Funk, Flair & Fast Tempos: Derek Frank Delivers New Instrumental Single "Beefcake" Arrives July 11

Bassist and composer Derek Frank is back with a brisk, funk-fueled hit in the form of his new single "Beefcake," dropping July 11 across all streaming platforms. This horn-heavy, rhythm-forward instrumental is Frank's most high-energy, pulsed release to date this year-bursting with contagious grooves, tongue-in-cheek swagger, and the kind of tight musicianship that fans have come to expect from the longtime touring bassist turned solo artist.

Crafted during a recording session at Stagg Street Studios in Van Nuys, CA, "Beefcake" is pure sonic fun. "I was going for something more danceable," Frank says, "and definitely wanted to incorporate an intricate horn arrangement. As for emotion, I just wanted it to be happy and lively."

Presave/Listen to "Beefcake:" (https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/derekfrank/beefcake).

The track's confident title came just as playfully as the music itself. "Just a silly name, no backstory really," Frank laughs. "I guess you could say that it's a nod to my affinity for '80s wrestling-Brutus Beefcake-but I just needed a fun title for the song and that's what came off the top of my head."

The result is a wildly entertaining instrumental that blends disco flair with jazz fusion intricacy, all grounded in a deep-pocketed funk foundation. It opens with a bold, unison intro riff that recurs throughout, driving the song's momentum while giving space for solo breaks and layered transitions. "I knew I wanted something faster than much of the stuff I'd written before," Frank explains. "So I found a drum loop, picked a tempo that felt good, and just started playing bass along with it. That's where I came up with the basic groove, and then built from there."

To balance the quarter-note drive of the primary groove, Frank adds a shift to halftime in the B section-a move that lets the track breathe and adds another level of dynamic interplay. "Because it's such a fast groove, I needed that section to break it up a bit and give it some release," he adds.

Cory Wong was a clear influence on this track's upbeat pace and polished funk stylings. "So many of his songs are at breakneck tempos, and it's so fun to listen to," Frank says. "I didn't have anything like that in my catalog, so I decided it was time to grab some of that influence."

But Frank's inspirations run deeper than today's funk trailblazers. "Beefcake" also pays homage to his lifelong obsession with vintage film and TV soundtracks. "Much of my influence comes from seventies film and television music-composers like Quincy Jones, Artie Lange, Lalo Schifrin," he explains. "Their orchestrations tend to be incredibly dense, and when I write the basic framework of a song, I imagine what the horn section will be and leave room for it."

To bring that vision to life, Frank once again teamed up with arranger Nathan Tanouye, who's become an essential collaborator on his solo projects. "My horn arrangement skills are rather limited, so I turn them over to Nathan," Frank shares. "He gets what I'm going for immediately without me having to explain much-and as always, he absolutely nailed it."

In true Derek Frank fashion, "Beefcake" is built on a live-band recording approach, prioritizing feel over excessive polish. The track features a stellar cast of musicians: Frank holds down bass duties and produced the track, alongside Anthony King (guitar), Dan Boissy (saxophone), Mike Cordone (trumpet), Tom Whaley (trombone), Tom Amend (keyboards), Demian Arriaga (percussion), and Matt Hankle (drums). The track was engineered by Greg Foeller, with assistant engineering from Arthur Seltzer, mixed by Kevin Shirley, and mastered by Stephen Marsh.

Frank sets the tone for what's to come with "Beefcake." "I'm going to aim for more stuff like this for the rest of the next album-fast, happy, upbeat music," he says. And the reaction on stage confirms it's the right direction. "This kind of track gets a great response during our live shows. It's so much fun to play, and I'm going to try and stay close to this style."

While many artists rely on complicated concepts or layered metaphors to sell their music, Frank keeps it simple-and all the more powerful for it. "I just hope people enjoy it," he says, "and that it makes them feel good."

With this new single, Frank continues to prove he's not only one of the most versatile bassists in the game-but also a dynamic composer capable of channeling the soul, sass, and swagger of a funk-rock era gone by.

Frank is currently on the road with Don Felder-the legendary Eagles guitarist and co-writer of classics like "Hotel California," "Victim of Love," and "Those Shoes." The Brotherhood of Rock tour, a 40-date North American amphitheatre summer jaunt, features Felder, Kevin Cronin (former lead singer of REO Speedwagon), and Styx. The second leg of the tour will make stops at PNC Music Pavilion (Charlotte, NC), Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater (Syracuse, NY), Xfinity Center (Mansfield, MA), Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Camden, NJ), Budweiser Stage (Toronto, Canada), Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (Tinley Park, IL), Toy F. Reid Employee Center (Kingsport, TN), among others.

Derek and his handpicked five- to seven-piece band craft an eclectic mix of funk, blues, soul, jazz, and southern rock, channeling the feel of vintage soundtrack music. His compositions are defined by tight arrangements, slinky grooves, and a deep sense of musical interplay that prioritizes taste and feel over flashy technique.

Frank's solo work has earned praise from Bass Magazine, Guitar World Magazine, American Songwriter Magazine, Bass Player Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, and podcasts such as "Everyone Loves Guitar" and "The Bass Shed". Additionally, he received a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination for Best Instrumental Song. His work has drawn comparisons to Lettuce, Vulfpeck, Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Karl Denson, and John Scofield.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Frank's passion for music was sparked by the TV shows, movies, and MTV culture of the '70s and '80s. His love for bass emerged unexpectedly when he picked up the instrument at a music store while waiting for a guitar lesson. That moment launched a lifelong career that would take him to Los Angeles, where he became one of the city's most sought-after touring and session bassists.

For more on Derek Frank, visit
Website: www.derekfrank.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/derek.frank.9
Instagram www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass/
Bandcamp https://derekfrank.bandcamp.com/
YouTube www.youtube.com/@DerekFrankBass/videos

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