Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Trust’N

Wisconsin hip-hop and pop artist Trust’N has experienced a lot in his life. He’s channeled those wins and struggles into his songwriting, and it’s easy to see why he has over one million streams on Spotify. His lyrics have unquestionably struck a chord with listeners and established him as a welcomed new voice in the world of hip-hop. Pop Culturalist had the privilege of speaking with this fast-rising superstar about his career, new single, and what’s ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Trust’N: When I was sixteen, I started freestyling with my friends in the car. After that, they encouraged me to buy a mic. I found out then just how passionate I was about music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Trust’N: My personal problems have had the biggest influence on my career. My lyrics consist of what I’m going through at the time that I write the song. Writing music has always been therapy for me and has gotten me through a lot of tough times. Artists such as Jon Bellion, NF, The Chainsmokers, and a few others have inspired me as well!

PC: What is your creative process like when working on a new song?
Trust’N: I always start with the beat. The lyrics come through with whatever vibe I’m feeling with the beat, whether I’m making it or working with a different producer. The beat always drives the song and the lyrics follow.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Trust’N: You can’t depend on anyone but yourself. So many people will promise things and say they look out for you, but really, the only person who is going to make something happen is you.

PC: You have released a few songs so far. Which one best encompasses you as an artist and why?
Trust’N: My song, “Over Me”, really encompasses me as an artist. Not only do the lyrics showcase my honest words and what I write about, but the song as a whole also embodies my vibe. I rap over a pop beat and sing in the hook. It shows off my style of blending genres as an artist.

PC: Your single, “Let You Be”, is about to cross over one million streams on Spotify. Have you had a chance to reflect on that milestone?
Trust’N: Honestly, no! It’s crazy to me that a song that I made in my basement could have numbers like that. It’s just a huge confidence booster and it proves that I can really do this.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Trust’N: I plan to release a few projects this year. Each project will be unique and have its own sound, and I’m excited to release them.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Trust’N: Empire

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Trust’N: Mean Girls

PC: Favorite book?
Trust’N: Peter Pan

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Trust’N: Romeo & Juliet

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Trust’N: Taylor Swift

PC: First album you bought?
Trust’N: Kanye West’s Graduation

PC: First concert you attended?
Trust’N: KB

PC: An album that you changed your life and why?
Trust’N: Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak. It’s helped me through a lot of heartbreak and has inspired a lot of the new music that I have been working on.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Trust’N: Madison Square Garden

To keep up with Trust’N, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Let You Be” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.