Interview: Nate Trillo Discusses His Music Video "Pain and Gain" and the Music Scene in Dallas
We connected with Dallas based hip-hop, electro and pop artist Nate Trillo for an exclusive interview to discuss his self-directed new music video which encompasses his two singles, “Pain and Gain” and “Not Enough”. We also asked Nate about the music scene in Dallas, his future aspirations as a filmmaker, and much more.
After reading our interview with Nate, be sure to stream “Pain and Gain” and “Not Enough”, connect with him on his website and social media, and check out more of his music on Spotify.
You're based in Dallas, the same place that Post Malone, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato come from. Have any of these artists influenced your music at all?
I'd say they've influenced me by demonstrating what's possible for Dallas artists, but they don't necessarily have a direct influence on my music itself. My main influences come from artists like Tyler, The Creator, Oliver Tree, Killy, Virtual Riot, Sofi Tukker, and Travis Scott.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you choose?
"Nate Trillo Music" or "Firework Electro Trap"
Congratulations on the release of your new music video; we're truly blown away by it. Tell us about the development of the visual and why you chose both "Pain and Gain" and "Not Enough" for it.
Thank you; for a while now I've been bouncing back and forth between Hip-Hop, Pop, and Electronic, but I wanted to make something that could showcase how dynamic I can get, all while perfectly representing who I am as a creative and what I believe in. I knew I wanted to do something crazy and energetic at the beginning and immediately contrast it with something more emotional and dramatic. I felt this contrast would be the best way to give people an idea on who I am.
Do you have any aspirations in the future as a filmmaker, as well as an artist?
Everything I do takes place in Trillville, TX. I'm telling a story in the world that I created through my music AND videos. From my first mixtape all the way to this most recent video, it's all connected. I like to think most of my fans have caught on by now.
As far as aspirations, for both music and film, my goal is to finish the story. It's been in my mind since I was a sophomore in high school, and ideally I'd like for someone to one day be able to look back at everything I've put out, and be able to put the full story together.
Tell us about the name "Firework Boy"; what does that mean?
The "Firework Boy" embodies all the traits of a firework. A firework ascends higher and higher, it captures the attention of everyone near by as they wait for the big boom, a firework then BLOWS UP, it shines bright and mesmerizes everyone who sees it, then fades away at the very top.
How would you describe the music scene in Dallas for emerging artists? Are locals very supportive of homegrown talent before they blow up?
Support of Dallas artists just keeps getting stronger and stronger; it's still not as poppin' as Atlanta, NY, or LA, but it's definitely been getting a lot better for rappers, singers, and DJs alike. Locals seem to be on their own thing for the most part until somebody starts gaining buzz outside of Texas; but it's all love nonetheless.
Stream and Share “Pain and Gain” on Spotify