Most of us already know a bit about Franki Chan. He's IHEARTCOMIX. But, who is he really and what does he do? I chatted with Franki to get a better perspective of a man who became a brand...

Where are you from and how did IHEARTCOMIX get started?

I'm originally from Bloomington, IN, but moved to LA via Seattle. I'd been booking shows in the Northwest for several years and playing in bands for several years before that. When I moved to LA, it was the first time I was doing all these things on my own and I wanted to name it something other than myself. I like comic books alot, so it seemed like a good fit. At this point I was just throwing random dance parties and nights around LA either by myself or with my then partner, Steve Aoki. Everything else, the label, the blog, proper shows, etc. grew out of this era.

I keep seeing via the twitter feed about your travels....How do manage time between the label and your own dj'ing?

It's hard. Over the last couple years it's been slowly setting in how much responsibility i actually have on my shoulders. Over that time frame my work load and what IHEARTCOMIX does, my financial situation, etc have all changed dramatically as well. I've had to learn a certain amount of discipline, how to delegate duties & be a good boss and when to say no. All of those have been harsh lessons that I've learned by trial & error, but I'm getting there. I make sure to go to bed early if I have an early flight instead of staying up all night, I make sure to get my work done on the plane and in the hotel instead of just going out in the new city, I make sure I workout when I travel, drink less, etc. All of those things help me stay focused and keep up.

I'm an only child and always did things by and for myself until these last couple of years, so it's been a very interesting journey trying to adjust, facing whatever weaknesses and fears I have and just learning to adapt. It's been great and I'm hoping that I'm making good choices and can maintain it.

Do you scope out new talent while you're touring? If so, what do you look for?

Sure. I have my eyes open no matter where I go or what I do, but really I'm actively NOT signing. I pretty much deflect everything at this point and try not to listen because my hands are so full as is. I want to not take on too much so I can do a good job at what I'm already doing. That beings said, if something is great, there is no denying it, but to me, there are a lot of factors that need to line up before taking the step of inviting someone into the fam.

Congrats on the success that Matt & Kim are seeing. What do you think is next for them and your other acts like TOXIC AVENGER?

Thanks, but really most of the praise should go to Matt & Kim themselves. They are two of the hardest working people I've ever seen in my life. they are very focused and dedicated and know exactly what they want. It was an amazing ride working with them on the first record. We helped define each other in that moment of time, but ultimately, they got too big for us and needed to move on to someone who has the funds and man power to take them to the next level. that's where Fader came in and they've been doing a great job. It's really exciting to watch it all happen and to know that I played some part in that.

As for the other artists on the label, BIG THINGS. Since we've finally reorganized the business and have proper distribution, a merchandising deal, etc., we can really move. Here's what's happening the rest of the year:

ACID GIRLS - We're releasing their debut Single on Sept 15. It contains 2 originals, 'The Numbers Song' and 'Lightworks' along with remixes by Jokers Of The Scene and Dave P & Adam Sparkles. This release is so good it's crazy. We just finished a video for 'The Numbers Song' as well. It was directed and produced by Taylor Cohen and Otto Arsenault respectively. It's the same duo who recently made Matt & Kim's video 'Lesson Learned' and it's a creepy thriller.

THE TOXIC AVENGER - his follow up single to his debut on IHEARTCOMIX has finally arrived! It's a an epic jam entitles 'Toxic Is Dead' and takes toxic in a whole new direction. He's both matured as a song writer and as an artist. The new single will blow people's socks off. this release includes remixes by Drop The Lime, South Central, Cyber Punkers and me (making my remix debut)! We also have a killer video for this one. It looks like a big budget movie! It's directed by our friend Steven Ilous (who has a killer resume). Toxic also has his own Scion compilation coming out that has 'Toxic Is Dead' as well as 4 other brand new tracks and 9 new remixes by Switch, Acid Girls, Jakwob, Ocelot, Harvard Bass, Burns, Ladytron, The Juan Maclean and Designer Drugs! All this leads to his full length which will be out sometime next year... There's a bunch more stuff in the works, but that's plenty of info for now :)

What's the newest direction you are taking your dj'ing?

I've been playing a lot of techno and minimal lately. Mix that in with some bass tracks and a little disco and you got one of my sets. I concentrate heavy on IHEARTCOMIX material and new songs that I find. It's more exciting to make an audience dance w almost all new music, but I'll throw a couple classics in to keep them shakin' as well.

The thing I'm excited about most right now is my own music and remixes, which are finally coming along. It's not something I wanted to rush into, but people will get to hear some originals soon!

5. You mentioned an IHEARTCOMIX party night in LA. Do you foresee that as something happening in the future? If so, what kinda time-line?

Who knows? In theory I'd love to start a new ongoing party in LA, but the combination of lack of time and finding the right venue has made it tough. I'm actively looking though. I'd say in the next 6 months. In the meantime, we'll be doing one off events at PITCHFORK FEST and COMICON. Also, we'll be doing a one off party in LA on June 25th with GLASS CANDY! Be sure to check the newsletter for full details!

How do you see the LA scene changing in particular? Musically, venue-wise, and general crowd observations...

It's hard to say. The last couple years I haven't been as involved in the workings of the LA scene as I was the 3 1/2 years prior. I've become more of an observer and participant, so I'm a bit out of touch to make any real judgment calls. It feels healthy though, I've been surprised by the longevity of what's been happening. It almost has this sense of that it's just starting again. I think the 1st and 2nd waves of promoters have come and gone and now there is more of an establishment. LA does seem to be leading the way as far as the younger generation electronic movement in the US. Artists keep spending a lot of time here, so it's def an exciting place.

What are the singles you're really buzzing on and what do you think is going to be a big track/album over the next few months?

I really love the new Tiga and Gossip records. I think you'll be seeing big things from MEN, Ninjasonik and The Very Best as well!

What's one spot in LA that you feel is kind of on the forefront of youth culture?

Meltdown Comics and Secret Headquarters! Both these places are doing amazing things and are really pushing the boundaries of where comic, music, art and events intersect. Definitely two of the most exciting places in Hollywood, even if most people don't know it yet

Last but not least, who are your greatest musical influences?

Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Jawbreaker, Weezer, Soulwax, Prince, bunch of other stuff

Special thanks to Franki for taking some time to share the process thus far with us!