Marcus Trummer Talks Debut Album, Songwriting And More

Marcus Trummer is a 23-year-old award-winning guitarist and singer from Calgary, Alberta. His debut album “From The Start” released by Gypsy Soul Records on Friday 15th November 2024. He sat down with JLTT to chat about the new record and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

Even before I could play guitar, I was writing songs. I originally started out with making beats using Garageband when I was in middle school. I would write melody and lyrics over top of the loops that I put together. Eventually I learned guitar at around 13 or 14 years old and began writing. Initially I was making more folk and singer/songwriter-oriented music.

What is your earliest musical memory?

The earliest musical memory I can think of is my dad showing me his guitar when I was a young kid. I’m not sure how young I was but I remember he would lay his guitar flat and let me use his steel slide while he would strum. I remember it being fun to make noise with it being an electric guitar, anyway, to make a sound, even beating on it like a drum was enjoyable.

Your single ‘Let You Down’ is out now on Gypsy Soul Records. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?

“Let You Down is a song about being committed to a relationship. Although written from the perspective of a romantic relationship I hope listeners can also interpret the lyrics as a statement of my dedication to them as well. I take the relationships in my life seriously, and that includes the relationships with the people who support my music.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

We recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, Canada. It was produced by Ross Hayes Citrullo & Renan Yildizdogan.

Who did you record the single with?

Silas Trummer – Drums

Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass

Miles Evans-Branagh – Organ & piano

Tom Moffett – Trumpet

Andrew Moljgun – Saxophone

In addition, you will be releasing your debut album in November 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

With this being my debut album, I just wanted to put my best foot forward. I’ve written lots of songs over the years, so I had lots to choose from. After going through many songs, I thought that the ones we picked fit well together and have messages that complement one another.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at you’re a) happiest, b) and c) most reflective?

“Not The Same” is probably the happiest. It is a song about growing and letting go of a past identity that’s held you back. I think “Ready To Go” is the most reflective and was born out of some dark times for me personally where I was going through a lot of changes, and I had become disillusioned with my community.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Every time I play, I hope people connect with my music and feel the emotions behind it deeply. My goal is always to move people with my lyrics, as well as my delivery. I also aim to make people get the feeling that they are witnessing greatness anytime I step on the stage.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I’m a huge fan of Gibson guitars and Fender amps. That has been my thing for a while. Being influenced by B.B., Albert and Freddie King, I’ve always liked the punchy sound of Gibson humbuckers paired with the clarity of a cranked Fender amp.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I’m from Calgary, Canada. Five words to describe it are western, friendly, prairies-meets-mountains.

How do you look after your voice?

I try to treat myself like an athlete, so that means training, as well as prioritizing recovery. The rest portion is important, especially while on the road. I try my hardest to eat well and get enough sleep. That is what makes the biggest difference in terms of keeping my voice sounding good.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I honestly don’t think I would do this. That said, with my songwriting I feel like I’m writing the score for my own life story. Reflecting on past songs they always take me back to what I was going through at the time of writing. If anything, I’m currently writing the score for my own future biopic.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I’m really into classic soul artists like Bill Withers, Al Green, and Curtis Mayfield. I love blues too, especially B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King. On the R&B side Raphael Saadiq and D’Angelo are some of my favorites. Of course I dig funk too, James Brown and The Meters are some of my favorites. I also really like some southern rock; you can’t go wrong with The Allman Brothers.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

Not currently, but we are working on getting over there for some time in 2025.

What makes Marcus Trummer happy and what makes you unhappy?

Traveling and performing my music with others is my favorite thing in the world to do. It brings me fulfillment and feels like I’m alive with purpose. I’m grateful that I get to do this for a living. I tend to get unhappy when I’m not doing that often enough.