Trapt

Oct. 17, 2010

Trapt Without Apology: Live in TC
By Kristi Kates
“The name ‘Trapt’ came from feeling like you’re trapped by authority
figures,” Trapt bassist Peter Charell explains, “and kind of morphed
into being trapped by personal issues as well.”
Makes sense for a band who began their career as teens and have
morphed into one of today’s most emotionally-driven alt-metal bands.
Formed in California in 1997, Trapt – which today consists of Charell,
lead singer Chris Taylor Brown, guitarist Robb Torres, and drummer
Monty Montgomery – met in high school (albeit in a different
configuration), and have released four studio albums to date: 2002’s
Trapt, 2005’s Someone in Control, 2008’s Only Through the Pain, and
their current set, No Apologies, which was just released October 12.
Recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K, aka John Karkazis
(who’s also worked with the likes of 3 Doors Down, Plain White Ts, and
Sevendust), the new album, according to Charell, took about two months
to record, and was a fairly painless process.
“I particularly enjoyed it (the recording sessions) this time around
because the studio we recorded at was only 20 minutes from my house,”
Charell says, “we finished up all the tracking in Chicago, which is a
fun city to hang out in. The whole experience seemed to go pretty
easily, and I don’t remember any moments that I didn’t enjoy.”
Johnny K, himself, was also a pivotal part of Trapt’s team for this album.
“It was great working with Johnny K,” Charell confirms. “I think he
was really able to bring out the best in us and push us to do what we
do best.”

MICHIGAN SHOWS
What Trapt does best, of course, is their own brand of metal-infused,
heavy alt-rock music - and their own methods of promoting it.
No Apologies’ first single, “Sound Off,” was released on July 20, and
was followed by a free single, “Stranger in the Mirror,” that was
offered via the band’s Facebook page.
Continuing their embrace of today’s internet promo methods, they chose
September to release several listenable songs via their own official
website, and placed the whole album online for streaming prior to its
release date of October 12. Fans who pre-ordered the album from the
band’s official site also got to snag a bonus tune, “Head Up High,”
compliments of the band. This complex release method might run
directly in the face of old-school record-label procedures - but it
also goes along with the theme of the album itself.
“The theme behind the title “No Apologies” is to not look back and be
who you are regardless of what other people think,” Charell says.
Part of what their Northern Michigan fans think is that they wish
Trapt would perform in the region more often – and they’re about to
get that wish. The band is set to hit TC’s Ground Zero on October 22,
with plenty of music in tow.
“Yes, Traverse City can expect a few new songs from us,” Charell says,
“it’s great to be out on the road again. The tour we are on is great,
and it’s exciting to see all of our fans again.”

Trapt will be performing at Ground Zero on Friday, October 22, with
special guests Critical Bill and Fallback Theory. Advance tix are $15
plus $3 handling charge at
www.groundzeroonline.com.