Sunderland’s newest alt-punk two piece are about to release their debut EP, and their launch show sold out in a week. We caught up with Trivia ahead of the release of Home on 18 July.
Who are you and where are you from?
Trivia is an all-out, alt-punk band based in Sunderland. We’re a two piece act consisting of Lydia Stubbs on drums, and Hannah Hays on guitar and vocals.
How did the two of you meet and decide to form Trivia?
We met in school and have been mates for years. I think we both realised music was something we wanted to seriously do. So, when I called up Lydia to ask if she’d be interested in joining, she instantly agreed and we’ve both been in love with our music ever since.
How did you land on the name Trivia?
Honestly, it was just a bit of nonsense us and some mates would joke around with. There isn’t a huge lot of meaning behind it other than it’s something that reminds us of them and we can still have a laugh about.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has not heard you yet?
Our sound revolves around that 90s to 00s grunge, alt-rock, punk sound with a bit of our own style.
There is a great mix of 90s grunge and early 2000s punk in what you do. Which bands or records got you into that sound?
It’s got to be the likes of My Chemical Romance or Weezer. The types of bands where their songs are really built around that guitar-heavy sound drove us to putting that into our own music.
Your debut five track EP is out on 18 July. What can people expect from it, and is there a track you are most excited for people to hear?
People can expect a lot of energy and a good mix of what Trivia is about. The EP has some heavier moments, some more melodic ones, and it shows the different sides of our sound. We’re proud of all five tracks, but the title track ‘Home’ definitely really captures who we are as a band, and we’re excited to finally see what people think of them.
What has it been like putting out your first EP, on streaming and on limited CD and vinyl?
It’s great. We can’t wait to actually be able to hold our music physically in our hands. It’s something we talked about doing for a while. We’re also thrilled for everyone else waiting to get a hold of it.
You have already shared stages with the likes of Tear Jerker, Slalom D and Red London, and played Marapalooza and Ripples. What have those shows taught you?
I think the biggest thing we’ve learned is that everyone starts somewhere and that it’s our job to make the most of what we’re doing right now. Playing alongside established local bands has made the whole scene feel really welcoming, and it’s given us confidence that we’re moving in the right direction. It’s really inspired us to keep working hard and pushing ourselves.
What does the North East scene mean to you as a young band coming up in it?
The music scene here in Sunderland is a community. Everyone knows everyone and they look out for each other. As a young band, that support while starting out definitely helped us out. We’re not sure where we’d be without everyone and it’s pushed us to get where we are now.
You are launching the EP with a headline show in Sunderland on 18 July. How are you feeling about it?
Honestly, we’re dead excited. After a week of ticket sales we sold out Ship Isis, and the gig will now take place at Independent. This gig is definitely going to be something unlike anything anyone has seen from Trivia.
What is next for Trivia after the EP?
Hopefully, over the next year, we’ll be playing more venues and festivals, reaching new audiences and possibly releasing new music. More than anything, we just want to keep doing what we love, which is being on stage.
Can you tell us a funny, emotional or dramatic story from your time as a band?
One that comes to mind is when we played Independent and we were on stage. Halfway through a song Lydia hit her ride cymbal and it jumped off the stand and onto the kit, and she just kept hitting it so no one had actually noticed it had fallen off.
Where can people find and follow you?
People can check out our Instagram @triviabanduk to find out when our gigs are and what we’re up to.
Home is out on 18 July, with a launch show at Independent, Sunderland.
