Tristan Tritt’s “Nervous System Overload”
“The concept for this song exemplifies the current state of the social media world, where everyone is being force-fed information at an unsustainable rate.”
Georgia native. Son of Travis Tritt, country music legend, grew up on the road, side stage. Started playing guitar at a young age, lessons from the local guitar shop and your father. Brother of country artist Tyler Reese Tritt. Favorite songs to play with your father and sister?
Ironically enough my father was not a great teacher for guitar, mainly because he learned 100% from his ear. He had a difficult time explaining to me how to play something in technical terms like a music teacher would, however, he did give me some excellent advice: “Learn how to play rhythm first.” As for singing songs with my sister and father, the only one that comes to mind is ‘God Bless America,’ which my father taught me and my sister how to sing on the day of the Twin Tower attacks. Whenever we went on the road with him as kids, he would bring me and Tyler Reese on stage and have us sing it to the giant crowd after the solo acoustic portion of his concert. It still puts a knot in my throat whenever I think of those times.
Moved to the west coast after high school to learn music production and artist management but wanted to be on stage. Passion for rock and roll, musical influences include Motörhead, Ozzy Osborne and Stone Temple Pilots. “I’m doing it MY way,” — being “genuine and authentic” in life and music is a top priority. “I don’t go for the most perfect sounding take, just the one with the most feel…” What’s the best way to capture the feel of a live performance in the studio?
I think whenever you capture a live performance it’s important to truly tune out any major distractions. I thrive on pressure, so focusing on the task at hand and trying to nail the song in a single take is a bit of a rush for me. There are plenty of times when my voice will crack or I might accidentally say the wrong word, but if the recording captures the raw passion of what I’m trying to convey, I’m more than happy to keep it as is. Most people nowadays tend to ‘punch in,’ which allows the singer to perfect every single syllable if needed. It’s very useful, but I still prefer the more human-sounding recording.
“Oblivion,” a solo write, produced by Leroy Powell, was influenced by Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins. “Oblivion comes from a place of love and extreme admiration for someone, but it could also have a more malevolent feel depending on how you interpret it. Musically, this song captured the soundtrack in my head.” How did you choose this to be your debut single?
I wanted something that was very emotional to be my first release. I had recently fallen in love, so God only knows I couldn’t keep this subject matter out of the forefront of my brain. It was an odd choice for most people (releasing a ballad as your debut single), but I still stand by it.
“Nervous System Overload,” co-written with and produced by Steven Patrick Wilson and Kelly Paige, the song captures the chaotic nature of anxiety. “I really believe that this song is my first time getting out of my own comfort zone and discussing subject matter that is truer to my interest and perspective. The concept for this song exemplifies the current state of the social media world, where everyone is being force-fed information at an unsustainable rate. Steven and Kelly allowed me to get weird and push the song to lengths that I could not have, had I not had their support and guidance. This song hits hard and will for sure leave your head buzzing and your ears ringing.” Can you share a fan’s feedback of how the lyrics resonated with them?
The song has been out for about two weeks now, but the amount people singing the lyrics back has truly been incredible to see/hear. The goal was to take a nuanced approach to the way social media and the how digital age have been affecting our mental health and anxiety. The line “this is my own affliction” has a lot of room to be interpreted by the listener. It could be our obsession with vanity or the constant sense of dread from the 24-hour news cycle. Either way, we are feeding into our own masochistic addictions on a regular basis. for some reason or another, I think certain people resonate with that sentiment.
First tour, out with South Carolina band Seven Year Witch. Which venues are on your bucket list?
I actually played the Masquerade in Atlanta recently. Being a Georgia boy, this was a pretty surreal moment playing at such an iconic southern venue. If you had told me three years ago this would even be a possibility, I’d probably say you were full of it. In regard to working with Seven Year Witch, I couldn’t be more thankful for their time and support. They have really made me step up the energy at my shows because if you don’t work hard with them, they will show the crowd how boring your set is compared to theirs. Truly talented individuals.