Sum 41’s Frank Zummo perfects his rocktronic sound with “On My Mind” featuring Grabbitz

Known most prominently as the drummer in Sum 41 since 2016, Frank Zummo has spent 2021 bringing his extensive rock and drumming expertise to dance music. The latest step in this crossover is the release of “On My Mind” featuring Grabbitz, which marks Zummo’s sixth release on Jauz’s Bite This! label this year.

“On My Mind” shows Frank on drums, with co-production from FourNames and Grabbitz, as Grabbitz’s vocals tell an emotional story of having a lost lover on your mind. The accompanying music video gives fans a look into what Zummo’s new solo drumming act would look like.

After lockdown stripped away Zummo’s primary form of creative expression and touring with Sum 41, he carved out some new outlets for himself. This included exploring his own solo sound in the dance music space, which Zummo dove into head first to save himself and his mental health. The result includes his latest six releases on Bite This!, including “Sick” with Jauz and “Night Rider” with Neffex. He also launched his motivational drum workshops for kids, Frank Zummo X School Of Rock Workshop Tour, where he toured the west coast with Laird Superfood teaching kids about drumming and live music.

Frank’s rock legacy is undeniable – other projects Zummo has in his pocket include: Motley Crue (filled in for Tommy Lee during a hand injury), Krewella, Gary Numan, Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots’ late singer), Julien-K, Dead By Sunrise, Kayzo, Dhani Harrison, and many more.

What’s your story as an artist?

I’m living the dream that I set out on from a very young age and have had tunnel vision to stay on that path. My goal is to inspire, give back, keep pushing & growing as an artist and human. Stepping out on this solo journey and creating with so many amazing artists has been life changing and beyond therapudic!

What inspired this single?

3 dear friends getting together to create something uplifting, drum heavy and touching lyrics.

What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?

My goal of this project is to inspire, uplift and take the listener on an emotional ride. The sources of inspiration will come from my children/family to athletes I train with and a lot of wellness & positive movement! Then of course a lot of music and artists.

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the album?

Everytime I showed my 2 toddler sons the tunes, It was always amazing and funny to see their reaction. Most of the time it was them going completely nuts and if they said “again” (after the first listen) I knew we had a great song!

Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it?

We wanted to make a raw performance video that was shot cinematically beautifully. Director John Asher really nailed it and we all had a blast making it!

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

Odesza’s “A Moment Apart” was the record that really inspired me to pursue my solo career and even more after seeing them live.

Who is an artist or band you look up to today?

Twenty One Pilots, Illenium, Tycho, Phantogram, Mansionair, Odesza & Purity Ring

Any future projects?

I’m working on the next round of music and also some really fun collabs. Then working on more solo live shows for 2022 and building the live show/production.