My Exclusive Interview With Trin Alex

For Trin Alex, songwriting isn't just a hobby. It's also a way for her to process her emotions, celebrate nature and let others know that they're not alone, even when they're at their lowest. When you listen to her music, you might feel some comfort, too--and while you're at it, you'll appreciate her rich vocals and heavy production that draw you into a world of Colorado landscapes and faded childhood memories. This is the time to jump in early, because Trin Alex just might be the next big star in the indie world.

1. Your latest single, "dead," has a heavy, feverish sound that makes me imagine abandoned churches and motels. How did this song come to be, and what did you want to convey to your listeners? Did you have any particular place or situation in mind while you were recording?

Thank you, that’s exactly what I was going for (the abandoned feel!) This song actually came together pretty quickly…I was having a depressive episode, and it acted as an outlet for that.

With “dead,” I really wanted to capture agony, but also strength in dragging yourself out of that. Putting this together gave me the same type of imagery while recording.

2. Conversely, "Where I'm Supposed To Be" has more of a soft, luminous sound, like a childhood lullaby. If you had to choose, which production style do you prefer? Do you intentionally choose an aesthetic for each song, or does it come naturally during the songwriting process?

I definitely prefer the darker, more moody production route…sometimes a story just calls for something a little different, and that’s okay! I do intentionally stylize songs more one way than the other…however, setting the intent is deeply dependent on how I’m feeling the moment I begin the production/songwriting process.

3. Your YouTube bio mentions your struggles with mental illness and commitment to helping others. How do you want to reach people with your music? Do you have any particular message that you want listeners to take away from your work?

Yes, I’m definitely no stranger to mental health struggles, and I know so many others who’ve become entirely too familiar with that as well. That's why it’s important to me that my music continues providing a space that makes others feel safe and heard enough to open up and have the hard conversations on those topics that usually wouldn’t happen. 

The biggest message I want people to get from my work? You aren’t alone. You aren’t crazy. It’s okay to speak up. 

4. Your soulful voice brings out a lot of emotion in your music. Are you a self-trained singer, or do you have formal training? How do you take care of your voice when you're not recording?

That’s QUITE the compliment, thank you. I’ve never had any actual vocal lessons, but I’ve had a LOT of practice and pointers! Gonna be a big shocker (not really)…I know…but I was actually a choir kid for a REALLY long time! 

When I’m not recording, I make sure to do warm-ups and get practice in with both my high and low registers. I also try to hydrate and limit anything with too much acidity before practicing.

5. The "dead" album cover features a vibrant shot of you crouching in a lake with the sun shining through your dress. Did you want to invoke a particular scenario with this image, like a baptism or a cleansing? How did you come up with this concept, and what techniques did you use to get the perfect shot?

This shot actually just took some luck on timing for golden hour and willingness to be a lil chilly. It was so worth it, though, because it came out exactly how I’d wanted, mood-wise. The song is about fighting against the darkest bits of the brain; I wanted the cover to resemble what that strength was reaching for...plus, watching a beautiful sunset showcasing the beauty the world can truly offer unconditionally was always a really good way for me to end a bad day on a positive note.

6. On a similar note, how does the "dead" album cover relate to the song itself? While the track has a dark, intense sound, the cover looks more sunny and optimistic. Was this an intentional contrast, or was this photoshoot darker than it looks?

I really made the cover for “dead” the light that it is just because, again, my desire to highlight the worth in fighting. I imagine it as one of those old goofy positivity quotes that says something like,"The grass can be greener on the other side."

7. Nature features heavily in your visuals, especially your recent works. Does living in Colorado influence your music and aesthetic--and if so, how? Would you want to move to another state, or is Colorado unbeatable?

It’s kind of odd, really. It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing creative-wise. Nature is just a HUGE part of my life and healing and always has been; I greatly adore and respect her. 

Colorado can be gorgeous, for sure. I personally DREAM of living in Massachusetts, though.

8. Your music covers a wide range of emotions: sad, thoughtful, optimistic, regretful and everything in between. Do you feel like you're trying to process difficult emotions with your recordings? In the future, would you prefer to simplify your aesthetic or keep exploring different scenarios?

If there’s one thing I can wholeheartedly state about music, it’s that it’s an AMAZING outlet. It’s not just my own emotions I process through it, though. I usually take multiple experiences of my own and combine them all to make one story. HOWEVER…occasionally I get very passionate about another’s pain that resonates...and that also ends up getting heavily incorporated. 

Thinking future, I think I could actually go bigger. More whimsical and outlandish somehow. I’d be sad to limit the possibilities; that’s what makes creativity so fun and rewarding!

To stay in touch with Trin Alex, you can follow her on Instagram, YouTube and Threads and stream her tracks on Spotify, Tidal, Amazon and Apple Music.