Clash Magazine sat down with Virginia-born artist and producer Frankie Beanie ahead of his headline show at Camden's Barfly, discussing his new project supermodel* and the eight-point manifesto that shaped it. Launched in 2025 after a turbulent attempt to break into the Los Angeles music scene, the project reflects Frankie's rejection of image-driven "vibes-based" artistry in favour of substance, a principle he says he had to consciously resist falling into himself after moving to LA.

The project's October 2025 EP, 'supermodel ep*', includes the standout track 'i used to live in england', a Streets-influenced song recalling his years studying at Liverpool's LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), complete with references to meal deals, rail travel and a semi-fictionalised anecdote about The 1975's Ross MacDonald. The Camden gig marked Frankie's first UK visit in three years since leaving; he also reflected on his path from Virginia to Liverpool, including his earlier band's signing to Liverpool label 3 Beat, which had a prior UMG arrangement and once signed Skepta.