A Chat with The Trusted (09.01.24)
Do you want a brilliant band that keeps the hits coming? Look no further than The Trusted! Bringing a unique blend of indie-rock, alternative rock and indie-pop, the UK-based foursome is perfect for a road trip, a night out, at a festival, or while you stare into space with a grin on your face. We speak with vocalist Tom Cunningham about their new EP Lost Souls, what makes them unique, annoying stuff and future plans.
OSR: Our last interview with you was quite some time ago in 2018. Since then, what has The Trusted been up to?
Cunningham: We’ve basically been gigging, releasing music and growing. We’re still here, same four guys despite everything the world has thrown at us. We saw many bands split up during the Covid era and it was defo a scary time but hey, here we are!
OSR: You recently released your EP Lost Souls. What can you tell us about the EP? Is there a particular theme or backstory to it?
Cunningham: We recorded all these songs at the same time so they all kind of fit together in their own way. All of these songs deal with emotion and they all act as internal conversations. ‘Doomsday‘ for example is a song about panic and psychological breakdowns. ‘Lost Soul’ on the other hand is a song about wrestling with feelings of jealousy and loneliness.
OSR: What was the production experience of Lost Souls like?
Cunningham: It was very smooth. We have a great relationship with our producer, Rees Broomfield. We are able to experiment and try things in the studio whilst simultaneously keeping things on track. It’s always the perfect balance between a relaxed and productive atmosphere.
OSR: If you had to, what would you change about Lost Souls?
Cunningham: I think add another song…haha. Not for any reason other than I love putting music out. The more the better! We are sitting on so much unreleased stuff and we can’t wait to get that out!
OSR: I’ve heard that track placement in an album is really important. What do you think about this and how has it been used on Lost Soul?
Cunningham: I think it’s very important. We wanted to create a journey with Lost Soul. There are a lot of different textures and soundscapes. We wanted to make sure the listener’s experience felt balanced. The track listing needs to keep taking you to new places. We think we’ve done that.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Cunningham: We just want them to “feel” something. We want our music to affect people emotionally so we hope they get something from these songs. We are an emotional band.
OSR: Do you feel your music is an adequate representation of The Trusted’s sound at the moment?
Cunningham: I think so. There are several soundscapes and textures present on this EP and I think the overall vibe really shows off what we do best.
OSR: What makes The Trusted unique?
Cunningham: That’s a tough one to answer. I think it has something to do with how we approach our sound. It’s kind of all over the place but at the same time distinctive.
OSR: Random questions: What is something that instantly annoys you?
Cunningham: My bandmates… Nah joking. Ummm, probably talent shows. I hate talent shows.
OSR: Where is the last place you’ve been where you felt completely out of place
Cunningham: I was in this restaurant in London last year and I felt like I didn’t belong there. I don’t know why, but I felt like an imposter. A weird feeling.
OSR: What do you think is the most useful skill to know?
Cunningham: The skill of songwriting. The best way to deal with bad emotions and clear your head.
OSR: So, what does the future hold for The Trusted?
Cunningham: We just want to keep growing and getting better at being a band. Hopefully, more music and shows.
OSR: Do you have any message for our readers
Cunningham: Keep listening!
Many thanks to Tom Cunningham for speaking with us! For more from The Trusted, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
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