INTERVIEW: TruckerBomb shares “Everything”

Led by the talented songwriter Troy Richardson, TruckerBomb‘s new single “Everything” is a gritty and raw blend of Americana and rock that showcases the band’s unique style and Troy’s unique songwriting prowess. The track starts with a bright guitar tone that floats above an organic mix of instrumentation that builds up into a catchy, driving rhythm that grabs the listener’s attention.

Richardson’s lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, exploring themes of existentialism and what truly makes us happy. Ursula Lari’s backing vocals add a touch of sweetness to the track, contrasting with Richardson’s rich voice. The guitar work is top-notch, with stunning leads and intricate melodies that give the song a sense of depth and complexity. The drums and bass provide a solid foundation for the music, keeping the rhythm tight and driving the song forward.

Recorded at Stairway Studios by Fernando Perdomo, “Everything” is a polished and well-crafted production that showcases TruckerBomb’s talent and skill. The track is a perfect example of how the band blends alt-country and Americana with alternative rock, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

TruckerBomb has always been known for their high-energy live performances, and “Everything” captures that same sense of urgency and excitement. With its infectious melody and powerful lyrics, “Everything” is a standout single that is sure to get stuck in your head and make you want to hit the road.

We caught up with TruckerBomb to find out more about the band’s musical journey, their new single “Everything” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with TruckerBomb below.

Hey guys, how’s things?

We’re doing great. We are excited for everything coming up TruckerBomb in the future.

What was your biggest highlight in 2022 as TruckerBomb?

It was a fantastic year, but the highlight may have been the last day of it. We played New Year’s Eve with Little Caesar at Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, which is kind of our home. It was a great end to the year and a great start to the new one.

How did the band form?

A little of this, a little of that… I (singer and bassist Troy Richardson) was playing bass in another band and had written a few songs that wouldn’t work for that group. I played a few Replacements songs at a jam night with some guys and asked them if they’d like to get together and run through them. That was the start of things and we have rotated through a few people since then. I was talking with Salty Rose during the pandemic while working on getting into the studio. He recorded a couple of songs with us and I invited him to stay on. I first met Ursula Lari at a fencing club and had her come down and play at a rehearsal. She was a great fit to expand the group’s sound, and we’re so happy we found her. Alrick and I worked together a few years ago and when I needed a drummer, he was my first call.

What do you love about the LA music scene?

This will sound crazy to anyone outside LA, given the city’s reputation, but the scene here is really, really supportive. It’s almost like a small town. At least my little corner of the scene is supportive. Your mileage may vary.

How did you first get into making your own music?

My high school had a recording studio and classes to make our music with synths and tape loops. I know that sounds fancy, but it was just a regular public school with a forward-thinking music teacher. So, I was making my own music from around the time I started playing. There’s almost no time from when I started getting into music that I wasn’t doing my own originals.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

First, Prince. I don’t think anyone who grew up in Minneapolis could say otherwise. Later, David Bowie. When I started singing, it seemed like every male vocalist was a high-pitched screamer and that’s not something I can do. Bowie was sort of my inspiration as a guy with a lower voice could still be a singer. Plus, he was just so cool.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

I really like the songwriting of Jason Isbell. Wilco is still going strong. I got into Tom Waits a little later than others, so I’m still exploring his catalog. Then, there are some super-talented singer-songwriters I’m lucky to call friends: check out Blake Morgan, David Poe, and Lasers Lasers Birmingham if you haven’t heard them yet.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I’m probably not the first songwriter to have a string of disastrous relationships to write about, so there’s that. Hopefully, therapy never works out for me. Otherwise, I’m not sure I’d have any material. Apart from that, I hear half a conversation as someone’s walking by me and a few interesting words jump out at me. My friends say cool things sometimes and I steal them. I mishear lyrics to other songs and realise I can use them.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I’m pleased with how the recordings have come out but I’d say TruckerBomb has to be experienced live. Something about the four of us together onstage is next level.

How did you find making your recent single “Everything”?

It was great. We recorded with Fernando Perdomo, who has been our producer for all the previous singles. Stairway Studios is like the Millennium Falcon. It may not look like much, but it’s got it where it counts. It’s a very comfortable environment there. We do a lot of preproduction, and the band is really well rehearsed, so we get in and everything goes smoothly. We recorded three songs in less than 12 parsecs.

What was the message you wanted to get across with this song?

Two things were on my mind when I wrote this. One is that the journey is special, not what happens when you arrive or what you get. When you graduate from college, the degree doesn’t make everything better. After a while you don’t even think about it. You remember your four years there. You probably don’t remember what you bought with many of your paychecks, but you remember your coworkers and crazy customers. Second, I was still drinking when I wrote this song and kinda realising my life was falling apart. I knew no amount of “Everything” could make anything better. I’d still be miserable. Anyway – it’s an old song. I’ve been sober for over 11 years now and I couldn’t be happier.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming music?

I was reading about how Shakespeare’s plays were so good. One thing, apart from him being the most talented writer in the English language, was that he watched the audience every night and if something didn’t work, he rewrote it the next day. I am trying to pay attention to what the audience is feeling as we play. For our new stuff, I can say I hope it will be simpler. More direct. More melodic. I want some big themes to come through, but I also want the music to be so accessible and direct that no one will be able to keep playing pool. They’ll have to stop to listen to us.

Listen to Everything below