ALL AT ONCE: ROBERT ALFONS & THE MUSIC OF TR/ST
Design by Javi Nunez, Photo by Renée Parkhurst
As we delve into the latest release, "Performance," by electro-goth artist TR/ST, we are invited on a compelling journey through a spectrum of emotions. The album effectively navigates from feelings of gloom and somberness to moments of elation and vulnerability, enhancing our anticipation for TR/ST's upcoming performance on the Modern Wav stage this Saturday, November 23rd.
Photo by Renée Parkhurst
Your new album “Performance” evokes a wide range of emotions. For instance, "Warp" transports me to the streets of downtown on a cold evening, while "Soon" immerses me in the heart of a dark dancefloor during peak hours, moving and sweating to the rhythm. Los Angeles has a rich musical heritage and a captivating lore, influenced by its diverse culture—from the glamour of Hollywood to the hidden corners of Downtown LA. Since moving to Los Angeles from Toronto, how has the city's culture shaped TR/ST's current sound and creative direction?
Things in LA are more spread out, there is stillness especially at night, a loneliness even. It sometimes feels like a small town. I think that is a big difference to other places I've lived. Some of my favorite LA moments are driving around at night or walking the hills at night with music and getting super dreamy.
You have remixed various artists, from Feist to Ionnalee. Are there any current collaborations in the works? Is there an artist or influence that tops TR/ST's wish list?
I really appreciate all the times I've been able to collaborate, it really is humbling as I realize how much I don't know about making music. I think it's a good time to start a new album, I have lots of ideas that I want to explore.
Your music showcases a wide vocal range, featuring deep, somber tones as well as bright, atmospheric melodies. This unique style is distinctly yours and appears challenging to execute. Has your vocal style evolved over the years? Are there still vocal boundaries you aim to push that we have yet to witness?
I think that over time I've been more open to attempting to make brighter music, more direct. I think when I started out I wanted it to be as murky as possible. I have noticed that as I age my higher range is much harder to maintain and so that's something to witness changing.
Photo by Renée Parkhurst, Art Direction Jamie Parkhurst
The music video for “Performance” is hauntingly beautiful. It is difficult to feel vulnerable when stepping on stage, whether in front of a few strangers or thousands. The feeling of vulnerability is relatable and is known all too well by many. However, as the song progresses, that feeling dissipates and is replaced by a sense of comfort. The song and video display this perfectly. Was there anything in particular that inspired this creative direction?
Brian did a fantastic job I think! I knew that I wanted to stay in the same creative world as the album cover, so that was really the jumping off inspiration.
Let’s chat about your production process! Which digital audio workstation (DAW) does Tr/st like to use? Do you have any favorite pieces of gear or software that you rely on? I’d love to know if there was a particular instrument or software that you found yourself using often while working on your latest album, "Performance"!
I use Ableton mostly now to record onto. The Moog Matriarch is my newest addition so that was used a lot on the album and in the live show. As well as the 2600. And always the Nord Lead 2x, which has been used throughout the entire catalogue.
From films to hobbies, even what is currently playing in your headphones, when you are not creating or touring, what do you enjoy during your leisure time that helps you unwind?
On these tours I've read both Bernard Sumner's and Peter Hook's New Order books, which have been both fantastic and entertaining. And i've listened like 1000 times to this late 70s Italian electronic recording Prati Bagnati del monte Analogo by Raul Lovisoni and Francesco Messina.
The music of TR/ST transcends any specific scene and is appreciated on various dance floors, ranging from queer spaces to alternative clubs, both in the US and internationally. Whether among the LGBTQ+ community or goth culture, your appeal is widely recognized and continues to grow. As you evolve as an artist, where do you envision your music taking you in the near future?
I have an idea of what kind of album I want to make so I intend to go work on that. I'm really grateful to be able to tour this music, the shows have been so fantastic really, so ideally I would like to take the show to new places.
Be sure to catch TR/ST in San Diego this Saturday, November 23, when they headline our first-ever Modern Wav festival! Act now and click the link below!
