New York is filled to the brim with record labels, but Trash Casual’s lack of fear and definition sends them to reach new heights with every new release. Filled with a management team that includes many artists who are a part of the Brooklyn-based label, music is always at the forefront for Trash Casual.
Trash Casual are not afraid to have a multitude of different artists from different genres, stating, “Trash Casual aims to transform not only the creative but also the communal spirit of the music industry”. I will showcase only a fraction of the talented artists featured at Trash Casual, spanning all kinds of sounds and personalities.
Strawberry Launch
A five-piece band established in 2018, Strawberry Launch has grown and grown. Featuring Riiza on lead vocals, Matrianna Gahol on guitar, Abby Flicker on bass, Taylor Hurt on keyboard, and Benjy on drums, the group has produced euphoric and mesmerizing indie rock tunes.
Their band name perfectly reflects their sound: summery indie pop just as refreshing as a freshly picked strawberry. They have two EPs to their name, with their self-titled debut released in 2021 and their follow-up, titled “Emily”, released this year.
Their biggest song is “Sweet Basil”, featuring Riiza’s sweet and relaxing vocals adjacent to an endearing guitar loop by Gahol. The color present within their covers seeps into their sound, especially on their most recent single “Bad Luck”, with more forefronted drums and ethereal synths truly captivating me.
DRÄGER
Time to take a step away and enter the intoxicating synth waves of Dräger. Spencer Draeger has really cultivated a properly unique sound, with expertise in the electronic and intricate.
He released his first single in 2019 and has kept listeners forever on their toes since. He has only released one album, “Goths à la Discothèque”, which includes the funkier “The Villain You Need” and the intense synths of “Light Years”.
Dräger as an act is illusive and full of questions. Being an independent artist has allowed Dräger to fully go in whatever direction the act and music takes him. I hope he continues to let the synths, electro, and experimental ideas take over to create even more ear-bending music.
TETCHY
There is absolutely nothing forbidden for TETCHY, both artistically and musically. The four-piece includes Denning and Jesse French as creative spearheads, with members Ransom McCafferty and Kaitlyn Pelkey encompassing the rest.
TETCHY may seem like a punk band playing whatever and not caring, but at their routes, they are one thing and one thing only: archaic in the best way possible. Their debut EP, “Hounds”, demonstrates this in multitudes, with the rocking and electric “Fascist” being immediately followed by the emotional and somber “The Fool”.
Their latest EP, “All In My Head”, is their best stuff to date. Jumping from high to low, to angry to gut-wrenchingly sad, it is the perfect way to appreciate a band wanting to be creative for themselves, and not for others. There is no stopping them now.
Crashing Hotels
Back on the electro-kick, but with a darker tone and edge to it, here is Crashing Hotels. Based out of Brooklyn, Ao Anderson truly lets his dreamy production fully captivate.
Having already three albums under his belt, Crashing Hotels has shifted his sound to whatever he sees fit. His first album, “Advisory Act”, opened audiences to his unique instrumentation and direction with sound, with his following album, “Exploration Exploitation”, expanding even further.
Hit single, “Hardcore Cherokee”, features a vibing flute and sampled/altered backing vocals. It is also discernable that Chasing Hotels is more confident and more sure of what he wants his sound to be. His more recent work, like his single, “Close Friend”, and album “Trophic Cascade” are not as in-your-face as his previous stuff, but once again, demonstrate the ever-changing nature of his artistry, which is bound to change even more in the future.
The Big Easy
Finally, we arrive at some proper rock, The Big Easy. Stephen Berthomieux formed the band in his teen years in northern New Jersey, before taking the chance and bringing it to NYC. Being accompanied by drummer Pete Clark, The Big Easy looks to continue their rock direction for their upcoming album.
Already having one album under their belt, The Big Easy has built a reputation to remain true to rock, in an age where the future of rock is unknown. Their debut album “A Long Year”, is littered with harsh drums, heavily distorted guitars, and Berthomieux’s shouty vocals that are reminiscent of fellow New Jersian rockers The Front Bottoms (which may be attributed to Erik Kase Romero, Front Bottoms’ guitarist doing the mixing for the album).
Their new album, “(It’s No Secret) The Truth As Bad As The View”, releases August 2nd, with their last single, “Three Diamond Blues”, being the final one before the release. Even though the singles may have a relaxed mix compared to their earlier work, I still remain excited about what The Big Easy can bring to rock.
Trash Casual, Casually Never Being Trash
Trash Casual is a true example of how an independent record label should be operated. Supporting artists and bands no matter what their ideas are may seem easy enough, but Trash Casual goes above and beyond.
I am excited to see what other unique and creative artists they can bring to an already amazing list of artists. Trash Casual’s constant support of invigorating acts will do them wonders.
More reviews & music coverage over at RespectMyRegion.com.
