A Dirty Dozen with TRENT SULLIVAN from OF SULLIVAN – August 2022

According to a recent press release: “While seeking purpose during the worldwide pandemic, a passion project quickly grew into a serious undertaking by previous tour mates, Trent Sullivan and David Redding Jolly. Of Sullivan produces dynamic songs, drawing influence from rock, jazz, metal, and even electronic sounds. Down-tuned guitars, melodic piano, gritty vocals, and big-room drums lay the musical foundation for You Never Know. Arriving in 2022, the debut EP is a unique approach to popular music, with no regard for genre-specific dogma.” We get Trent to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Apologies” is a cross between post-grunge and modern metal.  It tells the story many of us can relate to about seeking forgiveness for our faults in life.  During the bridge, the “author” of the story is writing and scribbling out the apology letter.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music has been around my life since I was a kid.  It connected with me in a way that film doesn’t.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Growing up, watching music videos on MTV.  The “coolness” just resonated and made me want to do the same.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Deftones, Soundgarden, Underoath, Fiona Apple, and 2Pac.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Chino Moreno from Deftones because he is the best.  His vocals always create a unique atmosphere.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

A melting pot of rock, metal, pop, grunge, and jazz.  We got compared to Three Days Grace, and well, we just don’t see it.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Having an outlet to express emotions that are otherwise just bottled up inside.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

There’s only two of us, so typically we get authentic Mexican food for our “band meetings.”

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

I don’t know about starstruck, but Head from Korn would come to my workplace and he was always a rad dude.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I’d like to be a stay-at-home bachelor.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Our previous bands broke up as they were gaining momentum.  We should’ve been more patient as young musicians.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

The Wall – Pink Floyd.  It’s the epitome of good music with a message.

OF SULLIVAN LINKS:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews