TRILLE: DANCING LIKE A ZOMBIE, WITH A BET ON HIS MIND
When you come out with a hit song, the follow-up song might increase or decrease your fan base. I know I have good songs, but if we are being honest, there is pressure to produce another good hit.
During the pandemic, Liberians turn to music as a gateway from their reality. It was during this time that the “Zombie dance” by Trille took off and became a household anthem. The song has dominated everywhere, from the radio to the house parties, and can be considered as a contender for song of the year. Born as Shadrach Wisner, Trille grew up with his grandma. He was also an active member of his church when he was younger. When he gained admission into the University of Liberia to study biology and chemistry, the young man who used to beat drums and teach Sunday school in the church, went into making music.
When I asked Trille what his goal was when he entered music, he said “I just want to put my country name on the scene. I want us to win awards like BET. I want Liberia to be recognized. We are trying, but we are not recognized globally, like Nigeria and Ghana”. While Trille just scored his first nationwide hit, and while it is still baby steps towards getting a BET award, he is definitely going in the right direction.
During our interview, Trille was asked the bolded questions, and his responses are in each paragraph that follows
Did you think the “Zombie dance” would be as big as it is now?
Every artiste that makes a song, makes it with a mindset for it to be a hit. Therefore, I dropped zombie dance for it to be a hit. I dropped the song last year in November, and surprisingly, 9 months later it is still trending.
At what stage did you realize, I have a hit?
It took a while for me to accept the song was that big. When the song dropped, it received good reception in my community in Bardnesville estate. I started realizing how big it was when the pandemic started and the CEO of the label, Dr. Kimmie Weeks, sent me a video of people vibing to my song when he went out. I finally accepted that I had a hit when the song was being played on radios, and I heard it everywhere that I went. Even the DJ’s I used to pay to play my songs were playing it for free. My song, Zombie, was number 1 on radio charts.
Why did you think zombie hit?
Zombie was destined to hit. When corona first came, people said the virus would slow the song down. But corona had everyone at home and the song built momentum. I say destiny because Zombie wasn’t supposed to drop at that time. I had recorded a song called pullover which was scheduled to drop. I spoke to management about dropping zombie because I vibed to the song, and everyone in the studio vibed to the song when it was being recorded. In fact, in comparison with my other songs, I didn’t even do as much personal promotion for zombie. It was management that pushed it. I remember only playing it in the studio and in my estate. Another reason it hit was because the lyrical content of the song is easy to understand. That is, there are no big words in it, and people can relate to the song.
What inspired the decision to feature Deng on the song?
For every song, you feature people that can vibe with the style and song. When I did the song, I felt Deng would fit the vibe. I also wanted to do a song with Deng, and the song was an opportunity to work with him.
I also want to say thanks to Deng, he gave me his verse on zombie dance for free. He said he loved the song and said I shouldn’t worry about the money. Deng also helped me with certain connections that are helping me till today. He is a good and loyal brabie.
How long have you been in the music?
I have been into music for 4 years. I had a passion for music since junior high school., When I got into the University of Liberia, I joined a campus-based entertainment group, and it was called University Icon Movement. I got signed to Activate Music after I left the University Icon Movement. I worked with Activate music for some time. Through my hard work, I got signed to KLW Entertainment.
How important was your signing to KLW Entertainment?
Signing to KLW Entertainment helped my career. Thanks to Activate music for approving and encouraging me to sign and take the next step. It was hard being an underground artiste because, you have to finance your work, you have to pay club and radio DJs, and pay bloggers. But once I got signed to KLW, most of those things became easier. My manager helps to schedule a lot of these things.
How has fame been for you?
In my opinion, celebrity life is different from normal life. It can be a burden. I live in Area F in Bardnesville. Prior to my fame, I could walk from my house to the market. Nowadays, I can’t move easily without drawing a crowd. I remember one day I was really hungry and I went to the lappa be door I always visited before I became famous. Within a short time, a crowd gathered and I had to forfeit lunch for that day. But however, I appreciate my fans and the fame, because this is what I prayed for.
Is there pressure to make another hit?
Definitely. Since I released “Zombie”, I have recorded more than 6 songs. Everyone says the songs are fine, but I am still deciding which one to drop for the fans.
When you come out with a hit song, the follow-up song might increase or decrease your fan base. I know I have good songs and hits, but if we are being honest, there is pressure to produce another good hit.
Would we see an album or EP from Trille anytime soon?
I am trying to drop a 4-song EP. When you’re an underground artiste, you have to drop your songs one by one because most people don’t know you. Zombie dance has introduced me to people, so I can confidently drop an album or Ep. I have 3 songs recorded that I am considering for the EP. I would add zombie and make it a 4-track EP.
Thank you for talking with us.
You’re welcome
NOTES
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