Tristen has a new sound that just might shake up music lovers and definitely get them out of their chairs. Think of Kraftwerk combined with Eurythmics and maybe a touch of ’80s pop ala Prince and you’ll hear some of the sounds that influenced the new danceable music Tristen is recording for her new album. Sure, she’ll play some of the more Americana-sounding tunes from her last album, “Charlatans at the Garden Gate,” but expect the live renditions to jam a bit more.
“I have been writing this album really before ‘Charlatans’ came out,” she said. “I really wanted to do a dance album and I got into a lot of electronic drums and kind of went straight into pop.”
| Onstage |
| Tristen |
| Where: DC9, 1940 9th St. NW |
| When: 8:30 doors, 9 p.m. show Wednesday |
| Info: 18 and over; $8; ticketalternative.com; 877-725-8849 |
Writing most of the songs on a Lowrey organ, Tristen found the spirit that she sought. Though she still sees a place for the naturalistic approach of Americana, which lured her into music originally, a blending of formats is a better way for her to express her latest songs.
“I was not trying to make an electronic album,” she said of the new songs that will be on a release she plans for next year. “I just really wanted the creative freedom to build my own drums [and other sounds]. We did a tour … and we tried to mingle live and electronic drums. For me, it’s all about staying current, staying modern.”
Moodier songs, ballads and slower jams are still part of the mix, and her basic sound hasn’t changed radically, she said.
“I just want to play shows where people can dance to my music,” she said. “My philosophy is ‘Why put parameters on yourself musically?’ ”
On an upcoming tour with Justin Townes Earle, Tristen noted how people would be able to compare the various sounds her group and his bring to concerts. She likens various formats to a model that dresses in different styles of clothing and still is enchanting.
“A good song is a good song,” she said. “I don’t want people to know who I am [through my music]. I’m not interesting enough to be the topic of all my songs. I hope people will hear my music and feel inspired or think about something new. I hope that music moves them in some way. That’s really how I enjoy live music.”
