Enfnts Terribles

You first released music in 2019. How would you describe the process between releasing your debut single and releasing your debut EP? 

So much has shifted and evolved. I feel that now the project more than ever represents Trophie in her true form: a strong and powerful artist, forged through overcoming obstacles and challenges. I’ve grown as a person but also as an artist and producer, and I now feel a stronger synergy between the music I want to make and what I release.

Hyperpop has changed a lot in recent years. What’s the definition of hyperpop in 2022? 

I think, naturally, the scene has fractured with heavy influence from the DSPs, the American scene, and labels understanding the commercial value. I also think losing a pioneer like the amazing late SOPHIE has affected the trajectory of its evolution. Not necessarily negatively but more so gearing the scene to more hip-hop-influenced artists that may not be too versed in the origins of the sound. 

A lot of pop-leaning acts have found it difficult to re-establish themselves in new communities within the scene that has seen them delve deeper into electronica and experimental electronic. I think it’s a natural evolution that has opened up opportunities for a lot of great new artists, but in terms of the future of hyperpop, I think it’ll be re-defined less as a genre and more as a term used for difficult-to-categorize genres of pop, electronic, and rap.

You (co-)produce your own songs. How helpful is your background as a pianist in the production process? 

Music theory has definitely been drilled into me from a young age, so naturally, my ear leans towards those foundations, but I also really enjoy experimentation and seeing what can be created by not thinking about it too much. Because of this, I find Ableton’s new randomization capabilities really inspiring when writing as well as modular synthesis. I love nothing more than wiring this up with that and seeing what sound comes out. (laughs) From a performance perspective, I’m also definitely drawn to the hands-on nature of modular as it’s more like an instrument.

Is there one specific song on Dark City that summarizes who you are as an artist the most? If so, why? 

“Hypertrophie” from the EP is my favorite song I’ve ever made. It is the epitome of the inner strength and power that Trophie represents. Writing this song just flowed out of me in a fit of rage, and the lyrics and vocal deliveries were all written on the spot. Collaborating with one of my all-time favorite producers, HD MIRROR, worked really well as he instinctively understood the track. “Hypertrophie” is the most Trophie song you’ll hear to date!

What’s your biggest goal with Dark City? 

A lot of feedback I get is from people who think I’m really underrated, which I definitely agree with. Being a producer, songwriter, and vocalist, I give a lot and because of this, the creative process can be very draining. The response I’ve gotten so far has been incredibly encouraging, it very much feels like a level-up. In saying this, I want Dark City to take my project to the next level and fortify my ethos of inner strength and power.

Pictures by Diego Campomar.