Trivia: "We just want to keep building momentum and doing what we love"

With a sound that fuses the raw energy of punk, the grit of grunge and the honesty of coming-of-age storytelling, Sunderland duo Trivia are quickly becoming one of the North East's most exciting emerging bands. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nirvana, Hole, Green Day and Weezer, their music channels the highs and lows of adolescence into cathartic, hook-filled anthems that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

Following a whirlwind first year that's seen them progress from bedroom rehearsals to stages across Sunderland's thriving punk scene, the band are now preparing to release their debut EP and celebrate with a launch show at Ship Isis. We caught up with Trivia to talk about the personal stories behind the record, the lessons they've learned on stage, and what's next for the band.

Your debut EP explores themes of toxic lifestyles, relationships and the struggles that come with adolescence. Was there a particular song on the record that was the most personal or challenging to write?

Honestly— we don’t find it too challenging to tackle these subjects. We both see, hear and experience enough to where we can use our music as an outlet for ourselves and for others to relate to. One track on the EP is called “TONIGHT”, its about how sometimes it can be hard to get out of these difficult situations and the frustration that comes when something that at the time feels normal, but looking back on it, looks so obviously out of line.

In less than a year, you've gone from rehearsing in bedrooms to playing some of Sunderland's best-known venues and festivals. What has been the biggest lesson you've learned from performing live so early in your career?

The biggest lesson has probably been that confidence comes from experience. When we first started playing live, it was nerve-wracking, but the more gigs we’ve done, the more we’ve learned how important it is to connect with the audience and enjoy ourselves on stage. We’ve also learned that things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay—sometimes the best thing you can do is keep playing and make the most of the moment.

Your sound draws influence from bands like Nirvana, Hole, Green Day and Weezer. How do you balance those classic punk and grunge inspirations while creating something that feels uniquely Trivia?

It’s really about finding a sound that we love. We grew up listening to bands that have deep punk/grunge roots so those influences naturally come through in our music. At the same time, we’re constantly experimenting with ideas and figuring out what works for us as a band. I think that’s where the unique side of Trivia comes from—not trying to sound like any one influence, but combining the things we both enjoy into something that feels like our own.

Despite your age, you've already shared stages with some established names on the North East music scene. Have there been any artists or mentors who've had a particularly big impact on your development as musicians?

Definitely, lots of band have helped us out like the likes of Tearjerker, Slalom D, Red London & CRITCH. The whole Sunderland punk scene is like a community, they look out for each other, which is definitely what we needed starting out as a young band. They’ve given us gigs, advice and definitely made a huge impact on how we play live. It’s made us push ourselves as much as we can.

With the EP release and launch show at Ship Isis coming up, what are your ambitions for Trivia over the next 12 months, and where would you love to see the band this time next year?

Right now, we’re focused on getting the EP out and putting on the best launch show we possibly can. Over the next year, we’d love to play more venues and festivals, reach new audiences, and keep releasing music. This time next year, hopefully we’ll have grown our fanbase, played some bigger shows, and hopefully be working on some new material. More than anything, we just want to keep building momentum and doing what we love.