The Frank Horvat Band

The Frank Horvat Band (TFHB) emerged in 2013 as a bold experiment in sound led by composer Frank Horvat. Bringing together a collective of singers and instrumentalists with a shared passion for creativity and improvisation, the project fulfilled Frank’s long-held dream of blurring the lines between popular and classical music. With TFHB, he pushed this vision to its limits, crafting an indie art rock band with a distinctive electronic edge.

The band drew inspiration from an eclectic array of influences, spanning Pink Floyd, Björk, Radiohead, Frank Zappa, PJ Harvey, and Bach, alongside unconventional sounds like alarm clocks and the absence of sound itself. This rich tapestry of inspiration allowed them to deliver a dynamic and immersive aural experience, transporting listeners to a world of intoxicating sonic textures.

The project’s direction was sharpened by Frank’s collaboration with award-winning percussionist and producer Jean Martin. Instead of focusing on crafting an elaborate band name, they poured their energy into honing their artistry in the studio. This creative synergy culminated in the release of two albums in 2014.

Their debut album, I Can See You, fused pop, poetry, and modern expression into a hauntingly beautiful experience. With textured, atmospheric soundscapes and the ethereal vocals of Felicity Williams, the album envelops listeners in its poignant beauty. The follow-up, Strange Machine, took a more rock-oriented approach while retaining its ambient undercurrents. The album played like a vibrant playlist rather than a concept album, with a Broken Social Scene-like spirit that featured five singers and thirteen musicians, showcasing the band’s bold, collaborative ethos.

Many of the songs on the two TFHB albums feature lyrics written by Frank’s partner, Lisa. Frank stumbled upon an old notebook filled with poetry she had written as a teenager and was inspired to transform her angsty and melancholy reflections into music for the albums. In addition to her lyrical contributions, Lisa played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s visual identity by producing their music videos, bringing their sound to life through compelling visuals.

In 2014, alongside the release of their two albums in January and November, TFHB embarked on a unique five-concert residency held between January and February at Creatures: Collective, a former artist-run gallery space in downtown Toronto. The residency offered attendees the flexibility to experience the performances either in person or via live-stream, accommodating a global audience. To cater to time zone differences, the concerts were scheduled at various times of the day, ensuring accessibility for listeners around the world.