The Phoenix-based post-emo band Troubled Minds continues to build upon unfiltered emotion with their latest single, "The Way Back Down," which was released on January 10. The song comes after releasing their previous track, "The Things We Mend," both which you can find on their full-length album, Disconnect. Known for their authentic sound and relatable lyrics, the band reflects on personal connections while exploring self-love and perseverance. The new single further highlights the band's ability to blend real, unvarnished emotion while keeping their familiar, expressive alternative melodies. We recently caught up with the band, and here's what they had to say.
MSM: Your new single, "The Way Back Down" just dropped. What’s the story behind this track? What inspired it?
"The Way Back Down" was inspired by who I don't want to end up being. In the music community, I believe it's very important to help fellow bands and artists out when you can. After doing this for a number of years, I've learned that you really get out what you put in to the music scene. If you're in a band reading this, feel free to reach out to us for help booking shows in AZ! Happy to help where I can.
MSM: How does this single compare to your previous work? Are there any shifts in sound or theme that you’re exploring on this track?
I think there's a shift in sound to a more old school style of pop punk with this song. Still taking some influence from emo and bands of today, but the song definitely sounds like something I would've found in high school. Not ashamed of that at all, the song feels nostalgic to me and I'm sure it feels the same way for a lot of other people.
MSM: What’s your goal with this new single? What do you hope listeners will take away from it?
Reach more people that dig our music! I hope listeners take away that we're not afraid to do our own thing and change sounds whenever we feel like it. It's never really a drastic change, just enough to keep things fresh with each single or album we drop.
MSM: What inspired the cover art for this new project?
We did a big ol' tour across the country to record this EP we're getting ready to release. Shoutout Nik Bruzzesse at The Gradwell House. Our photographer JP took a bunch of photos that month on tour and we chose our favorites for single artwork. The art for this song was our friends Frank and Noah from Morris Village (@morrisvillagetul) skating outside the venue in Tulsa, OK.
MSM: How would you say being in Arizona has influenced your band/music? There are great pop punk bands that have come from Arizona such as The Maine and Jimmy Eat World.
Not sure how much being from Arizona has influenced us. I hear we sound like an East Coast pop punk band circa 2010 from people a lot haha. I think being all the way out here in AZ has inspired us to tour quite a bit to reach areas where our sound may be a bit more prominent.
MSM: Would you say you take inspiration from other bands/artists with your music/sound? If so, who?
Yeah definitely. I'd say with this new single I was inspired by bands like Such Gold, The Story So Far, Title Fight, but mixed with the vibe of mid 2000s pop punk. The influences always change slightly from song to song but somehow come together well. I generally just write songs I want to hear and trust it'll all feel cohesive in the end.
MSM: How do you envision the band’s evolution in the next year or two? Are there any new directions or experiments you’d like to explore with your music?
I think in the next year or two we'll have a lot of new music to share. The lineup feels really strong right now and I'm excited to continue writing with Riley, Saban, and Ryan.
MSM: Do you have any upcoming shows or tours planned? How do you feel about the live performance side of the band—what’s the energy like when you play live?
Here's our upcoming shows!
2/9 Flagstaff, AZ at The Hive
3/8 Tucson, AZ at MSA Annex
4/11 Phoenix, AZ Valley Bar
We have good energy, come check it out :)
MSM: What’s been one of the most memorable moments for the band so far? Any standout experiences from tours or recording sessions?
It's hard to choose just one. Opening for Real Friends last year was cool, that was a big crowd for us. Recording the EP out in NJ was cool. Eric from Heart Attack Man gave us a shoutout on stage when they came through last year. Idk there's a lot of cool little moments we get to have with this band. I'm thankful for all of them.
MSM: Do you have a favorite song from your own catalog that you’re especially proud of, and why?
Honestly the new single "The Way Back Down" might be my personal favorite so far. That, or the previous single, "The Things We Mend."
MSM: Lastly, for fans who are just discovering Troubled Minds, what’s one thing you’d like them to know about the band or your music?
WE WANT OUR FANS TO BE OUR FRIENDS. COME CHILL AT A SHOW WITH US.
*interview questions written by adrianna peralta
