With hits like “Headstrong” and “Echo” under their belts, Trapt is back and ready to rise to the top of the charts once again with their latest album DNA. Known for their raw, honest lyrics and heavy rock sound Trapt has cemented their place as a respected and loved part of the rock music world. The band started in 1995 in Los Gatos, CA while the members were still in high school.
Before graduation Trapt was already opening for acts like Papa Roach. Trapt has had their share of ups and downs through their career but they’ve continued on and are stronger as a group now more than ever. They have gone on to record seven studio albums and are currently taking part in the Make America Rock Again tour with artists like Drowning Pool, Saliva, Alien Ant Farm, P.O.D., Tantric, Puddle of Mudd, etc.
From the very beginning Trapt has managed to stay true to themselves, their music, and their fans with each new album. The same rings true for their latest release DNA which has been highly anticipated by their fans. With songs like “It’s Over” and “Tangled Up In You” already receiving high marks from fans and critics alike it is evident that DNA will be a hit.
I was recently able to speak with the bassist from Trapt, Pete Charell, who had great things to share about their music, tour, and what keeps them grounded.
Pete Charell Interview
TAMMY: Okay so just to break the ice a little: What bands/artists inspired you the most growing up?
PETE: Deftones, Korn, Incubus, Papa Roach, Dredg, RATM, Tool, Tribal Disco Noise, Salmon, NOFX, Limp Bizkit, Snot, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, POD, Jamiroquai, OneSideZero, Pearl Jam, SOAD, the list could go on forever
TAMMY: What has been a highlight of your years of touring and making music? Any particularly memorable shows or experiences that really stand out?
PETE: We played Music Midtown in Atlanta for 50k people. We also opened for Stone Temple Pilots(all original line-up), Alice In Chains, Korn, Deftones, Snot(in high school). We’ll always remember those ones.
TAMMY: You guys really lay yourselves out there with your music. It’s not just the sound that pulls you in – you have some of the best lyrics in rock right now. I think that a lot of people can relate with the situations and feelings put out there in your songs. What inspires you when you are sitting down to work on a new track?
PETE: Chris would really have to answer this one. I think that when he hears a track or a riff, he writes what comes immediately and if it doesn’t happen like that, he moves on and revisits the track later on. He also uses a lot of personal experiences and what the people that are close to him are going through at the time.
TAMMY: Do you all sit and write together as a band or how do you normally go about putting together ideas for new music?
PETE: Sometimes we jam out songs all together. Other times someone will have a complete musically arrange track that may or may not need some tweaking. And sometimes Chris will have music and lyrics and then the band does their thing to make it work for all the members.
TAMMY: I’ve been listening to some music from your upcoming album DNA and it’s really an incredible album. I really love your song “It’s Over”. Great sound, amazing lyrics, and the music video is really powerful. Tell me a bit about this song.
PETE: This is a breakup song. It’s about not letting someone treat you the way that you don’t deserve.
TAMMY: What songs on DNA are you especially excited for your fans to hear? Obviously ALL of them….but which songs in particular really stick out for you personally?
PETE: Human, It’s Over, Castaway, Anchor, Tangled, Not So Different, Passenger
TAMMY: So tell me about DNA as a whole. What makes this album stand out from what you’ve put out in the past?
PETE: This one stands out to us because we made this all on our own. We produced, recorded, engineered and wrote it together. We really wanted to represent the sound of the band and the individuals in the band on this one.
TAMMY: What is the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned since entering the music industry? How has it helped you to grow both personally and as artists?
PETE: I think the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned it to always remember that we are fortunate to make music for a living and to remember that it needs to be fun or that won’t translate over to the fans. We need to be proud of what we do and hopefully the fans will appreciate it like we do.
TAMMY: You guys come across as being just very cool, genuine, and laid back. How do you stay grounded and kee from getting jaded in this business?
PETE: We are people just like anyone else. It just so happens that our passions are making music and playing for our fans. We are fortunate to do what we do and I never want to forget why I started doing this and why I continue to do it. It’s always been for the love of playing music.
TAMMY: So you are a part of the Make America Rock Again tour with Alien Ant Farm, 12 Stones, P.O.D., Saliva, Drowning Pool, etc. What are you the most excited about with this tour? Any venues in particular that you are especially looking forward to playing?
PETE: It’s exciting to have such a killer lineup. A lot of the venues that we are doing are really nice ones. I haven’t been to the Norva in a long time and excited to see that place again.
TAMMY: What is one thing that you would like to say to all of your fans?
PETE: THANK YOU!!!
To find out more about Trapt, their music, tour info, and news you can visit their website at trapt.com.
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