He’s long been a prominent force within the Aussie hip-hop scene thanks to his work with the likes of Funkoars and A.B. Original, but now trials is set to take a step back from the mic as the prolific producer launches his debut solo single, “i’m a fucking wreck”.
Having long been a renowned performer and producer throughout his career, trials is using his new project as an opportunity focus largely on writing and production alongside a diverse range of local and international artists. For his first foray into the music world as a solo artist, trials has recruited American artist Daniyel, who lends his passionate vocals to the tune as he belts out the introspective lyrics.
A quick, two-minute affair, the track sees trials utilising slick beats, warm guitar, and Daniyel’s sharp vocals as the pair combine their talents to create a vital tune which at times teeters on the edge of the emo-rap genre.
In a statement released alongside the track, trials recalls how he and Daniyel first crossed paths, with the US artist initially calling on the Aussie producer for his own debut record. Soon enough, the pair kicked off a creative understanding, and despite their distance – with trials working out of his Adelaide home studio – the pair collaborated closely, writing their track via countless phone calls and emails.
“From the records we were already working on together, I knew his range was boundless. He has such a rare tone I’ve never worked with before. It spoke to me immediately,” trials explains. “The pockets he picks, the way he conveys emotions through subtle and overt styles: pain, promise, desire, you can feel what he’s saying through every one of his lyrics.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this amazing song with trials!” Daniyel said of the track. “I hope there’s a kid out there who can relate to what I was feeling when I wrote it.”
In addition to the tune, trials has also shared the official music video accompaniment, with director Manny Madrigal and producer Johnny Wong presenting a clip which showcases Daniyel delivering the song’s lyrics as he visits iconic locations in Los Angeles.
While it currently remains unclear as to whether “i’m a fucking mess” is the first taste of a larger body of solo work from trials, this new single is a testament to his desire to constantly grow and learn as he attempts to consistently create something unique.
“I keep constantly evolving my sound and palette. I see a song like a picture; if I’m just painting in black and white, it gets boring,” trials explains. “Collaborators bring shade, someone brings contrast and colour, before you know it, we’re working together on a detailed masterpiece I would never have achieved alone.”
trials’ “i’m a fucking wreck” is officially released today via Island Records Australia.
