We love the cover of your LP – it looks a bit like a crossdressing Robert Smith. What’s the story behind it?

I took the picture myself in an old goth club in Toronto. It was a megaplex goth club I used to go to, but its closed down now. This woman was there by herself, completely dressed up, and she looked amazing so had to take her photo.

Your music’s been called ‘darkwave’, how do you feel about that tag?

This label is something which needs to be elaborated. I don’t know how to define darkwave, but I agree there’s definitely a wavy darkness to our music. At the same time though there’s also pinnacles of light in it too.

How did you and Maya meet?

Maya was drumming in Katy’s band, and at the time I had a bunch of demos which I wanted to make into full tracks- I really wanted to make a band and wanted Katy to be the drummer.

Maya’s still in [electronica outfit] Austra and you don’t always tour as a duo – what is it like playing songs without her?

I really feel that the live show is the best it’s ever been, and it feels most true to how the songs should be represented live. It was amazing working with Maya but the live show is really strong right now.

How does creating a song together work then?

We were both responsible for everything, but I wrote the lyrics. When it comes to making the beats for a track I have a unique way of using music in that I don’t understand it in the traditional way- I’m essentially a self-taught drum programmer.

What was the first record you ever bought?

The first record I ever bought was the first CD my sister introduced me to- Ace Of Base’s The Sign. This is a super dark emotional pop techno dub reggae which still stands up today.

We’ve read a few interviews where you talk about how much you enjoy food. Is food a big thing for you?

Food is important for me – I love food. Nothing’s better than taking break from music with food, I find food really inspiring. If Trust was a dish I guess it would be some sort of stew.

What kind of music are you into? We hear you’re a fan of Jan Terri, which is pretty interesting, to say the least…

Jan Terris so good, she did a Marilyn Manson opening tour and she was incredible- there’s something so genuine and open about her performance and catchy songs. Musically I’m into acts like Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, The Cocktail Twins, Burial. My big sister introduced me to Ace of Base, Real Mcoy, early 90s dance in general.

What’s your new album going to be like?

The new album will involve higher register of my vocals, a lot faster BPMs, it has a sort of bubbling quality which has some sort of twist to it, its almost like I felt as if I was pregnant with an alien when making this album.

www.ttrustt.com

Words: Zing Tsjeng
Images: Kristie Muller

The post EXCLUSIVE: Trust, ‘Sulk (Eight and a Half Remix)’ appeared first on Wonderland.

Your highly anticipated debut LP, TRST is coming out next week, tell us a bit about it.

It’s a collection of songs written over the last few years. There’s definitely a deep sense of nostalgia involved in the album, and not a retro feeling. Yet I think that the album is also about reviving and gazing. I wonder what it is? The low voice? Joy Division and New Order made stunning music, I’m honoured to be compared to them. But I don’t think our music will ever be as good.

Trust – Bulbform by Arts & Crafts

I recently attended a warehouse party Trust was involved in. How has Toronto’s unique club culture influenced you as an artist?

Toronto is a great city! Keep in mind that Carol Medina and Love Inc were from Toronto. There are a number of groups from Toronto currently making it big (Azari and iii and Egyptrixx to name a couple), do you think Toronto is having a “moment”? I’m so sick of hearing people in Toronto talk about New York being the best place in the world. Toronto has exactly what an artist needs to be successful.

And in your opinion what’s that exactly?

I think that Toronto is more affordable, there’s not such obligation for constant social life, there’s health care.

In today’s cyber culture, artists can reach fame pretty quickly, what do you think it takes to have staying power these days? Do you take this into consideration?

I get overwhelmed by the fast pace these days. I’m someone who simply can’t rush, I’ve spent 5 years with some of the songs on this album. I’ve become so attached to songs in the past that I’d get scared to let anyone listen. For the future, I hope to have the opportunity to continue making and playing music that I feel passionate about.

What’s after the album, a tour perhaps? 

Yes! We’re doing some American dates in March and April and then making our first visit to the UK and Europe in May. We’re very excited!

TRST is released 02/28/12 on Arts & Crafts
Words: Allyson Shiffman

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