Frank Hart
Musician and Author
Musician | Author | Pastor
I’m the frontman for Atomic Opera, a solo artist, pastor & worship leader for NewChurch (a local church in Katy, Texas), public speaker, and record producer. My first book, "Joyride: A Beginning in Every End" is available now. I’m also a happy husband and father.
This website is a place for sharing my ideas, my projects and staying in contact. Look around, stay a while.
Welcome.
Introductions…
If you don’t really know me, I figure some introductions are in order. I’ll let some of my dearest friends introduce us. They wrote these for the “Joyride” book. I love these people.
Dug Pinnick – King’s X
I remember vividly seeing Frank sitting at the first table to my left at the Hanger in Springfield Missouri, the local bar where King’s X were playing (as Sneak Preview.) We were doing our last show before we moved to Houston Texas. He looked so serious that I thought that he didn’t like us. LOL!! Fast forward a few years, Frank had moved to Houston along with several other musicians I knew from Springfield. We had a small music community that was growing with King’s X and Sam Taylor there. We all hung out a lot, worked together on projects, and went to the same church. Frank’s band Atomic Opera!? I don’t think I ever missed a show when they played if I was in town. Loved that band! Joyride is still one of my favorite songs. And oh so many many memories. Seems like yesterday.
Matt Popovits – Pastor St Mark Houston
Frank Hart is a singer, songwriter, producer, artist, theologian, and multi-faceted musician. He’s also a wonderful friend and partner in ministry.
I had the blessing of serving alongside a man whom I believe is an unmatched gift to God’s Kingdom. As the Director of Music and Liturgy, Frank’s job was massive: develop worship leaders, create an environment of theologically faithful yet culturally connected worship, and on Sundays lead a large congregation in worship through music, teaching and sarcastic wit. Like I said, a huge task. Yet he did it wonderfully.
It helps that he’s upheld by a great wife, Kim–his high school sweetheart–and two children, who are as creative and Jesus focused as their daddy.
Over the years Frank has toured the world as frontman for Atomic Opera and has released numerous solo and children’s albums. (He’s also an accomplished producer, by the way.) But by far his greatest work is in the local church. I can’t imagine leading community of faith without his insight, humor, and skill at my side. I count his friendship and partnership as a prized possession.
Frank and I worked side by side for seven years; laboring together to lead a community of faith that, for us, was unlike any other. It was an incredible season in my life. But the best part was not the work. The best part was, and is, the friendship. To have Frank as a part of your life is to be changed. He magically infuses story, laughter, deep meaning, relentless truth and good beer into every encounter. There is no one like him.
One of the reasons I love his book is because it finally gives the world a glimpse of a man that they need to know, but who I, despite my best efforts and deep love, so often fail to aptly describe. More importantly, in these pages, you also happen to discover the grace, the goodness, and the humor of God. That’s how life is with Frank Hart. His one-of-a-kind presence looms large, but in the end it’s always Jesus who shines the brightest.
Jonathan Marshall – Atomic Opera
I was probably introduced to him at church sometime around the age of 15, but I actually met Frank watching him onstage in Love In Grey. My dad loved the band, and, being an awesome father, he would take his underage son along to the shows much to the chagrin of the nightclub staff. Those performances held me spellbound. I was in musical ecstasy, but I was also in despair because it revealed the total inadequacy of my fledgling songwriting.
So Frank crushed my creative self-image at an early age. I do not hold this against him for two reasons: 1) He did not mean to do this. 2) He taught me how to actually write songs. It took many years, and it was sometimes painful. I might have even not admitted it when I was in my early twenties, but there is no denying it. For good or ill, I am the musician, songwriter, performer I am today because of Frank Hart.
We initially related to one another as master and apprentice. I expected him to teach me how to become the embodiment of the dark, moody modern heavy rock ideal. Instead, he liked board games, funny movies, whimsical absurd statements and laughing frequently. Thank God he disappointed me, and our relationship shifted over the years from mentor/protégé to friends.
So now we’ve been lifelong friends. Frank can particularly appreciate this statement because it is not literally true. He calls me Mr. Literal, and there is good reason for this, but there you go, Frank, in this instance, I exaggerated. I do think it’s true though. We have been friends for 25 years, through some amazing times. We rehearsed 5 nights a week, recorded albums, made videos, toured playing countless live shows. There were also dark times where Frank didn’t like me very much, and I cannot blame him.
These times are in the past though, and what we are left with is an amazing friendship, refined in fire. We play music together with joy, we talk about our children, our jobs, drink beer. That said, sometimes I still catch myself feeling like that 15 year old kid, and it shocks me to realize that Frank sees me as his friend and equal.
One thing I know, Jesus Christ is the only reason we are where we are in relation to the world and one another so praise be to Him that I can call Frank Hart friend.
Allison Smythe – Writer/Artist
When Jesus began his ministry he walked the streets of Bethany, handpicking the individual men who would become his disciples, the friends with whom he would walk through triumph and heartbreak, through the lonely, agonized nights and joyous days his life was called to bear. From among all the faces in the crowds, He made precise choices of who would be his followers. Nathanael presumed he’d discovered Jesus after Philip encouraged him to “come and see” but Jesus said hey, I’d already seen you and known you before Philip had a clue. You didn’t find me, I found you.
Frank and I have seen each other through many beginnings and endings, mourned many things, celebrated others. I have been inspired, supported, challenged and changed through our relationship. Though I might once have thought we chose our friendship many years ago, I have come to believe it was a prearranged gift. Jesus referred to his disciples as “those you have given me.” Frank was given to me. I am a better person for it.
Johnny Simmons – Atomic Opera
Frank is the kind of guy who will notice that Scripture doesn’t explicitly forbid eating people. As best man at my wedding, he toasted us with the lyrics to “Slow Ride.” That in addition to his extraordinary talent, love for the Triune God, and selfless friendship are why I love him as much as you will after finishing this book.
Ben Huggins – Galactic Cowboys
I can’t recall first meeting Frank. It’s almost as if I always knew him. Although, I only knew him in part those early years. He was much like a dark literary character that brooded and wrote much poetry about pain and rain. It wasn’t until I was invited to a birthday celebration that I was privy to the inner Frank that lay hidden in the recesses of his dyed black clothing. Not having been to one of these gatherings before, combined with my financial state as a starving artist, I arrived sans gift or card. To my surprise and slight embarrassment, cards and gifts did abound that day. So I took it upon myself to look for whatever could be Macgyvered into a proper gift. As it turns out, there is virtually nothing available at an Indian restaurant to cobble together a proper gift. So I stole away to the bathroom, unrolled a length of toilet paper, and created a handwritten birthday card. Realizing I was taking a risk, not knowing for sure what kind of response my personalized gift would engender, I sat slightly out of Frank’s direct line of sight as he read the makeshift card. To my delight, the hidden Frank was revealed. His uncontrolled grin and genuine laughter was the beginning of a long and strange friendship. Since that day I have been able to count on Frank for everything from beautiful brooding poetry to spontaneous sophomoric jokes, and everything in between. He has inspired me with his energy and ability to persevere in the face of adversity. As a friend and admirer, I can’t wait to see what he does next. I’m sure whatever it is, it will make me smile and think.
Jeff Hart – Brother
Servant, Husband, Daddy, Grandfather, Son, Uncle, Commander, and Grand Master—I answer to all of these titles but left out one. This title I hold very dear as it has nourished my soul, strengthened my character, and for years given me a place to land. This title is Frank’s little brother. Frank led me to Christ as a boy and continues to fortify my walk to this day. His perspective is always truthful and given in love.
I have lived in his shadow my entire life. It’s a place I retreat to when I’m out of answers. No appointment needed. I remember once having called him while driving away from a meth lab bust to sooth my spiritual doubts. After the call as I continued to drive home I recalled him doing this when I was a boy. He soothed my fears by explaining God’s heart to me. It wasn’t verbose, it was precise and exactly what I needed to hear. Memories of conversations began to pour into my mind as I continued home. It was then that I realized my comfort in his shadow.
There have been few to pound this Earth that I look up to. My big brother Frank is one of them. He’s the one in the room you cannot take your eyes off of and listen to when he speaks. He ministered to me in a way I could hear from no other person.
JOYRIDE: A Beginning in Every End
Where are you going in Life?
My first book is perfect for when you are looking for clarity and direction in life. Today is preparing you for tomorrow—there’s a beginning in every end.
Perfect for the seeker in your life.
Even if the seeker is you.
Brief descriptions of the music I have released and where you can find it.
ATOMIC OPERA "FOR MADMEN ONLY" (20 Years Later)
This is the first Atomic Opera album. It was released in 1994 by Giant/Warner Bros. Records. I'm very proud of this record and it still sounds great all these years later. It was out of print for twenty years but has been remastered and is once again available—with bonus tracks:
"Joyride (Alternate Version)"
"Hammer"
"Magic Castle"
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of the right groove must click.
FRANK HART "LIVING CREATURES PROJECT"
Modern Worship. Classic Rock.
This is an album of twelve songs inspired by working on the front line of the Great Commission. They are MANLY worship songs that will appeal to men who follow Jesus and the women who love them. Musically, this is not a jing-jangely, strum-dumily, business as usual worship album; it takes its direction from the classic pioneers of rock music.
I was the music director at CrossPoint Church for eleven years; this music is what happened when my love for rock music and singing in church collided.
Ancient truth. Modern Sound.
WORSHIP OUT LOUD.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Bandcamp and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of classic rock and followers of Jesus will want to check this out.
FRANK HART "HUMAN LITURGY"
These are songs that didn't fit on an Atomic Opera album but were favorites of friends and family. They were also well received when I played solo shows. The songs are somewhat acoustic and personal. I started imagining these songs compiled as an autobiographical album, and Human Liturgy was born. Musically, it sounds like it could be from a lot of places. Although the music was written and recorded in Texas it feels like it could be from anywhere east of the sunrise or west of the sunset. The record is driven by acoustic guitar. A lot of the instrumentation is eclectic and fun, ranging from the exotic sounds of sitar, doumbek, and udu to the more folksy tones of hammered dulcimer, mandolin, and piano. A lot of friends make appearances on this record. Kemper Crabb played many instruments and sang harmony. Trip Wamsley adds his fretless bass be-wonderment throughout. Johnny Simmons plays various percussion and full drumset. Mandy Campbell and Maggie Raveneau of December's End add violin, viola, and cello to really make the songs soar. There is an otherworldly feel to this record somewhere between prayer and dreaming.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of all beautiful music that aches will not want to miss this album.
ATOMIC OPERA "PENGUIN DUST"
The first independent Atomic Opera album and follow up to our critically acclaimed Warner Brothers/Giant Records 1994 release, "For Madmen Only." It was recorded at my house in Houston, TX. These are songs that Jonathan Marshall, Jonas Velasco and Mark Poindexter helped me work on before they left the band. Kemper Crabb makes his first Atomic appearances on this record. Jerry Gaskill (King’s X) helped work out all the grooves and played on the basic tracks (I like to think his ghost can still be heard). I also had a little help from Todd Bragg and Garett Buell of Caedmon's Call. This is an album that really wants to be turned up loud.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of intelligent heavy music, grooves,melody and harmony will dig it.
ATOMIC OPERA "ALPHA & ORANGES"
When we recorded "For Madmen Only" we had a bunch of extra songs. We had recorded several demos as well as studio tracks that didn't fit on the first album. That’s where these tracks came from. They were all produced by Sam Taylor and recorded by Steve Ames in Houston, Texas studios between 1990-1993. Some of them were recorded at night when King's X was using the studio during the day on the same gear.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of For Madmen Only and early King's X will love this.
ATOMIC OPERA "GOSPEL COLA"
Atomic Opera did one album for Metal Blade Records. Gospel Cola was the collarboration of what I affectionately call Atomic Opera V 2.0: Kemper Crabb, Johnny Simmons, Ryan Birsinger, and myself. I think this is a pretty deep album, both musically and lyrically. Heavy, dark and delicious with a nice carbonated bite.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of thought provoking music should give it a taste test.
FRANK HART "Fantastical Amazingly Jesus Christmas"
The Classic Rock Christmas album you've been needing in your life. A collection of my favorite Christmas songs, fine-tuned over several years as my friends and I played our annual Christmas concerts. We bend and twist well known songs into some pretty fantastical amazing arrangements. Each year I was asked the same question, “Are you guys ever gonna record this Fantastical Amazing music?” I finally did, and I think your Christmas party is gonna rock this year.
Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else.
Fans of timeless Christmas music and Classic Rock need this album.
The album that started it all.
In 1994 the Atomic groove began
Have you cranked up Joyride on your car stereo? Then you already know. Have you listened to Justice? I Know Better? New Dreams? What about December? You’re not going to understand if you haven’t. You need to listen to the record.
After playing the Houston music circuit for a few years, we got the attention of Warner Brothers Records and went into the studio with Sam Taylor to make the best album we could make. This record is what it sounds like when dreams come true.
You’ll see.
Frank’s Teaching (NewChurch)
Katy Christian Magazine Image
Frank Hart Videos
From Various Projects
St Francis — One day I turned on a video camera and let the tape roll while I wrote and played whatever instruments I had laying around. It’s all one take, all on the fly. I just kept layering it, then I used the prayer attributed to St Francis for the lyrics. My friend Zach Meeks mixed it.
Justice — From For Madmen Only.
It was a big deal when we got to make our first music video. Some of it was shot in west Texas in Big Bend Park, some across the Rio Grande in Mexico, and some in an abandoned warehouse in Dallas. It was played on MTV about 20 times, so we felt like legit rock stars!
Kemper Crabb plays the shaman who is making all the injustice and weird fever dreams happen.
Joyride — From For Madmen Only.
This was our 2nd music video. For this one, I came up with a bunch of bizarre images (seems to be a theme) to illustrate the ways that sin keeps us from living in the moment. Unfortunately, our record company went out of business before the video was finished, so some of the effects are placeholders (and it was never aired).
There are lots of friends in the video: Kemper returns as the shaman, Thadd Grimm, Allison Smythe, Allie Velasco, Blake Norris, Josh Godard, Charity Whitworth, and others.
Jesus Give Us Love — From Living Creatures Project.
My good friend Elizabeth Linder agreed to help with this time-lapse music video. I gave her a list of a bunch of illustrations to bring the lyrics alive and she slowly painted them one by one—over the course of about 10 hours. By the end, the oil paint was so thick on the canvas that when she swirled it all together it made a black vortex that barely kept from dripping onto the floor. I asked her to sign it, and it hangs in my living room. The two young girls were supposed to represent Elizabeth when she was different ages (not sure that comes through). The older girl is my daughter Von Behr (who was taking art lessons from Elizabeth). The younger girl was the daughter of a friend. Thanks to Rob Camper for helping with the video cameras and lights.
Christ Before Me — From Living Creatures Project.
Some of the guys who played on the album agreed to play in a music video. Alan Doss on drums, David Wallace on bass, Scott Bushel on keys, and Nick Taylor on guitar. Rob Camper helped with cameras and lights.
Jesus Has Overcome the World — from Living Creature Project.
Performed by Frank Hart & Max Dyer
It was 2020 and this was just about the only way to play music with people—the nice thing is we had time to do these kinds of experiments. Playing with friends who are a thousand miles away was a nice treat.
Atomic Opera For Madmen Only 20 Years Later Concert (Original Lineup).
I asked Jonathan Marshall, Jonas Velasco, and Mark Poindexter to play a concert celebrating the twenty year anniversary of FMO’s release. Mark came back to Texas from Louisiana to rehearse a few times (we went to his place once). It was pretty special—none of our kids had ever seen Atomic Opera play. We did the show in the same rock club where we were signed to the record deal—Zelda’s (Downstairs at Fitzgerald’s—both are gone now).
Atomic Opera Live in New Orleans opening for Dio in 1994.
We did this set many, many times. Touring was a lot of fun—I miss those days. Bonus, the food was amazing at Tipitinas.
Atomic Opera Acoustic Set for a radio station while on tour in 1994.
One of our superpowers was that Jonas could switch to guitar and I could play cello to recreate really cool versions of our songs. Plus, the four part harmonies always surprised people. Thadd Grimm managed to get this one on video for us.
Atomic Opera — “Achilles’ Heel” from For Madmen Only live in 1995.
Atomic Opera music video for “Hammer” (The song that never made an album).
After we lost the record deal, we made a few demos trying to get something going. A bunch of our Houston friends showed up to stand in line in a cemetary and do weird things for the camera (Many Marshalls: David, Marlyn, Frank, Seth, Ethan, Jonathan. Ben, Maggie, Micah, and Shane Huggins, Dave Hartung, Allison Smythe, Ryan Birsinger, Allie and Jonas Velasco, and others) My wife, Kim, shot the band footage. We climbed the fence and shot it in an abandoned warehouse (got finished before we were kicked out!)
Atomic Opera music video for “God of Hate.” (Demo version)
Another demo. A different version of this song was included on Penguin Dust. Kim is the videographer again—this time on the beach in Galveston. Fun fact: Jonathan’s “fight” in the video is with his girlfriend, Yanika, that he will marry. The young boys are Ethan and Seth Marshall. The baby in the trash is Jonas and Allie’s daughter Charis. The child bride and groom are Abby and Jackson Hime.
Love in Grey (Frank’s band before Atomic Opera)
Live at Backstage Club in 1989.
Eric Hancock on guitar, Jeff Alan on drums.
Atomic Opera on tour in Japan (TV interview and concert footage) 1999.
Frank Hart Living Creatures Project CD release concert in 2014.
Living Creatures: Jonathan Marshall (Acoustic Guitar), Alan Doss (Drums), David Wallace (Bass), Scott Bushel (Keys), Nick Taylor (Electric Guitar), Rob Camper (Percussion/Street Preacher). Special performances by Maddie Grimm (Poetry Girl), and the Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir. Shot at CrossPoint church in Katy, Texas. Mixed by David Hartung.
Frank Hart plays “Love is as Strong as Death” (From Gospel Cola)
with friends in 2014.
(Josh Adams, David Wallace, Nick Taylor, Scott Bushel, Alan Doss)
Hark The Herald Angels — Live from the Fantastical Amazingly Jesus Christmas concert in 2012.
VoxCon Talk. I gave a presentation on how to use humor in preaching and teaching. How to find humor in serious subjects and how to use those funny parts to make the hearers more open and receptive to what you have to say. It might even have some funny parts.
This is a playlist of what I call my “Must Watch Messages” from NewChurch. Basically, these are the ones that people said, “Dude, that’s my new favorite!”