Local Bloke – Franky Valentyn

By James Hutton on May 2, 2017 in People

Franky Valentyn is a full time musician who has lived in the Eastern Suburbs for the best part of 30 years. He recently released his first solo album, ‘All In A Dream’. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? 30 years next year. I’m a Blacktown boy and grew up out there. It was such a culture shock moving here as I wasn’t used to so much traffic. I love it now and can’t see myself leaving the east anytime soon.

What’s your favourite beach? I’d say Tama, as it’s the one I’ve been to the most. I’m not much of a beachgoer, but I love Sculpture By The Sea.

What’s your favourite eatery? We don’t get to go out much, but if I had to choose it would be a toss up between Pinocchio’s or the 4 Frogs at The Spot. During the day it’s The Shed in Randwick Plaza.

Where do you like to have a drink? The Shed. A skinny de café cap with hazelnut does the trick.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Everything you need is so close – the city, the SCG and Centennial Park. I love reading about its history, from the Alison Road ‘Tollway’, to Maroubra Speedway and the Tamarama ‘Wonderland City’. For musos, especially guitarists, in Sunburst Music we have the best vintage guitar shop in Sydney, and maybe Australia.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Traffic and parking, but that’s the same anywhere these days.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? Sydney Sixers, Swans, Sydney FC, Liverpool FC, the 49ers, the San Francisco Giants. I love my sport and I get to the SCG as much I can.

What music are you into at the moment? Always been an old school Prog boy – Rick Wakeman, Yes, ELO, Queen, the Beatles. The playlist on my phone is all 60s, 70s and classical.

Who is your favourite person? I have a few, but I’d say my daughter Kate. She has cerebral palsy, but it hasn’t stopped her swimming, laughing and learning. She is the happiest person I know.

What do you get up to on the weekends? Randwick Farmers Market on Saturday with the fam, then the rest is work/gigging.

What do you do for work? I’ve been a time musician since I left school. I was in bands like The Beatnix and Le Club Nerd for many years. These days I do solo/duo/band/cabaret and kids shows. I also compose music for TV and have just released my first original solo CD called ‘All In A Dream’, which is very Symphonic Prog. I worked on it for 17 years.

What’s your favourite thing about work? The people I’ve met and the tours I’ve done.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Don’t throw stones at a man who carries a machine gun” – Rowdy Roddy Piper (RIP)

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Go to gigs. Whether it’s an acoustic duo at a corner pub or a fully-fledged band at Souths Juniors. Keep live music alive, and you can only do that by showing up.