Interview: Trim
Trim is a UK Pop/Rock band based in Wiltshire and Berkshire. Louder Than The Music spoke with the group’s lead singer Chris Trim about their latest release 'Resolve'.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I come from a musical family, with both my parents involved in opera and operetta since their teenage years. My dad carried that on and occasionally convinced me to take part in productions. My involvement in music really took off however whilst attending a Christian youth group. The group leader would play guitar and lead us in song. When the group leader moved on, there was no one to lead the music. Since that was my favourite part of the group, I figured someone had to do it. So, I learnt a few chords and jumped in with both feet.
Meanwhile I had been writing songs, even before I could play an instrument. It seemed like such a natural way to express myself and my creativity. These early songs were not performed outside of my own company, but they were a great starting place for what would become a long relationship with songwriting.
Tell us about your new album 'Resolve' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Resolve is Trim’s third release. It is also our first full studio album. Following the release of our self-titled EP, I began to gather a band. I had previously written songs myself, without the help of other musicians or a band that could bring its own voice and creativity. When lockdown hit in 2020, I saw an opportunity to write a full album that used all of my skills and the passion of the whole Band to make a record that explored new sounds, themes and pushed the established boundaries of the past. Resolve was my chance to make music I really wanted to listen to.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
Rise Up. It pushes the boundaries of Trim the most. There’s a visceral feeling of unrest, and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Every time I listen to it, it brings up those feelings. It doesn’t pull any punches in the lyrics or in the production of the song. I never thought I’d write a ‘political’ or ‘protest’ song, but this one flowed out during lockdown. Inspired by briefings and politicians being forced into the public eye more than usual. The music is hard edged and aggressive. I definitely surprised myself writing this one.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I hope it makes people think. Songs like ‘Free’ and ‘Restart’ tackle big topics and offer some hope in tricky situations. ‘Rise Up’ might nudge listeners to consider what they think about the state of politics in their community, country or wider. Then there are songs like ‘Fools Rush’ that tackle the balance of working for your dream and making the most of all the moments in life.
Each song has a message to offer or a story to dig into. I hope people take a moment to think about each one.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Our signature sound is pop/rock with helpings of indie and blues. Catchy, exciting, emotional songs are what I’m passionate about. Ideally with riffs and hooks that’ll have you humming them as you walk home or when you’re doing the washing up! To me, that’s more important than any genre.
Influences range from Delirious?, to the Killers. Mumford and sons to the Black Keys. Imagine Dragons to U2. Lying underneath all of that is years spent singing songs of the church.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Marcus Mumford. Whenever I write a song, I strive to ‘marry’ the music and the lyrics. Each being of equal importance. Some songwriters view lyrics almost as something you ‘have’ to write, or as something that just needs to be ‘good enough’ to carry the music. It’s clear to me that lyrics are a priority for Marcus Mumford. Writing original, emotive lyrics that don’t rely on cliché.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
You mean other than headlining at the 02 Arena? Well for me I’d say success is when I sense a real connection with an audience. When I know we’re sharing a moment. Even better if we’re singing together.
What is your favourite album of all time?
El Camino, The Black Keys. That’s a really tough call, with great albums from all my influences to choose from. I stumbled across The Black Keys on a CD rack and bought the album Brothers, based entirely on the artwork. I loved it and bought El Camino before seeing them live at Reading festival. Each song is a foot stomping good time with attitude.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Inside Outside, Delirious?. I come back to this song again and again. Beautiful guitar, driving rhythm and great lyrics and vocals. It’s one that lifts me whenever I hear it.
What does the next year hold for you?
After a long road to finishing this album, becoming a father of two and moving to a new city in the meantime, I aim to keep things steady. Playing our new music to audiences that want to hear it. Allowing myself to explore some of the inspiration that’s hit me over the final months of this project. All whilst not driving my family mad. Sound ok?
