Trunkie - Exhausted (Live Performance) + 10 Questions
Trunkie is a rapper, singer and songwriter of Jamaican and Ghanaian heritage hailing from North West London. His music style is mainly rap, R&B and pop oriented, blending raps with rich melodies and versatile flows. Due to his West Indian and African background he also incorporates certain elements from afro beats and dancehall in some of his music.
Trunkie has recently released a video for one of his latest songs called ‘Exhausted’, emulating the intimate energy of a private, heartfelt live performance hosted in an empty club animated by strobe lights. The visuals match the sound of the song perfectly, as ‘Exhausted’ is a calming and soothing rap ballad displaying dexterous word play, laidback relatable lyrics and an easy-to-remember chorus. The song gives off a high level of raw and authentic energy, and although skilfully polished it stands out from other songs from a sonic perspective because of the feeling that it evokes. When heard, ‘Exhausted’ has an addictive effect on the listeners due to its absorbing sound and relaxing melody, and in combination with Trunkie’s energy and body language in the video it creates a very special, personal experience.
‘Exhausted’ is part of the artist’s 14 track LP which was released at the beginning of October called ‘Yo, Chale! Wagwan?’. The name proudly represents his heritage as ‘chale’ is a Ghanaian term for ‘friend’ whilst ‘wagwan’ means ‘how are you?’ in Patois.
Trunkie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. First of all, who is Trunkie? And then who is the person behind Trunkie?
I'm an artist who displays originality, authenticity and a genuine passion for quality music. I see myself as a bubbly character with a moral outlook on life due to the positive and negative experiences I've endured. I think I can be a breath of fresh air to the entertainment scene both on and off the mic.
2. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I've always enjoyed music, drama, football, basically anything performance based in front of an audience. I have vivid memories of me performing a Michael Jackson song in primary school. Watching my older brother, cousin and their friends definitely encouraged me to continue my passion for music into secondary school.
3. How does your heritage pour into your sound?
Whether it be an accent or particular word of African-Caribbean heritage creeping into my music or the choice of production, I always like to represent my heritage and the cultures that have and continue to influence me in my music.
4. How would you describe your music?
Original, authentic and timeless. A lot of music sounds the same as people are trying to find that viral sound or conform to a formula they know brings success and attention. I've always made music that I feel sounds good on the ear and is timeless. I've got songs on my new project that I've been sitting on since 2019 and you wouldn't be able to tell!
5. You have been making music for almost 10 years now. What are your proudest moments so far?
One of my proudest moments was releasing my first song on worldwide music platforms like Apple, etc. There's something about being able to go on an app and find your music, it makes you feel like you're in the same place as the big stars that us artists aim to be.
Another is my first time being featured on BBC 1xtra as well as my interview with BBC Three Counties radio. It was the first time I felt I was recognised by a national organisation in music and it felt great!
Lastly, my collaborations with the likes of George the Poet and featuring on a track with Jethro & Ed Sheeran is just mind blowing. When you're driven like myself it's easy to forget the amazing things you've done. But I've truly been blessed with the opportunities I've had and taken so far!
6. You had a #1 charting song with Alonestar and Ed Sheeran back in 2020, what’s the story behind that collaboration?
It was so random! Jethro 'Alonestar' Sheeran messaged my manager at the time on the gram basically saying he likes my sound and wants me to be on a 10 year anniversary remix he recorded. When I found out it was one he recorded with his cousin Ed Sheeran (before his domination of music on a global scale), I was totally shocked!
7. Talk to me about Exhausted and how it came to life?
Exhausted was a song I wrote at a time when I felt that way. I still do sometimes. Hip-hop/rap music often glorifies the high life etc or speaks from a position of authority and ego but I just decided to be as open and transparent as possible on this song. No airs and graces, just me and where I was at in my life.
8. Exhausted is the last song on your latest EP ‘Yo, Chale! Wagwan?’ What can you tell our readers about your EP?
It's a listen they'll enjoy! It takes you through a range of emotions, there's probably a song for every type of way you can feel! It's also an insight into me as an artist and a person, as the majority of the music I make is based on first and second hand experiences.
9. What’s your favourite song off the EP and why?
Great question that I don't think I can answer lol! My standouts are 'Lil Colombiana', 'Senseless', 'Bad Girl' & 'Navy'. And ‘Exhausted’ of course!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Another great question! My flask of hot toddy tea, a takeaway and positive vibes!!