In this interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with drama trial, an up-and-coming artist in the underground music scene. Drama Trial's captivating production style blends intricate piano riffs, atmospheric synths, subtle vocal glitches, ambient sounds, and mesmerizing vocal processing to create a distinct and immersive sound that seamlessly fuses different genres and influences. We discussed their decision to release a song every day for a month, a bold and ambitious move that helped them break out of the crowded SoundCloud scene and grow as an artist. We also delved into their creative process, from the inception of an idea to the final polished track, exploring their use of techniques and tools to bring their artistic vision to life. drama trial's music often evokes a wide range of emotions and explores various themes, and we gained insight into the personal experiences, stories, and ideas that have influenced their songwriting and the emotions they aim to convey through their music. Additionally, we touched on their aspirations for the future and the impact they hope to leave on the underground music community.

Your decision to release a song every day for a month in the underground scene was a bold and ambitious move. What motivated you to take on this challenge, and what impact did it have on your creative process and growth as an artist?

I started releasing every day mainly as a way to better my writing. I don’t really think it’s a super mystery anymore, but I was under another alias previous to this one and just wanted a place to adventure and explore new sounds and production choices, as well as improve my writing.

As far as impact, I think that month, where I released every day, was what helped me break apart from any other account on SoundCloud at the time. Because I have never heard of someone making and releasing a song every day for a month (besides yung skrrt that man is a mad lad) and it definitely took a lot out of me

Your production style is a captivating blend of intricate piano riffs, atmospheric synths, subtle vocal glitches, ambient sounds, and mesmerizing vocal processing. How did you discover this unique sonic palette, and how do you approach incorporating these elements into your music to create such a distinct and immersive sound?

I don’t know, I think my production has always had this lofi-ambient-esque tinge to it. I had been in the lofi scene for years and started out in FL making lofi, and I think what happened was just all a matter of coincidence, truly. I always try to throw things at the wall to see what sticks and that’s just what stuck for me.

Walk us through your creative process from the inception of an idea to the final polished track. How do you nurture and develop your initial concepts, and what techniques or tools do you use to bring your artistic vision to life?

It’s always different I can’t lie, most of the time I start with a melody though, maybe piano or a synth. I’ll make like an 8-16 bar loop and then start to build extra melodies around it, and that’s usually when the drums come in. A lot of project files do not make it past this stage. I am such a hater of drums I try my absolute best to fill out a track so much so that drums just aren’t necessary - other times I’m just throwing a bunch of random shit through a number of different plugins I have, whether it’s portal, quanta, or plain fruity granulizer, trying to make weird ungodly noises to layer under something

Your music showcases a seamless fusion of different genres and influences. Can you share some specific artists, songs, or experiences that have had a profound impact on shaping your musical style and inspired you to experiment with blending these diverse elements?

There are way too many songs that got me to where i am, though i can link a spotify and soundcloud playlist here of a bunch of things i’m inspired by :3

Soundcloud Playlist: https://soundcloud.com/dramatrial/sets/inspo

Spotify Playlist: https://spotify.link/MhQlbaZK7Ab

Maintaining a cohesive and engaging listening experience can be challenging when incorporating multiple musical elements. How do you strike a balance between experimentation and cohesion, ensuring that each component contributes to the overall narrative and emotional journey of your music?

Wow this is a great question and I hate to answer it like this but I mainly just play it by ear LOL

Your songs often evoke a wide range of emotions and explore various themes. Could you provide some insight into the personal experiences, stories, or ideas that have influenced your songwriting and the emotions you aim to convey through your music?

Well, as mentioned previously, I’ve had another alias prior to this one, and most of “(re)” was about exploring my gender identity through the lens of a relationship with myself, most references to “you” or “him” are just about myself and this other alias. It’s still an ongoing battle but, for the moment, we still vibe with any pronouns. “Blood on my Hands” is the same way, that song was literally about me killing the other alias, therefore, blood on my hands, you know.

Live performances are a crucial aspect of connecting with your audience. How do you translate the intricate and layered production of your studio recordings into an engaging and captivating live experience? Can you share any memorable moments or interactions you've had with your fans during your live shows?

I have not played live ever and I am so scared.

Collaborations have the potential to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to an artist's work. Are there any particular artists or producers you'd love to collaborate with in the future, and what kind of creative synergy do you hope to achieve through such collaborations?

I have a whole list of people that I need to make something for but instead, I just keep making random one-off project files. But I’m not sure. I hope it’s a good synergy.

Your rise in the underground scene has undoubtedly left an impression. How do you feel your music has contributed to the evolution and progression of the underground music community, and what mark do you hope to leave with your artistic endeavors?

I hope people start learning just like a bit of theory, you know?

If that’s my one impact, or like contribution towards the community, like all I got are my major and minor scales down pat but that’s seriously all you need.

As your journey continues, what are your aspirations and visions for the future? Can you provide any insights or hints about the direction you plan to take with your music, any upcoming projects, or surprises that your fans can eagerly anticipate?

Right now, at this moment in time, Monday, July 3rd at 12:04 am, I just made a fourth song on Bandlab because my power is out. So they could expect that whenever I get my power back on. Other than that I’m working on another ep rivaling “(re)” in my opinion, but I just don’t have any more ideas for it, as well as working on stems for a mega collab ep put together by me.

However, those last two are on the back burner, because I kept worrying about them both too much and not doing anything, gotta remember to have fun right