
  • Goblin Hours (2022)
  • American Motor Sports (2024)

Singles

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List of singles as lead artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"There's Always Hope" 2014 Non-album singles
"Hold On, We're Going Home"[39] 2016
"Army"[40]
List of singles as featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Sugar Pill"[41]
(Nathan Kane featuring Johnny Franck) 		2016 Non-album single

Guest appearances

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Title Year Artist(s) Album Ref.
"I Am a Traitor" 2012 Make Me Famous It's Now or Never [42]
"I'm So Scene 2.0" 2015 Jarrod Alonge Beating a Dead Horse [43]
"Trigger Warning" 2016 Sunrise Skater Kids Friendville [44]
"Holy Smokin O's" Boys of Fall Thank You & Goodbye [45]
"Enigma"
"Into the Sunset" 2020 Dance Gavin Dance Afterburner [46]
"Forgetting Yourself" A Legacy Left Keep Your Enemies Close [47]
"Careless Whisper" 2021 Jonathan Young Young's Old Covers [48]

Additional credits

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Album Year Artist(s) Notes Ref.
Arguments 2011 Another Hero Dies Producer, engineer [49]
Indulgence: A Saga of Lights 2014 SycAmour Producer, engineer [50]
Better Luck Tomorrow 2018 Settle Your Scores Producer, engineer, mixing [32]
Perspective Send Request Producer, engineer, mixing

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Johnny Franck (Attack Attack!) Releases New Album Under New Band". Midwest Music Collective. July 15, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  2. ^ @Johnny_Franck (June 8, 2010). "It is my birthday!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b Sergeant D (January 17, 2011). "Ex-Attack Atack! Guitarist Needs Your Donations!". MetalSucks. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e Andy Downing (August 29, 2018). "Locals: Bilmuri at Big Room Bar". Columbus Monthly. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d "SELS Event". The Liberty Champion. September 20, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Eli Enis (December 1, 2022). "Beartooth's Caleb Shomo: My Life Story". Revolver. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  7. ^ Wetzel, Richard (June 17, 2013). The Globalization of Music in History. Routledge. pp. 127–130. ISBN 9781136626241. Retrieved February 26, 2024. Andrew is the author's grandson, see notes p. 178.
  8. ^ Chris Harris (November 19, 2008). "Taylor Swift Scores First Chart-Topping Debut With Fearless". MTV. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "Attack Attack! Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Tim Karan (November 11, 2010). "Attack Attack! guitarist/vocalist Johnny Franck leaves band to refocus on God". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  11. ^ "Exclusive: The March Ahead (feat. ex-Attack Attack! guitarist Johnny Franck) premiere teaser video". Alternative Press. February 18, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  12. ^ "The March Ahead release their first single, "I.R.T.S."". Alternative Press. May 26, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  13. ^ "Exclusive Stream: The March Ahead, "The March Ahead" EP". Alternative Press. August 11, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Samantha Vargas (September 28, 2022). "10 best One Direction rock covers, from the 1975 to Wolf Alice". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  15. ^ "The March Ahead (ex-Attack Attack!) premiere two new songs". Alternative Press. November 19, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  16. ^ "The March Ahead - Singles & EPs". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  17. ^ a b "Who is Bilmuri?". WIDR. May 8, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  18. ^ Shane Told (April 23, 2019). "Johnny Franck (Attack Attack!, Bilmuri)". Listen Notes. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Tyler Schneider (November 21, 2022). "Bilmuri and company jam for a sold out crowd at recordBar". The Pitch. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Ex-Attack Attack! clean vocalist forms new post-hardcore band—listen". Alternative Press. July 17, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  21. ^ "Owl City - Fireflies Cover - Bilmuri (Music Video)". YouTube. 4 September 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  22. ^ Philip Trapp (November 25, 2019). "Beartooth's Caleb Shomo Reunites With Attack Attack! Member on Thicc Thiccly". Loudwire. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  23. ^ Mackenzie Templeton (November 20, 2019). "Caleb Shomo, Attack Attack! singer reunite in throwback "Thic Thiccly"". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  24. ^ Evie Shaw (May 22, 2020). "Bilmuri talks Bill Murray and more – exclusive interview". All Punked Up. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  25. ^ Jack Rogers (November 17, 2020). "Listen: Bilmuri's Expansive and Exhilarating New Album 'Eggy Pocket'". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  26. ^ "Fox Fest additional artists to be confirmed & The various ticket Preorders start from today!!". Babymetal.com. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  27. ^ "American Motor Sports - Album by Bilmuri". Apple Music. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Mandy Scythe (April 30, 2024). "Sleep Token Share EU/UK Tour Dates Alongside Bilmuri". MetalSucks. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  29. ^ "So let me explain! I don't want to overload you with my music....but I'm going to fucking do it any ways! I'm in 3 bands, I love writing music so 1 band is just not an option!". Facebook. August 4, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  30. ^ "Desk - Album by Chayr". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  31. ^ "There's Always Hope - Single by Johnny Franck". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Johnny Franck Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  33. ^ Eli Enis (June 4, 2009). "The true story of the most hated metal video of all time". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  34. ^ Tim Karan (June 15, 2010). "Track-By-Track: Attack Attack!". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  35. ^ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Bilmuri/posts/i-have-such-a-struggle-with-religion-i-am-much-more-lonely-cause-i-question-whet/802855476573643/. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  36. ^ Alex Lebl (March 24, 2024). "Bilmuri on Using Anime as Musical Inspiration". Crunchyroll LLC. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  37. ^ a b c d Angel, Alison (October 24, 2022). "Bilmuri Connects with Sold-Out Crowd at Neighborhood Theatre". Queen City Nerve. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Abraham, Mathew (June 28, 2024). "Bilmuri Cranks Hogs and Stands Out Amongst the Scene Beautifully with 'American Motor Sports'". CaliberTV. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  39. ^ "Hold On, We're Going Home - Single by Johnny Franck". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  40. ^ "Army - Single by Johnny Franck". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  41. ^ "Sugar Pill (feat. Johnny Franck) - Single by Nathan Kane". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  42. ^ "Make Me Famous - It's Now or Never Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  43. ^ "Beating a Dead Horse: Deluxe Ultra-Limited Exclusive Undead Edition - Album by Jarrod Alonge". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  44. ^ "Friendville – Album by Sunrise Skater Kids". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  45. ^ "Thank You & Goodbye - ALbum by Boys of Fall". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  46. ^ "Afterburner – Album by Dance Gavin Dance". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  47. ^ "Keep Your Enemies Close - EP by A Legacy Left". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  48. ^ "Young's Old Covers (2019-2021) - Album by Jonathan Young". Apple Music. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  49. ^ "Another Hero Dies - Arguments Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  50. ^ "SycAmour - Indulgence: A Saga of Lights Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
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