Q&A: TROPHY WIFE
Interview by Una McStay, edited and organized by Emily Blake
Last month, Una McStay sat down with Boston Musician McKenzie Iazzetta, known as Trophy Wife (@_trophy.wife_) to talk inspiration, being Fiona Apple die-hards, the creative process, and more.
Interview:
Una: Can you describe your music to any new listeners here?
Trophy Wife: I make sad angsty indie rock music about all of the ugly feelings that people experience when they’re trying to grow up and figure out who they are. I’m super influenced by Fiona Apple, Liz Phair, and Mitski!
Una: What’s been inspiring your creative process lately?
Trophy Wife: Lately, my creative process is me writing little ideas and phrases down in my notes app and then once i have something I like, I write the chords and melody. i’m definitely very lyrics first.
Una: How do you get yourself out of a creative “funk” (writer’s block, not mixing music, etc)?
Trophy Wife: I try and write steam of consciousness for like 10 minutes! Usually if I can stop myself for censoring my thoughts too quick I can get myself out. Sometimes i just have to wait it out though; my brain is sometimes just out of thoughts.
Una: What has been the most rewarding moment or a big personal milestone of your music career thus far
Trophy Wife: Definitely releasing my EP Bruiser! I had been working on those songs for so long by myself and it was so exciting to bring them to life! I loved the experience of working in a studio and i was so lucky I got to work with friends.
Una: How has the pandemic shaped your creative process? Have there been benefits or disadvantages making music during this period of time for you?
Trophy Wife: It definitely effected my creative process. I certainly had a lot more time to think and write but I also didn’t get to perform or work with anyone for most of the pandemic. I definitely missed playing shows a lot. I think it kind of taught me how to sit with myself though.
Una: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring ONE record/album, what would it be?
Trophy Wife: I feel like this answer changes so frequently but right now I think it’s Lush by Mitski !
Una: What is a defining moment of your music education? (Can be: a youtube video of your favorite artist you saw when you were younger, finding your favorite record, meeting your favorite musician, etc)
Trophy Wife: There was this moment i remember when i was a little kid in the car with my mom and I was listening to The Child is Gone by Fiona Apple and just being so dramatic and looking out the window. I remember thinking like woah she’s so cool; I want to write sad music too. Lots of epiphanies while staring wistfully out the car window as a child.
Una: If you could give your younger self advice on your musical journey, what would it be?
Trophy Wife: I would tell her it’s okay to switch genres up and learn who you are out loud, you don’t have to be so sure of yourself. And to actually share her songs with people because it’s not embarrassing most of the time!
Una: Is there anything in the works for you now? Feel free to plug any upcoming (virtual) shows, new song releases, music video drops, etc!
Trophy Wife: Bruiser is my newest release, I have a show i’m playing all the songs at in mid october! Not a million details about it yet though. I’ve definitely been writing some new stuff too!
Listen:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3tQhKcAIZzuXhVa5Cep29p?si=4U6rkm1HRrS6pr9bfS8fZg
