Southend-on-Sea outfit The Trusted is comprised of school friends Dave Batchelor, Dale Holt-Mead, Fin Cunningham and Tom Cunningham who formalised the band in 2016 after knowing each other for several years beforehand. Initially started off by the writing partnership between guitarist Dale and lead singer Tom, the line up was completed with the additions of Fin on bass and drummer Dave.
Together they draw on their shared love for modern Brit-rock artists such as Catfish and the Bottlemen and The 1975 as well as late 70s new wave pioneers The Clash and Elvis Costello. Making their introduction in 2017, they shared their debut single “Turbulence” with the world, unveiling their instantly catchy, melodically-charged indie pop sound.
Going from strength-to-strength, they’ve turned the heads of listeners and tastemakers alike, gaining extensive BBC and International radio support while earning a reputation as one of the South East’s most vibrant bands. Now, following two singles released already this year with “Eli” and “Millennium”, they bring us their latest release with the new track titled “Arkansas”.
Offering a more delicate and poignant side to their sound, “Arkansas” lays down an elegant electronic ballad style. Opened by a wash of atmospheric guitar and piano backing as Tom Cunningham’s graceful vocals deliver soft lullaby tones that build towards an anthemic chorus before erupting into an epic and euphoric outro.
“I remember, I had these beautiful peaceful shots of Arkansas in front of me. It was a stressful time, and I came up the concept of a character who wanted to escape to a place like Arkansas after being betrayed and let down by the powers that be,” lead singer Tom shares about writing the single.
Recorded and produced by Rees Broomfield at SS2 Studios and mixed by Grammy-nominated Andy Bradfield, who’s previous credits include the lieks of Elbow, David Gray and Rufus Wainwright, with “Arkansas”, The Trusted spin a stunning and haunting sound that serves to showcase their talents both as songwriters and performers.
Listen to Arkansas below
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