For our 2nd Clapper Sounds Interview, we are highlighting the amazing alternative folk artist:Traptofficial!
Trapt is an alternative rock band that started in the mid 90s. In 2001, they signed with record label and began their music journey. We had an intimate interview with Chris Taylor, the lead singer of the band, and talked about Trapt and his personal relationship with music. We got to know more about his songwriting process as well as the way he balances his craft with his personal life. It was a pleasure getting to know the artist behind the name.
Clapper Sounds is meant to be an intimate musical experience, and we want that mission to translate into our written interviews too. As you read about Trapt, play their music in the background with our Spotify Playlist, and really get to know this artist’s unique sound.
Don’t miss Clapper Sounds Live Sessions, every Monday at 6pm CT!
Let’s start from the beginning. What is your first memory of being involved with music? How did you start your artist journey?
When I was 12 my dad told me: “Hey, you want to learn guitar?” And I would always say yes to any activity. He gave me this crappy, nylon-string guitar. I played on that, so he saw that we could take the music thing to the next level and get lessons. That definitely was the biggest thing. I just started writing in my own style. I wasn’t somebody who would learn other people’s songs, but it was always about what could I create that I hadn’t heard before.
How would you describe your musical style? Who are your biggest inspirations?
My musical style is aggressive but melodic. I am really into memorable melody and lyrics. I didn’t really get into music or rock and roll until grunge came out. Back then they called it the alternative. They started getting more progressive with the rhythm and instruments. And then, it even got a kind of background with Pink Floyd and U2. I became a really rounded musician because of those influences. I get into more recent music now, but because I am more open-minded now than when I was a single-digit kid. The more influences you have, the more colors you have on your palette to paint with.
What is your songwriting process like?
For me, it’s about what does that melody make you feel. Usually, you listen to a melody and it can make you feel energetic, sad, or empathetic towards someone. Depending on what that feeling is, that is the lyric that will come out from me. Anytime I come up with the lyric first, it just never sounds good. I just need to have a feeling and the words will come out of my sub-conscience.
What are your thoughts on content creation as an artist? How do you feel about artists having to balance their social media presence and still be committed to their art?
As an artist you have to live your life too. You got to meet people, get your heart broken, feel joy. You got to feel all the things you can feel to be able to have more colors in your palette. Part of being creative and creating music is balancing social media with your art. For me, its really hard, you got to put your phone down sometimes. I think I am the kind of person that prefers quality over quatintiy on social media. You can have quality content and cut into pieces. You got to be your own critique and you got to make yourself happy. When you are doing art for someone else its a little bit harder to make yourself happy.
Do you have any side hustles other than music?
The only thing now is Trapt. I am a big believer in truth. Actually, I love Joe Rogan and Spotify and the stances they take. I love how he apologizes and admits when he’s in the wrong. I want to see more authenticity from creators. Social change is a big thing for me and the truth being what sets us all free. Also, writing music about the truth and being on the road really make me happy.
Deciding to be an artist can have its ups and downs. What advice would you give to that young artist who is just learning to play guitar, or starting singing lessons and their dream is to be a musician?
The main thing I would say is: fall inlove with what you are doing. If you are playing guitar, make that guitar part of you. Make yourself happy first with your instrument. You can’t think that other people are not going to like it, that can’t enter the equation. It has to be something that you like as much as whatever you saw that got you into music in the first place. Obviously something inspired you to get into music. You’ve got to do what you got to do to get that same feeling. Once you do that, then you go out there and show it to everybody else.
Make sure to check our recorded live session on our account Clapper Sounds and in our reels on Instagram.