Interview to TRENDKILL (USA)

1. Hello dear friend, pleasure to have you on Rotten Pages ´zine. How are you doing today? Let us set the scene first. Where do we find you right now? Please describe your surroundings.

We are doing well. We are hanging out in our practice space just got done running our set for the next show.

2. Let’s start with the boring basics. Care to explain to the unknowing precisely where in the world you emanate such an Groovy Aura?

We are currently residing in Columbus, Georgia, USA. You know the Deep South wasteland.

3. How much exposure did you have to extreme music growing up? Can you name some of the bands who you first really admired and helped shape your future in music?

Avery: My Dad exposed me to a lot of classic rock and early heavy metal in my childhood. Many a long drive was spent listening to Van Halen, Judas Priest, and AC/DC

Tristan: I got in extreme music around 8-10. The bands that shaped what I like today are: Metallica, lamb of god, slipknot, the acacia strain and slayer

Weed: I discovered AC/DC around 12 years old then I bought ride the lightning and it was game on. Other than that it was PanterA, slayer, megadeth and Iron Maiden.

4. As an emerging band in the extreme metal scene, what are some challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them to pave the way for your future?

So there is a very small underground scene here in our city. Specifically not a lot of variety in what little underground music there is. So it’s hard when there aren’t a whole lot of people who get into that type of stuff. So we’re just trying to get around the southeast and hopefully find a lot of people who dig our stuff.

5. For those new to Trendkill just explain the format of the band. Is it essentially a trio, right? For those unaware of who you are could you introduce yourself and what you contribute to the band?

Yes we are a power trio as we like to call it. The band was founded by Weed(guitar and lead vocals) and Tristan ( drums and vocals) along with our original bass player in the end of 2022. Then we picked up Avery(bass and vocals) in 2024 and been working hard ever since.

6. What can you tell us about it and how was the response from the underground media and the fans to the couple of tracks you already released?

So far we have been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of kind words and positive feedback from various music scenes and different cultures from around the world. We hope to bring even more heaviness to those who want to hear it.

7. What is your creative routine? Is there some piece of gear you wouldn’t be able to work without?

We don’t really have a set routine as far as doing things go except our practices. All of it! We are very partial to the gear we love and use down the the drum sticks and picks and guitar strings.

8. One of the hardest elements of metal is the ability to write actual songs that are catchy and memorable. What is the writing philosophy of the band and how do you create the overall song structures?

Essentially we all write parts of songs and lyrics. There’s not one main songwriter. Usually someone comes in with a main idea for a song then we all get together and work it out until we are happy with the finished product. For the most part, anything goes, and we experiment with a variety of ways of playing riffs, arranging songs, and layering vocals.

9. What kind of role do the lyrics play in the concept of Trendkill? How important are they?

The lyrics in our songs add to the aggressive and violent nature of the music that further emphasizes the violence and tenacity of where our songs come from: the darkness of the human condition.

10. How does the band's live performance translate the intensity and energy of your music to the stage?

We get up there and jam! Specifically, we try to let out everything we have in us through the music. We aim to make the entire Trendkill experience as visceral as possible.

11. What ways has been the best for you in order to promote the band? What do you do to reach as many interest as possible?

Well we have Facebook, instagram, Bandcamp, and our song is on all major streaming platforms. Ultimately, we go the old-school route of trying to share through word-of-mouth and play more shows.

12. How much of a DIY scene is there still left around the world that can support you if you want to tour or release an album on your own?

It is difficult to get support since DIY scenes are so vastly different and spread out, even with the internet. Not to mention we haven’t been around for that long. Hopefully we can reach enough people by the time we release a full length to go on a fairly big tour outside of our immediate area.

13. Before we wrap up this interview, I like to thank you for your time into doing this. Any final thoughts or words to the fans reading this?

You’re welcome and thank you for taking the time to interview us. We wanna say tell all your friends about us!! Also Weed and Avery also play in a sludge band called Giger so check that out as well as Avery’s dungeon synth project Disquieting! We just wanna say thanks to everyone that has supported us and bought our merch and listened to our music! Hopefully we will be in a town near you in the future!

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