Q&A: GARTH TRINIDAD, MUSIC CURATOR

Garth Trinidad‘s presence is soothing. Notice how our sizzle word was ‘presence’? While we can’t get enough of his deep baritone voice that prompts us to religiously tune into his nighttime international mix of future soul, deep dance, indie rock and jazz vibes on KCRW’s 89.9  audio vibes, meeting him in person over dinner had our whole crew realizing one unified fact: we’re dizzy over this music man.

So, we invited him to be the new Music Editor for LA CANVAS. He obliged.

A few days later, we zoomed over to pick his brain about his real self, what he plans on bringing to the table as an editor and what he wishes he had a hold on more tightly, back in the day, when digi-spheres weren’t a must:

LA CANVAS: How long have you been at the station? What were your first days like?

GARTH TRINIDAD: I started as an office volunteer in ’94 and gradually moved to helping DJs in the studio. The whole experience was groovy. I was mentored by Liza Richardson. My first shift was Friday midnight – 3am in October of ’96. The next DJ didn’t show up at 3 so I had to wing it til 6am.

LAC: So, what’s Trinidad-Senolia all about? You say you’re developing a sound called lit-house. Do tell. 

GT: Trinidad-Senolia is me and producer Mateo Senolia. We’re developing a sound we call lit-house. The idea pairs literature with deep dance music, prose and narrative rather than spoken word. Our debut EP Postcards From Strangers dropped last December on Osunlade’s Yoruba label. We just did a remix that was well received for Kelis’ latest project on Ninja Tune and are working on some provocative new things.

*He realizes we understand house music. Listen to this killer remix they conducted here. 

LAC: What do you hope to bring to the table as our new music editor?

GT: An intimate, first person perspective based on my experiences as a DJ, journalist, music lover.

LAC: In your first launch interview for our Opulence Issue, what were a few details behind your conversation with Syd Tha Kyd?

GT: The whole thing was sparked when we bumped into one another in the neighborhood; she was walking her dog. I walked to her house and we sat on her porch for the interview. She’s an extraordinary young lady.

LAC: You ten years ago. Some words? 

GT: Don’t get too comfortable, pay attention to tech and the coming market shift!

LAC: What are some thoughts on the ‘music boom’ in LA?

GT: No place like LA for music right now. There’s been a wonderful creative renaissance happening as LA grows. There are some visionaries here doing great work – visual artists, bands, producers, labels. It’s the place to be at the moment.

LAC: What are you listening to right now? Do you have a favorite music genre? Loaded question, we know. 

GT: Hollie Cook’s album Twice has been my summer soundtrack. Can’t say I have a fave genre, but I gravitate to sultry, emotive, dynamic compositions; music with soul, doesn’t matter the genre as those elements can be found in most genres.

LAC: How was FYF?

GT: I enjoyed myself even though I missed Todd Terje and Slowdive. Caught up with Little Dragon. They are lovely human beings.

Catch Garth’s FYF recap and make sure to follow him on Twitter.