Seattle hard rockers Trip The Wire are in this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. They just released their self-titled debut album. Let’s meet Trip The Wire.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Trip The Wire.
Dave (Farrell) and Eve (Clark) knew each other since 2014 from a cover band audition that didn’t work out, but kept in touch on Facebook. Eve and Johnny (Massey) know each other from trying to start a Skid Row tribute band right before the pandemic.
In June of 2020, out of boredom, Dave reached out to Eve saying he had a few songs written that he needed lyrics and vocal melodies for, asking if Eve would like to collaborate via email. That’s how “Never Enough” was born. Since the Skid Row tribute wasn’t going anywhere, Eve had already asked Johnny to start an original project. Dave’s timing was perfect. We went back and forth with songs via email for a few months until we met in person for the first time in the band room in the Sodo area of Seattle in October of 2020 with drummer Eddy Rhoads (Syztem 7).
After about 9 months of writing, Eddy needed to step out, so Dave invited Rico (Ybarra) to step in as a temporary drummer for our first show. He learned 10 songs in three weeks and we played our first show at Tony V’s in Everett, WA on Sept 25, 2021. Rico loved us so much, he decided to stay on permanently.
Describe the songwriting process for your self-titled debut.
A few songs were written in the band room just jamming and improvising. Others were written by individual band members and brought to the band for arrangement and input.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Listening back to individual parts and then as a whole back and forth. It amazes me how all the parts make up the whole. Making music together is a gift.
What was the biggest challenge in recording Trip The Wire?
Scheduling so that we could all be there together. I think that only happened once.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
High-energy hard rock/metal with an ’80s throwback vibe, but still our own style and fresh attitude.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Goals and dreams, addiction, broken friendships, sex, heartbreak, getting into Heaven, passion, persistence, love.
How was the video shoot for “Hurricane”?
We had Hemp Films record five songs live at their location and do all the editing. I took clips from that and mixed it in with stock imagery and stock videos of sexy/love scenes.
What led you to go the independent route for the album release?
We thought the investment was important enough and weren’t going to wait around to get on a label.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
We hope to spread it around the world as much as possible. We hope that people are hungry for old school arena type rock that is alive with passion and heart. Songs with full on guitar solos that take you on a ride.
How did you get started in music?
We all started playing our instruments at young ages, teenagers.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Eve – Aerosmith, Skid Row, Extreme, Bon Jovi, Metallica, GNR, Prince, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Linda Perry.
Dave – Black Sabbath, U.F.O., Rush, Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth.
Johnny – Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Primus, Mercyful Fate, Testament, Exodus, Violence.
Rico – Led Zeppelin, Rush,Living Colour, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
What was the first rock/metal concert you attended?
Poison/Tesla in 1989 at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, NY.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I enjoy graphic design, photography, nature and dogs.
(interview published June 17, 2023)
Watch Trip The Wire – “Hurricane” Video
