Frankie Grande on ‘Hotel Rock Bottom,’ Escapism, and Living Loudly
BY EMMALEE SULLIVAN
Frankie Grande — the internet sensation known for his vocals, glam, and playful, unhinged personality — released his debut album Hotel Rock Bottom on June 27th. I had the pleasure of chatting with Frankie during an 1824 press conference, where he opened up about everything from the album’s sonic influences to the deep personal stories behind it.
When describing the sound of Hotel Rock Bottom, Frankie cited icons like David Bowie, Imogen Heap, Madonna, Cher, and more. One standout moment from the conversation was when he shared that he brought a recorder to Epcot to capture sounds that reminded him of his childhood — a creative touch that adds emotional depth to the album. As his first full-length project, the album explores everything from childhood memories and personal trauma to the magic of surviving and thriving as his most authentic self.
Though Frankie has extensive experience performing on Broadway, he was candid about the struggles he’s faced, especially with concentration due to ADHD. He mentioned how writing songs or even focusing in meetings can be difficult — but he finds grounding in small things, like coffee, and in the peace brought by his husband and dog.
One major challenge he faced was finding his unique sound after years of Broadway work. He reflected that while Broadway tells stories, he wasn’t telling his own. As he began creating music that felt personal, he also came to appreciate the power of perspective — wanting his songs to be something people could attach their own memories to.
PHOTO FROM LA NEWS
One highlight of the album is the track “Boys,” which celebrates Frankie’s pride and identity. Its music video is set in a men’s locker room — traditionally a hyper-masculine setting — but Frankie flips the narrative, infusing it with femininity and joy. He emphasized that gay men should be able to embrace both masculinity and femininity without shame. While Frankie exudes confidence publicly, this album is yet another way he spreads that love and self-assurance to others.
Beyond “Boys,” Frankie shared other inspirations behind the album, especially the club scene — which he described as a place of safety and community. He feels most himself on the dance floor, and even recalled how, while high in the past, he’d become mesmerized by club lights — a feeling that inspired songs like “Glitter Jesus.” He credited escapism as a recurring theme in his life and art, saying it saved him countless times by allowing him to feel energy instead of pain.
PHOTO FROM FRANKIE’S INSTAGRAM
Frankie also opened up about his experience on Big Brother and how it influenced his music journey. Early on, he felt the pressure to manipulate and lie in the game, but when he returned sober and authentic, he formed deeper bonds and played more genuinely. This experience mirrored his growth as an artist — realizing his best music comes from being unapologetically himself.
PHOTO FROM THE ATLANTIC
At one point, Frankie said bluntly, “I am known for being the gayest person on Earth” — and it’s part of what makes him so lovable. He acknowledged the lack of openly gay pop stars and expressed his desire to be that voice of representation for those who need it.
While much of the album is shaped by joy and celebration, its title stems from a darker moment. When asked about the meaning behind Hotel Rock Bottom, Frankie revealed that it refers to a real hotel — the one he stayed in after the 2017 Manchester attack at his sister Ariana Grande’s concert. He described the despair of that moment, wondering, “Am I going to check out of this hotel, or am I going to check out of life?” Ultimately, it was in that moment that he chose to live and to get sober.
When creating the song “Hotel Rock Bottom,” Frankie realized many of his favorite pop songs are, at their core, sad. He leaned into that contrast — writing an upbeat, glittering track that tells a painful story underneath.
The album has now been out for just over a week, and if you haven’t listened yet, don’t worry — Frankie has a specific setting in mind for your first play. Ideally, he wants you to be somewhere loud with speakers all around you because, as he put it, “I want the music to hug you.” And, in the most Frankie way possible, he added:
“I want letters saying ‘I have hearing loss because of your album — I’m suing you.’”
