As the mainstream appeal of bedroom pop and indie folk skyrocketed in 2023, many up-and-comers contributed their own voices to the movement. One of them includes Trinity Mei, an Arizona-based singer/songwriter who gravitates towards her environment and experiences for inspiration. Her cathartic debut single "Ever Be Right" and its autobiographical follow-up "More Time" showcase her vulnerability and raw vocal talent. Her immense attention to detail highlights the compelling narratives in her work and adds a personal touch. But despite such perfectionism, Trinity maintains a laid-back, easygoing approach, as she freely lets her emotions pour out into every lyric and note.
Trinity's dreamy, ethereal sound naturally sets the scene for her immaculate storytelling. Each creative choice she makes is passionate and deliberate, as she systematically yet relentlessly tugs at the listener's heartstrings. P&P recently got the chance to catch up with Trinity, as she discussed how "Ever Be Right" and "More Time" came to life. Keep reading for our full interview with her!
Image credit: Trinity Mei, graphic created by Karly Ramnani
YOU'LL LOVE TRINITY MEI IF YOU LISTEN TO: Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Stevie Nicks, Coldplay, Phoebe Bridgers, Lorde, Adele, Lizzy McAlpine
How did the environment of Arizona - particularly the desert influence your sound?
I have always been inspired by nature and its beauty, but when I lived in Ohio I never really had the opportunity to truly experience it. Once I moved to Arizona, I started hiking and found a lot of peace in the silence of the desert. Being surrounded by Arizona’s natural settings cleared my mind and allowed me to write from a different perspective.
How long have you known that music is what you wanted to do professionally?
I think instinctually I always knew that I wanted to do music professionally. Even at a young age, I never felt more comfortable and at home than when I was on stage and in front of an audience. Once I started writing, all I wanted was to share my experiences and help others feel a little less alone.
What are some ways that attending Berklee helped you grow as a performer and a songwriter?
Over the past three years at Berklee, I have grown so much not only as a musician but as a person. Being able to collaborate with artists and performers from around the world has inspired so much of my writing and has given me the opportunity to learn from those who are better than me. I have become so much more confident in my artistry and have written some of my best songs under the guidance of the Berklee faculty.
Who would you say are your biggest musical inspirations, both in the indie folk genre and otherwise?
My biggest musical inspirations, musically and lyrically, have been Stevie Nicks, Phoebe Bridgers and Coldplay. Despite having contrasting styles, I have also always been inspired by the voice and vulnerability of Adele. Her lyrics are so raw and I strive to write music that affects people the way her music changed me.
Image credit: Trinity Mei
In 2023, you kicked off your music career with “Ever Be Right” and “More Time.” What made you choose these two tracks as your first singles?
I chose to release “Ever Be Right” because it was an audience favorite and "More Time” because it is my favorite. During my live shows, I would teach the audience the melody of “Ever Be Right” and after hearing everyone sing along I was almost forced to release it first. I released “More Time” next because it is a very personal and honest track that I feel best represents my style and overall message as an artist.
You’ve described “More Time” as a reminder to others with imposter syndrome. At what point did you realize you wanted to open up about this topic in a song?
Imposter syndrome was something I couldn't get out of my head during my first year in college. I felt behind and thought I wasn't good enough to be where I was. Though writing about this topic, I looked at it through a different perspective and learned to embrace the journey and celebrate my progress as an artist.
How did you and Madison McGrory conceptualize the “More Time” music video? What were your favorite parts of filming it?
Madison and I centered the music video around the old home videos that my mom sent me from when I was little. I wanted the music video to capture a nostalgic feeling for one's youth and the realization of how far you have come. We filmed in two different locations around Boston - my apartment and the Arnold Arboretum at the end of the Orange Line. My favorite [part] of filming was definitely the shots on the roof. My hair was flying everywhere and it was freezing, but nothing was stopping us from getting the perfect shot!
How long ago were “Ever Be Right” and “More Time” written, before you released these tracks in 2023? How has the meaning of these two songs evolved for you in the time in between?
I wrote both "Ever Be Right" and More time in the spring of 2022, after my first year in college. "Ever Be Right" was inspired by a situationship I was in at the time and the insecurities that were left when it ended. The meaning of this song has definitely changed for me and I don't feel as connected to the lyrics as I did when I wrote it. Now that I am in a very healthy and loving relationship, I look back at the lyrics and think of how young and naive I was. "More Time," on the other hand, is a song that I will forever feel connected to. Although I have grown and evolved, I still catch myself falling into imposter syndrome, but listening to this song reminds me of how far I have come!
Tell us about your experience collaborating with Annie Elise! What draws you to her style of music production?
Annie has been one of my biggest supporters, and without her, my music wouldn't be the same. She knows how to take my raw acoustic songs and turn them into full beautiful productions. We met as friends in college, and funny enough, I sang background vocals in her band. A year later, I reached out to her about recording my music as I always loved the quality of her vocal production. Now, I can't really imagine where I would be without her!
Image credit: Trinity Mei
What are your goals in music for 2024? At the moment, do you have anything in store that fans can look forward to?
My goal in 2024 is to keep writing and share it with the world! I want to start playing bigger shows and hope to open for other artists on tour. This year, I have so much in store and I can't wait to share it with everyone! I am going to be releasing some of my favorite songs and may or may not be working on an EP!
Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyric from each of your songs - “Ever Be Right” and “More Time” - that stands out to you? Walk us through the process of yourself writing it, and how does it speak to you personally?
For “Ever Be Right” it's definitely the opening line:“Love me for a moment and hate me for a year.” For “More Time,” I have so many favorite lyrics, but if I have to decide it’s “Seasons will change, I wish that time was evergreen.” These two songs were written during some hard times in my life. Songwriting was a way for me to let it all out and truly understand how I was feeling. The lyrics kind of fell out of me and became some of my most personal pieces of writing.
We couldn't take "Ever Be Right" and "More Time" off repeat if we tried, and we're also excited to hear Trinity's debut EP! After kickstarting her solo career last year, her star is only continuing to rise. If you feel inspired to dive deeper into her world, here's a playlist we've curated to capture her vibe.
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