Toronto Electro-Rocker Trak Explores Emotional Depths in New Single “Dust & Ashes”
Even in our moments of deepest despair, we’re subconsciously laying the groundwork for what lies ahead. That’s the emotional space Toronto electro-rocker Trak occupies on his new single, “Dust & Ashes”: a crossroads between the wreckage of yesterday and the mystery of tomorrow, where our surest compass is an indomitable will to move forward that we may not even know we have.
With all the raw honesty his skill as a composer and performer will convey, Trak embodies a character who’s feeling “suffocated” by “the ashes of the past”—while at the same time experiencing the sensation of his skin being seared by “the heat from the future.” Sounds like a real no-win situation—except that the “heat” in question might not be a smothering, extinguishing force, but rather an inner fire that imparts the warmth to stay alive and carry on.
The music is appropriately urgent yet somehow also reassuringly symmetrical, with Trak’s emotional vocal keening over a percolating, arpeggiated sub melody that sounds almost like a tortured vibraphone. It all builds to a dramatic crescendo that pulls the utmost from the vocalist/keytarist and his newly added cadre of supporting musicians: violinist Tina Sol, drummer Stephan Loebus, guitarist Alejandro Herrera, and backing vocalist Kat Valisolalao.
“Dust & Ashes” plays a pivotal role in a long-form science-fiction story Trak began telling on his debut album, Enter the Purgatory, and is carrying forward onto his upcoming EP, The Last Flare. It’s the tale of a space traveler who, as the song begins, has been separated from his soulmate through an act of self-sacrifice and is questioning the choices that have led him there. For Trak, rendering such wounded moments of the heart in song is a highly positive, even cathartic process.
“I’ve always gone to music composition to express sadness, fear, doubt and any negative thoughts,” he explains. “These feelings are the one that create the most meaningful songs and beautiful melodies.”
Just don’t think it’s all a mere academic exercise because solitude is and always has been a genuine leitmotif for this artist. Since his days growing up in Nice all wthe ay through to his momentous relocation to his current home base of Toronto, he’s remained a genuine introvert. For proof, just take a look at his onstage presentation, in which he unfailingly hides behind a face mask that makes him look like a futuristic cousin to The Phantom of the Paradise.
Through it all, his stabilizing influence has been music. Having inherited his father’s appreciation of Genesis (the band, not the Old Testament document), he acquired his first synthesizer at age 13 and immediately set about crafting his own original tunes. (We won’t mention an earlier, aborted attempt to learn classical and jazz piano). Before long, the young visionary was appearing at his high-school talent show, playing three synthesizers at the same time in a performance inspired by Jean-Michel Jarre.
Since then, his development as a writer and player has been an ongoing handshake with developing technology, including the latest up-to-the-minute home-recording software and composing platforms.
The result was Enter the Purgatory, an ambitious electro-opera inspired by the myth of Orpheus’ descent into the underworld. The Last Flare is a more cosmically minded song cycle that Trak says will also reveal a distinct evolution from his electro roots to a fuller rock sound. Due in February 2025, the EP will follow the single’s lead in showcasing a newfound emphasis on live instrumentation, while retaining the dramatic flair of Trak’s more solitary, operatic influences. Having explored the full parameters of electronic music, he’s now focused on carving out a space where live-band energy and the electronic pulse of a DJ set will blend seamlessly. (Ever restless, he’s also planning on yet another major geographical upheaval—a move to Barcelona—in the new year.)
“The ideas behind my music are simple: make music a long-lasting product instead of a short-term phenomenon,” Trak says. “Today’s music is more focused on being catchy and trendy, instead of focusing on the emotions and the message. I want people to explore their musical tastes and connect more with what they listen to.”
In other words, there’s a third alternative to the scars of yesterday and the cloudy skies of next week: the comforting embrace of the eternal. See you there. And don’t forget to kick the “Dust” off your shoes.
Hi, Trak! Good to meet you! Care to introduce yourself to the readers?
Trak is an entity that lives within me, yet it transcends me: it is me. My purpose is clear: to revolutionize how we perceive and consume music. Trak exists to elevate the listening experience by creating melodies and stories that resonate deeply and have lasting meaning.
Blending the boldness of electro with the raw power of rock, I strive to craft a unique hybrid, part concert, part theatrical experience, where universes collide, and stories unfold. My debut album, Enter the Purgatory, took listeners on a journey through hellish depths in the pursuit of true love. With my upcoming EP, I will explore themes of space and time, not as limitations, but as dimensions where our emotions remain unbound. Each song carries layered meanings, serving as a vessel for listeners to interpret and express their own truths.
“Dust & Ashes” explores the crossroads between the wreckage of the past and the mystery of the future. What inspired this concept, and how does it tie into the long-form story you’re telling through your music?
“Dust & Ashes” represents a critical juncture in my ongoing narrative. Our protagonist is forced to confront the weight of past choices while grappling with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. This moment of introspection mirrors a universal struggle: the tension between regret and hope.
The inspiration comes from real life. Each of us has made mistakes, and we’ve all wrestled with how those mistakes shape our future. The song invites listeners to release themselves from the shackles of their past and embrace the boundless possibilities ahead. It’s a message of resilience and transformation.
The addition of live musicians to your project marks a shift from your earlier electro roots. How did working with violinist Tina Sol and others shape the sound of “Dust & Ashes”?
Collaborating with other musicians for the first time has been an extraordinary experience. I approached this project with a clear vision, presenting a fully formed song. What these musicians did was take that foundation and elevate it to an entirely new level. The magic of collaboration is undeniable, and I encourage every artist to embrace it. It’s where the unexpected happens.
Tina Sol, in particular, brought something profoundly unique to “Dust & Ashes.” Her violin work transcends its classical origins, adding warmth and delicacy to the heavier, more electrified sound of the track. It’s like finding a moment of calm in the eye of a storm, a grounding presence amidst chaos. The violin has become a constant in my music, bridging my evolution from electro into the heavier tones of rock.
You’ve cited influences ranging from Genesis to Jean-Michel Jarre. How have these artists shaped your approach to storytelling and sound design?
Genesis is a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Their mastery of storytelling, both lyrically and musically, is a benchmark I aim to achieve. They proved that music could be more than entertainment; it could be a narrative experience. With Trak, I aspire to revive this tradition of meaningful progression and immersive storytelling.
Jean-Michel Jarre, on the other hand, inspires me as a pioneer. He dared to innovate, pushing the boundaries of electronic music and reimagining what it could be. His melodies are timeless, and his avant-garde approach resonates deeply with my own artistic ethos. Trak carries that same spirit of innovation, combining bold risk-taking with emotional depth.
Your introverted nature and masked stage persona create a distinct presence. How does this aesthetic reflect your personal and artistic identity?
Trak is both a mask and a liberation. I am naturally introverted, but when I step into Trak, my fears fade, and I become a vessel for the message I want to share. The mask isn’t just a physical barrier: it’s a symbol of separation between the artist and the physical vessel. It reminds me, and my audience, that the music matters more than the person behind it.
In a world where anonymity has gained traction since the departure of iconic artists like Daft Punk, the mask allows for unfiltered creativity. It’s a shield against judgment and an invitation to focus on the purpose of the music. Trak exists to make listeners feel, think, and connect, and the mask is an integral part of that mission.