Brian Franke is an independent award-winning singer/songwriter residing in the Washington, DC area. His music has been described as "honest and personal reflections" on life events, social issues, and politics. Fitting into such genres as rock, pop, and indie folk, he has drawn comparisons to Michael Stipe of REM, Elliott Smith, Howie Day, and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. In 2009 his song "Six Blocks Down" received a songwriting award in the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest. He performs in the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD areas solo and with the acoustic duo Twelve Strings. In 2010 he will release his debut album.