Step into the world of The Trusted as we chat to frontman Tom Cunningham taking the opportunity to dive into the band’s heartfelt songcraft, creative process, energetic live performances, and more. Get ready to uncover what makes them stand out in what proved to be an entertaining chat!
Good to have you here for the interview. So, what time did you wake up today? Was it out of choice or necessity?
I woke up at 6:45 but that was due to the fact it was so bloody hot!
Now, let’s get to know you better. Who are you, and what do you “do”?
My name is Tom, and I am the guy who sings in The Trusted.
As the lead singer of The Trusted, it’s clear what role you personally take. But for those unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe it?
I’d say it’s guitar music with heart and soul. I like to think we write emotional guitar music, whatever that means.
Speaking of your music, out of your own tracks, do you have a current favourite? If so, why is it special to you?
Probably “Doomsday,” as it’s still new and fresh. It’s also great to jump around to.
Can you share a bit about your musical background? How did you first get into music, and when did you realize it was your passion?
I’ve been performing all my life. As a toddler, I was drawn to performing and singing. As I got older, that never really went away. I joined my first band at 12 and realized, this is what I want to do!
Your creative approach sounds intriguing. Have you experimented with any unique or unconventional recording techniques in the studio?
There have been a few times when we’ve used a laptop built-in microphone to record things.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you have a specific routine or approach?
Again, it’s different every time. Most of our songs have been written by us just jamming in a room together. It’s all about finding the right feeling and emotion and building from that.
Your music is often emotionally driven. What inspires your lyrics and melodies? Are there specific sources or experiences that heavily influence your songwriting?
I find inspiration in everyday life and my own personal reactions to things. I’m quite an emotionally led person, so I use that as a source to construct melodies and lyrics.
Do you often make significant changes to songs during the recording process, or do you try to preserve the essence of your original demos as much as possible?
Oh, 100%. We are also open to making songs better at every stage. If we hear or think of something while recording, we will definitely try it! We try not to be too precious when it comes to demos. As songs have also evolved and some are still evolving despite being out on Spotify for a few years.
It sounds like each band member contributes uniquely to your music. Could you describe the role that each of you plays in the creative process and how your individual strengths shape The Trusted’s sound?
This is a hard question to answer as the process is quite blurry. We all bring different ideas to the table. I think our bass player Fin’s classical piano background is quite a unique skill that has really helped the creative process, but apart from that, we all approach it in different ways every time.
How do you know when a studio session is completed? Is it more of a feeling or a set plan?
Hahaha, we don’t! It often takes our producer to say, ‘okay, that’s enough!’
With influences ranging from classic new-wave icons to contemporary artists, as your sound evolves, do you see yourselves exploring new musical territories in the future?
We’re always experimenting. We’ve been playing with synths and drum machines a lot recently, and I think this is definitely going to push our sound forward.
Balancing experimentation and maintaining your identity is crucial. How do you ensure your inspirations blend cohesively with The Trusted’s unique sound?
No matter what we try or experiment with, everything we make still comes from the same four guys. It’s us as people who keep The Trusted sounding like The Trusted.
Your live performances are known for their high energy. Can you describe the atmosphere and emotions you aim to create at your shows? What do you hope audiences take away from the experience?
Our shows are very high energy. We are not a standstill and just play kind of band. We want to connect with people emotionally, and we hope people leave our shows with a sense of connection to our songs.
Before hitting the stage, do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions you follow?
I tend to just pace around a lot. My pre-gig ritual is ‘walking‘ ahahaha. As a band, we don’t really have any.
Technology can enhance live shows in various ways. How do you incorporate digital tools and technology to enhance your performances?
We are all for technology as a band. Obviously, the phone is a powerful tool. Sometimes I like to film the crowd on my phone from the stage to capture a band’s POV. This is sometimes a good way to showcase that live music energy from the other side.
Touring experiences often provide memorable moments. Could you share any anecdotes from your European tours that have influenced your growth as a band?
Our drummer Dave once drunkenly got on this random bike and cycled around this small Italian square. He, of course, kind of crashed it. It was very funny but also taught us that as a band, we should stay away from bikes.
How do you kill time on the road, and have you picked up any new hobbies during your travels?
For us, 8 ball pool is a great time killer. Our guitarist Dale is obsessed with it and wipes the floor with us every time… well, nearly every time.
Performing at different venues is exciting. Do you have a favourite venue, and what makes it special to you?
Our hometown venue Chinnerys has a special place in our hearts. We’ve had some great shows there.
With numerous live shows, has there been a song you’ve grown tired of performing? If so, which one and why?
All of them ahahahha. They all get a place in the sun as the most boring song to play. Depending on the day.
Music journeys often start with discovering favourite records. What was the first record/tape/CD you ever bought?
I think it was Elbow, ‘Build A Rocket Boys!‘ when I was 14.
What was the first concert you ever attended, and how did it impact you?
Peter Gabriel, Growing Up Tour 2003. I was 6 or 7 years old. Literally changed my life.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
“The Narcissist” By Blur.
What was the last show you paid for and queued up to see?
Jack White.
What’s the most significant or bizarre fan encounter you’ve experienced?
Not bizarre, but the other day, I signed a guy’s guitar. Was pretty cool, ngl.
The local scene is vital for emerging artists. Are there any other bands or artists from your local scene that you believe deserve more recognition?
Check out Wooden Giraffes. Great band!
If you could record any cover in the world, what song would you choose and why?
“Ultraviolet (Light My Way)” by U2. It’s my favourite song of all time, so I would like to see what my own version sounds like.
If you could have any fictional character as a band member, who would it be, and what instrument would they play?
I think Tony Soprano on drums would be cool. I imagine he would be a great drummer, and also on ‘The Sopranos,’ it’s clear that he has good musical taste.
If you could bring any artist back from the dead, but in exchange, you’d send a living artist down, who would you choose and why?
The world has really struggled since the death of Bowie, so I would bring him back. I would exchange myself for the sake of the world!
Success means different things to different people. How do you individually and as a band define and measure success in the context of your musical journey?
As a band, success is just having an effect on one person. If we can change just one person’s life with our music, we will have succeeded. For me, the day I get a backstage rider, I’ll be happy!
A big thank you to Tom for sharing his passion and music with us in this engaging interview! Their heartfelt songwriting and energetic performances truly set The Trusted apart. Stay tuned as they continue to make their mark in the music world!
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