If there was ever music to dance like no one was watching to, it’s the electro-goth-pop of TR/ST. The solo project of Canadian Robert Alfons, TR/ST is sticky, sexual and dark, and would probably taste like molasses if you developed a sudden case of synesthesia. Inherently emotional and intentionally experimental, TR/ST’s music is for those who seek a connection with sound that goes beyond simply hearing; it’s for those can know how to find meaning in sound and make it speak to them. That’s actually why he doesn’t make his lyrics public; he wants you to connect with his songs on your own terms.
That being said, if you’ve never heard TR/ST, then congratulations, you’re about to have a new favorite band. If you have heard of him, you’re probably mouth-breathing with excitement about his latest album, Joyland, and his gorgeous new video for his song “Are We Arc?”
Either way, we had to catch up with the man himself.
And catch up we did. Robert somehow had time between near-daily shows to talk with us about how emotion informs his sound, the joys of vocal experimentation, and the innate sexuality of what he does … as well as let us in on a certain musical fantasy of his.
You were inspired by travel and South America to write Joyland … Has touring to promote that album inspired you further for future projects, or are you looking elsewhere for inspiration this time around? I find a lot of inspiration from reading and from my dreams. I was particularly moved by Anne Carson’s Autobiography of Red and Flannery O’Conner’s Wise Blood.
When you’re touring, what makes you feel most at home? I feel pretty lucky with the band and touring crew I have with me, they keep me pretty sane.
Your music is heavily influenced by emotion. Where were you emotionally when you were recording TRST versus Joyland? I think in much of the same place. Through the first record, there was so much unknown in my life, but I was rooted in one place …whereas the second time around, I had much more focus but then I was moving about so often. I didn’t really have a home, and I was working on not being so negative all the time.
Which emotion makes you feel most productive and musical? I think when I’m free of stress and tasks, then I can really dive into the necessary sensual spot to really create and be productive.
After the explosiveness and playfulness of Joyland, do you predict a return to a more stable-ish state such as with TRST? What direction would you like to take future projects in? I can imagine the next record being extremely delicate and ambient and then extremely brash and industrial. Everything I love.
Pitchfork described your voice as “slithering and grimy.” Is that intentional? What attracts you to that sound? I guess I’ve always been attracted to records and stories and films that scared me a little and made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
When you experiment with vocal pitch such as on “Rescue, Mister,” you seem to explore melodics that sound distinctly both male and female. Are you intentionally experimenting with gender balances, or does that come across more as a way for you to test the limits of your own voice? This is definitely intentional. It’s always been important for me to explore both the male and female influences in myself. Though it’s never really felt so black and white to me.
TR/ST – “Rescue, Mister” Music Video:
You’ve said that you don’t release your lyrics because you don’t want to compromise the original feeling someone gets from what they think the lyrics are. That’s very giving! Are there any songs in which you want to convey a meaning to a listener as opposed to have them decide one for themselves? I think I’ve leaned up on this a bit. I would like to share a few of the lyrics and maybe all of them in the future. Though I think there’s something to be said about just letting songs exist for the listener.
You’re also stated that The Cocteau Twins are a big influence for you. How much did listening to them, and the made-up language they use for vocals, influence your view on lyric release? The Cocteau Twins have always been a big influence, and I respect Elizabeth Fraser’s stance on creating melodies. It’s about the sound and alliteration landscapes and the idea rather than a concise logistical prose.
How did your experience with gaming as a kid influence your love of vocal experimentation and character development? Yeah for sure, these worlds were so big and immersive for me. I think that this sort of thing set the foundation for me on where creation could come from.
What do you envision people doing when they hear your music? I don’t really envision people doing anything, but it’s always pretty special when people tell me stories about how important the music was for them.
You’ve described your music as “sexual” and “gazing.” What place do you think your music has in sexual expression? Yeah, I mean it’s definitely expressive of sexual discovery. I think ‘gazing’ for me is less sexual, but more about these moments of being in awe of something.
There’s a Tumblr called “Kiss Me Robert Alfons,” which is basically just photos of you looking handsome. How do you feel about becoming a burgeoning sex symbol? Yeah, it’s a bit weird!
TR/ST – “Candy Walls“:
What do you think about Apple auto loading U2 onto everyone’s iTunes? It’s definitely messed up … but I wonder if anyone’s actually listened to it.
When I lived in Denver, they played the hell out of TRST at this awesome vampire grotto bar called Milk, and it seemed like the perfect setting for that album. People went nuts. How do you feel about stoking the musical interests of the vampire subpopulation? I love going dancing in places like this, I love music like this. I don’t see anything wrong with it!
You’re Canadian, so we’d like to take a moment to honor your homeland with a lightning round of questions.
A. You’re Canadian … and grew up watching hockey. If you could name a hockey team anything, what would it be? Oh goodness I’d need more time to come up with my team name … but it’s totally a dream of mine to have one my of my songs be the intro to a team’s entry to the ice.
B. Who does the best cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah? You can say Leonard Cohen. Oh yeah, I would stick with Leonard Cohen.
C. Have you experienced any differences between the Canadian and American music scenes or their fans? Definitely done a lot more shows in America, but I would say pretty similar. Audiences have been pretty responsive in both places for sure.
Who are you listening to right now? Zhala, Tarantula X, Doss, the new Warpaint album.
What can we expect from your Sept 27th show at The Fonda? Crazy new stalagmite lights, they’re gonna look amazing in there!
Well, if you don’t want to go to his show after reading this, you’re probably in prison. Get tickets here.
TR/ST – “Bulbform“:
