We chat with Chicago-based singer-songwriter Frank Sintich about his recent single “Hasn’t Stopped Raining Yet,” which was inspired by the tragic events in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
What inspired you to write “Hasn’t Stopped Raining Yet,” and how quickly did the song come together after the New Orleans tragedy?
My inspiration came after yet another heinous attack on innocent people enjoying a festive event. Once I came up with the title, the song came together pretty quickly after I settled on the most appropriate tuning on the guitar.
The song speaks to national trauma through personal emotion — how do you balance those perspectives in your songwriting?
As an artist, my songwriting comes from a place of life experiences, truth, and emotion. For this particular song, it was the balance of the tragedy, the emotion, and the love that I have for my family of friends who reside in the French Quarter.
You’ve played in bands and now as a solo artist — what feels different about your approach on this track?
I’m very blessed and comfortable as a solo artist to write lyrics and music, especially for a song like “Hasn’t Stopped Raining Yet.” In my experience, I prefer writing alone when it comes to something so personal to me.
The song has a cinematic feel with blaring organ and twangy guitars. What influenced the sound and mood you created?
I chose a church organ because of my love for the French Quarter, specifically St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. And the tuning of the guitar is DADGAD. This particular tuning lends to the jangly feel that I wanted for this song.
Despite its weight, there’s a thread of hope in the song. Was that contrast something you aimed for from the start?
Not necessarily. The song is more of a lament and a dark metaphor for the pain, suffering, and fear caused by the tragedy.
What’s your favorite venue to perform at?
Smaller venues where I can get close to the crowd to be able to touch them in a personal manner.
Do you have a specific process or ritual when creating new music?
No. Ideas, melodies, and riffs come to me in all different ways. Sometimes I’ll be listening to music and get inspired, as well as watching something on television or waking up after a dream and capturing an idea from that dream to a voice recorder.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Page, and John Lennon.
What is the biggest challenge you find in today’s music industry?
Making a living at it, and getting discovered. I have a wealth of material now that I would love to get into television and movies. But breaking into that requires solicitation, and I’m still trying to conquer that.
What’s on the horizon for 2025 in regards to your music?
I recorded three songs this past May in New Orleans at Marigny Studios, with some fine session players that reside in Louisiana. It’s a side project that I call Frank and the French Quarter Kings. I’m currently working on finishing the three songs now, and I will release them under the title NOLA Sessions Part Deux.
