Trash N’ Privilege just finished recording an EP! Let’s hear what these guys have to say and see if they like talking trash!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Trash n Privilege came from a joke when Jim Chaffin (drums) and I were talking about finger tattoos. Like Love/Hate. I started with Break/fast and Bur/rito. TnP just stuck
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
Jim and I have known each other for a very long time. He was older than me and wore a spiked leather jacket, so I thought he was cool. He was in a Christian punk band called the Crucified which had some success. Charles McClelland and I played in a few local bands as well. A lot of time when by, Chaffin and I reconnected and started recording some stuff. We put out the first couple Trash n Privilege EP’s with just the two of us. They were cool but missing something. Charles is the most innovative guitarist I know. I tried to copy his style, but I am not good enough. I reached out and here we are. Jim knew Joe Triester who is in Strike Twelve and his bass playing rounds out our sound.
How would you describe your sound?
The best I can come up with is alternative punk / hard rock bittered with age and cynicism. Like a glass of wine left out for a few days. It will probably taste nasty, but you drink it anyway.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Quicksand, Radiohead, Bad Brains, Pavement, Curtis Mayfield, Fugazi, The Fixx and way more than I can list.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Smoke Break by In The Whale
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Spotify mostly
Who is your dream producer?
Pharrell Williams. Dude is gold
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
See previous answer and anyone who else who asks. That’s the cool thing about this band. We all love different types of music and just love playing. I think that’s what makes us better individual musicians.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Music is the medium that chose me. I don’t feel like I had a choice. I think most artists feel that way. You write, paint, direct, play music or whatever because that’s what runs through your head. If you don’t get it out, a part of you dies.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Typically starts with an idea that I or Charles (lead guitar) will have. We will record the idea individually and then send to each other. Then, I will take that song to Jim (drums) and the two of us will work out the arrangement. I typically have vocal ideas and maybe a few lyrics writhen by then. Jim and I record and then Charles adds his famous blend of herbs and spices. Once that’s done, Joe bats cleanup. Then at some point vocals get added. If I’m excited about the song, I may do vocals early and see how they fit.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Smoke signals, land line, payphone, the Force. Instagram, actually, is the best way for the government to track everything so just do that.
Instagram Email Bandcamp Spotify
What’s next for you?
Lunch- then my real job. I have habits
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I have been working with some guys on a project called Dirty O’Keeffe that I’m really proud of with Christian Martucci (Stone Sour) and Billy Gould (Faith No More) and Dave Raun (Lagwagon). We just finished our first EP called Heavy Water.
Jim Chaffin is putting out new music with Facedown after a few years off. I’ve heard some of it and is crazy good.
Charles McClelland just put out a new single with his band Twerpentine which I love.
Joe Triester is working on a new Strike Twelve LP. I keep telling him to hurry up and get it out so I can listen to it. They are a great pop punk band.
Bio:
Fresno, California USA- Trash n Privilege have released their new EP, Friends Who
Won’t Leave. The featured single, “Weight” Trash n Privilege’s fourth release has been
well received and has a raw energy with heavy guitars.
A throwback to old-school hardcore that pays homage
to the greats like Bad Brains and Quicksand. If you are
pissed and you like your music that way, then you will
find Trash n Privilege adequate.
This 6 song EP is a scathing commentary on the state
of hypocrisy we all see but can do little about. Friends
Who Won’t Leave, captures the festering irritation
caused by life, love and big tech as told by Steve
Shepard (guitar/ vocals), Charles McClelland
(guitar/vocals), Joe Triester (bass) and Jim Chaffin (drums). Clearly, politics, a 24-hr.
news cycle, and social media are the Jenga blocks that make up this EP. With tracks
like “Weight” and “Redone Did it” it’s a sound slap in the face for you and your mamma.
Each track is made to play loud and bum out your neighbors.
Read more about Trash N’ Privilege: Check out our review on One More Round
