OSM: Hi, for our readers who might be new to your music, please tell us how long The Trusted have been together and when did you release your first single?
So the four of us have been playing together now for six years (time flies when you’re making music) and our first single dropped in February 2017.
OSM: Has any particular artist or genre influenced your music the most?
Our influences come from all over the place and change week to week. You try and keep everything really fluid. Obviously we take a lot from other guitar driven bands like ourselves. Over the years bands like The Strokes, U2, The Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Talking Heads, Muse, The White Stripes, RATM have really shaped our approach to making music.
OSM: Your new single, ‘Arkansas’ is out now and we think it's amazing. What was the songwriting process of the track?
Ah thank you so much. Like the song, it was a very ‘gentle’ process. A lot of it was built in my bedroom on my computer haha. We were in lockdown at the time and couldn’t do what we usual do, which is meet up and write songs all together through jamming. This time we basically just sent each other little synth ideas and melodies and just shaped everything through experimentation. Because of this, Arkansas has become our most electronic song
OSM: What is the message of the song?
‘it’s okay to want more.’
Arkansas is a song about being let down by the so called good guys and escapism. Sometimes what we have is not enough. We are emotionally hungry beings and its okay to want more in life.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
The big one is trying to be heard. There is a lot of noise out there and its so difficult to cut though it all. Our biggest challenge has always been finding ways to reach out. We are still in the process of learning how to do that. I can’t lie, sometimes it can be really emotionally tough but when we do hit breakthroughs, its the best feeling in the world
OSM: The band hails from Southend-On-Sea. What is the music and live scene like there?
It is very much alive. There are so many great artists and bands coming out of Southend at the moment. Every night of the week, you can find an open mic to go watch or perform music. Its really inspiring!
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourselves? Do you have any gigs scheduled?
We are in process of organising some more headline shows so keep your eyes peeled. On the 20th August, we are supporting Youth Club at Chinnerys. We love that venue so much (and we love Youth Club).
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
I think there needs to be more investment in grassroots music and artists just starting. It’s a really tough and complex industry. With more guidance, i think you would find more and more artists/bands growing their careers faster.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
For me U2 hahaha. I love them. Would be a dream come true.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
I’m really vibing with Jack White’s new album at the moment. It’s a much more stripped back than what he usually does but the songwriting is top notch. If you haven’t already, you need to check it out!