Originally published in Verbicide issue #2
(This is the first interview ever conducted for Verbicide)

One of the best new bands evolving in the New England hardcore scene is Trustfall, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. Energetic and heavy, they released their first CD, Bright, in October of 1999, and will be recording a new EP in the summer of 2000, as well as playing shows around the Northeast. I was fortunate to get an email interview with vocalist Adam Morse in mid-summer 2000.

How do you feel about the New England hardcore scene? Any venues that you particularly enjoy playing?
The New England hardcore/metal scene, in my humble opinion, has got to be one of the best in the country. The number of amazing bands that are sprouting out of here is amazing; bands like Tree, Colepitz, Cave In, Nok, Simple, Gargantua Soul, Eastcide, and scores of others are rocking out constantly. We get to share stages with such great bands, and there is so much mutual respect and admiration between some of us that it just makes it that much better. In regards to venues, that’s actually one of the tougher things for us. Boston itself contains zero all ages clubs, forcing us to travel great distances to reach more people. Because of this, the scene directly in Boston is forced to spread itself out into other parts of New England. It’s all good though because the traveling is more than made by the kids who come out to local shows and really show their support. Singing the words and dancing, it’s unreal.

Your sound is described as a hardcore/metal/groove blend. Who are your biggest musical influences?
Man, that’s a tough question. I don’t want to speak for the rest of the band on this one because I’ll get in trouble by getting it wrong, but I can let you know what I grew up on and what’s setting me off now. I first got into heavy music from bands like Pantera, Primus, and Faith No More. It’s amazing but I’ve spoken to some kids about this kind of music and believe it or not, when mentioning bands like Faith No More, I’ve gotten responses like, “I don’t know much of that old school shit.” That blows my mind! After being introduced to heavy music through those bands I evolved into a fan of the New York and Long Island hardcore scenes, as I am originally from Long Island. I was all about Vision of Disorder back in the day when they were a local Long Island band and I was also really into bands like Sick Of it All, Silent Majority, Snapcase, etc.

Now the kind of stuff that dominates my rotation in my CD player are bands with a lot more melody. I’m really into emo-core and all that. Bands like Grade, Hot Water Music, The Get Up Kids, Codeseven, Jawbox, Sense Field and even Weezer are just amazing to me. And, of course, I listen to my fair share of “new metal,” but none of the fake ass shit that pops out of major labels on a daily basis now. Bands like Deftones, Nothingface, Snot (RIP), GlassJaw, and Downset all get my respect along with a few others.

And lastly I’m also into hip-hop. I really dig the underground/old school vibe that’s making a comeback these days. Groups like Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Black Eyed Peas, and The Roots are all creating very positive and inspiring sounds.

I saw your band play with another New England band, Colepitz, who are from Maine. Who are your favorite bands to tour with and play alongside?
Well I made a bit of a list in that first question, but I guess if I had to pick one favorite band to play alongside it would most definitely be Colepitz. Not only are they amazing musicians who write beautiful and motivating music, but every one of them is a great person. Every show we play with them is a blast. I love kickin’ it with them and I love listening to them. I don’t know, they’re just on our level. They are really saying “fuck you” to the rap-rock that is cluttering this genre by going with soothing melody in it’s place and I totally feel that. That’s why we feed off of each other so well. And don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate a good rap/metal combo, but there are just way too many people doing it poorly nowadays. It’s leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Our band may be a little bit harsher than Colepitz, but both of us are coming from similar places in terms of artistic integrity and commitment to the music. Those boys are definitely going places.

What are your motivations and goals as a band?
I can’t really speak for the band as a whole, but the reason I started making music was that I hoped someday I would be able to make an impact and inspire someone. I know this sounds a bit strange, but hear me out: When I first heard Les Claypool of Primus play the bass I knew I had to learn that instrument. So I started to play bass, and I got further and further into music. Les Claypool gave me an outlet to express myself which I never would have found without that moment of inspiration. Because of music in general, I was able to discover who I really was and to not be afraid of that. I used to, and still think to myself, if I could inspire someone the way he did for me, my life will have been worthwhile. So that’s my number one goal. If I or the band can get someone, just one person, to really want to create, express themselves, or break the mold that is set for them, then my life will have meant something. That is my motivation.

Any particular political or social issues that you promote?
Hmmm…this is a tough question, and to be perfectly honest I think I’d rather not answer it. There are a lot of bands that comment, teach, and preach through their music and that’s cool for them, but that’s not what we’re about. I have opinions that I feel very strongly about, but I don’t think it’s appropriate when talking about the band. We’re about emotion and energy, not politics.

Your LP, Bright, was released in October of 1999 on Retaliate Records. What can we expect from Trustfall in the future?
Well, we’re actually going to begin recording a new seven-song EP in a couple of weeks that should be wrapped up by the end of summer. We have a really spread out recording schedule because of shows and our jobs, but we’re really stoked about the new material and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Other than that we’re going to play every show we can. If it’s offered to us, and we’re not tied up in something else, we’ll play it. We don’t discriminate. As long as there is an opportunity to make a new fan, or play for an old one, the show is worthwhile.