Frank Viele is reshaping heartland rock for a new generation. With The Trouble With Desire, the Connecticut-based singer-songwriter channels the grit of his personal journey into an album that feels both timeless and urgently present. Drawing from the emotional well of artists like Springsteen and Petty, Viele crafts songs that are unflinchingly honest, raw, and packed with road-weary wisdom.
Raised by a single mother, Viele’s perspective on life, love, and resilience seeps into every corner of the record. From the forward-looking ache of the lead single “Hearts We Left Behind” to the defiant growl of “Lo-Fi Goodbye,” he proves himself a master of storytelling—one who’s lived the life he writes about. “Dive Bar Poet” and “Trying To Raise A Man” are standout moments, the latter a tear-jerking tribute to the woman who shaped him, full of emotional gravity and heartfelt gratitude.
Recorded between his home in Hamden and the legendary Nutthouse Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, The Trouble With Desire captures the soulful spirit of American roots music while pushing the genre forward. With production from Jimmy Nutt and songwriting contributions from James LeBlanc, the album’s sonic texture blends bluesy grit, folk vulnerability, and rock bravado. Viele’s voice, capable of both gravelly growls and open-hearted howls, anchors every track with conviction.
We sat down with Frank to learn more about the album, what makes him tick, his journey so far and much more in this interview at Music Crowns!
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Hey Frank, welcome to Music Crowns! How are you doing?
I’m doing well. I think? I’m assuredly some kind of blend of excitement, nervousness, exhaustion, exhilaration, determination, and a whole bunch of creative energy jumbled together right now, which feels about right for an album release cycle.
You’ve cited legends like Springsteen, Seger, and Petty as inspirations. What was it about their music that resonated with you the most?
I think those artists had the perfect blend of passion, poetic creativity, authenticity, soul, and drive in their music. There’s also a juxtaposition in their catalog that shows both the more forceful rocking side of their personality and the more empathetic, introspective and soft side of their human condition. I see myself inside that duality and I think it’s why I’m so drawn to their music.
You started your musical journey by listening to your grandmother play piano—how did those early moments shape the musician you are today?
To me, those early memories of music operate now as a reminder as to why music is important. The sounds my gramma could make on that piano drew me in at such a young age and over 30 years later I can still hear them in my mind if I try hard enough. It created a special bond between her and I that forever shaped me as a person. And to this day, whenever I need to find my sense of peace before walking on stage or behind the microphone in the studio, I close my eyes and think of those memories and remind myself of just how powerful music is.
‘The Trouble With Desire’ feels deeply personal. What was the emotional core of this album for you?
While I think I’ve always carried my heart on my sleeve as a songwriter, this album is definitely my most unfiltered and honest collection of songs to date. After so many years on the road, I gained a lot of perspective on life, love, my past, and overall just who I am as a human being. This record covers a lot of those topics and was written during a time of deep introspection when I was discovering the double edge sword of extreme empathy amidst an internal search of personal understanding. Writing this record was a cathartic process during that journey and I think the “in your face humanity” inside of a lot of the songs is helping the record connect with people on a stronger level.
The title track explores the addictive nature of desire—was there a specific moment or experience that inspired this song?
Absolutely! It was during the lock down period of the pandemic – about 5 weeks in. It was the first time I had been home for longer than two weeks straight in over 10 years. I didn’t feel at home in my own little house, and I started to realize that my determination to get my music heard had blinded me to all of the things that matter most in this world. Things like family, community, purpose, love, friendship, self care, etc. had taken a back seat for a long time and when I was forced to slow down by situations outside of my control, it made me realize how much i was missing out on. I started conceptualizing The Trouble With Desire that day.
You’ve played everywhere from open mics to parking lots at Dave Matthews concerts. What’s the most memorable gig you’ve ever played?
I played youth baseball as a kid in Milford, CT. I was terrible. Those years were definitely not highlights of my youth. But 15 years later, I got to go on that same ball field in Milford and open for Blues Traveler playing my songs in front of over 5,000 people. That’s definitely one of the most memorable gigs for me. Both because I love Blues Traveler and because there’s some vindication there for my sub par little league career.
Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. What’s your go-to way to recharge while on the road?
Late check out at the hotel! Getting a 1pm check out at a hotel on tour is like winning the lottery for me. I also love going record shopping on tour. I can hunt through old record shops for hours searching for old blues records, vintage R&B 45’s, or old gospel records.
If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and why?
Bill Withers. He had such a special way about him. There’s such a simple magic in so many of his songs. To just be in the presence of that creative process would be an absolute gift in my eyes.
And finally – what do you hope listeners take away from ‘The Trouble With Desire’?
A few things I think. One, life is short so live your days with purpose and kindness. Two, empathy is powerful. Three, when you mix love, determination, compassion, perspective, and understanding with that empathy, this world opens up in very beautiful way. Four, call your mom and tell her how much you love her!
