One man brand Kapranos now turns his hand to producing

Published on Sunday 10 December 2006 00:55

AFTER two best-selling albums, dozens of awards and critical and commercial success worldwide, Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has added another string to his bow, by turning music producer.

After branching out and enjoying successful stints as a columnist-turned writer, Kapranos is in Vancouver mentoring one of the most hotly tipped bands on both sides of the Atlantic, The Cribs.

The Scots singer is expected to stay in Canada until Christmas after flying out last month.

The indie outfit have already been compared to fellow Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs and Pete Doherty's former group The Libertines.

Their association with Kapranos is expected to give them the push they need to achieve commercial success with their third album next year.

Industry insiders said yesterday that the move was just the tip of the iceberg for one of the most prolific Scottish exports of the last decade.

Following a highly successful newspaper food column he wrote a best-selling book, Sound Bites: Eating On Tour With Franz Ferdinand. Then, this month, he joined forces with fellow celebrities - Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, Rio Ferdinand, Sharon Osbourne and Vernon Kaye - for an anti-bullying advertisement for the Beat Bullying website www.needtoknow.co.uk

Kapranos's shift in profile comes as several members of the entertainment industry are branching out. Beyond such long-term, high-profile social "commentators" as Bono and Bob Geldof, 1960s model Twiggy has recently become a television star as panellist on hit shows such as America's Next Top Model. Brian Ferry has diversified his talents as well to become the face of Marks & Spencer's male clothing range.

Yesterday, music and marketing heads said Kapranos's career was set to rise exponentially following his recent emergence as a brand in his own right.

Martin Hunt, head of leading PR company Tartan Silk, said: "It's becoming more and more of a trend for people to become a brand in their own right and then fully maximise on that. Celebrities are realising that there needs to be more to what they do than just a red carpet and some flashing bulbs.

"What will be important to him [Kapranos] now, is that he protects his brand image. It's not a surprise that he's not sold out and it's fairly clear he's stayed true to things that are close to his heart: you have to take your hat off to that."

Alex Papasimakopolou, director of music management and promotions company Everymatic, said: "If it's someone like Alex [Kapranos] then he's proved he's good at something before branching out. It's when people like the Chantelle Houghtons or Kerry Katonas of this world try to brand themselves as something they're not that it becomes contrived.

"He's obviously a very wise guy and a very astute businessman, so good luck to him if he can make some cash out of it."

Kapranos is no stranger to changing direction. Before hitting the big time with Franz Ferdinand, he spent time as a chef, wine waiter, kitchen porter, delivery driver, welder, promoter and college lecturer.

Stewart Henderson, the Delgados bass player turned record label manager for Chemikal Underground - who have Mogwai and Arab Strap on their label - said of his work with The Cribs: "It is one of those things and it feels like a very natural progression.

"When you move around in the industry there is always a sense that you can capitalise on what has gone before. With music, as with anything, it's about brand association and the credibility that can help all parties involved in that."

A spokesperson for Franz Ferdinand said: "It's his first proper production job and he's thoroughly enjoying it. He's been out working with The Cribs at the Warehouse Studios in Vancouver for around two weeks now.

"They share a management label and the transition for someone as talented as Alex, from singer to producer, is a logical progression. He's loving every moment of it."