‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know the acts we are most excited for in 2021.

Photo: Kirsten Barnett

You’ve heard about some of the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with TRAMP STAMPS, the Nashville-based trio who are here to shatter all your expectations and set the music scene afire.

Comprising of singer Marisa Maino, guitarist Caroline Baker, and drummer Paige Blue, the band arrives with a strong and clear vision for their future as they openly champion women empowerment and musical independence. Tackling societal topics like white-boy privilege and fragile masculinity in their works, TRAMP STAMPS use their voice to encourage self-expression and self-acceptance. Their newest single I’d Rather Die is a pop-punk heavy-hitter that illuminates their personal philosophies in the utmost detail, whilst 1-800-miss-ur-guts reveals a more tender side to the band. Blending melancholy pop with a dash of pop-punk urgency, the trio wraps up social commentary and acute observations in tongue-in-cheek lyrics, offering a sense of togetherness to the like-minded individuals. With a touch of bite and whimsy to their songwriting, TRAMP STAMPS soar high with refreshingly genuine confidence and speak their heart in the most unabashed and unfiltered manner. Feeling inspired by their untamed spirit and unhindered mission statement, what better time than now to catch up with them?

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

The most integral part about being an artist is finding your voice. There are so many experiences that are universal, however the way one person internalizes an experience will be inherently different from the way someone else internalizes that same experience. For example, all women get their period, but the way I feel about the first time I got my period will be different than another woman. Of course there are also universal feelings such as anger and love, but your individual perspective on those feelings is what makes them special to you. The perspective is unique but the experience is universal. So it’s about finding those shared experiences and/or feelings but telling them in your own voice because that is unique to you. Every day we wake up hope this encourages and empowers other people to share their stories in the way that is unique to them. Also perseverance I would argue is also extremely important because being an artist is – excuse my french – hard as fuck.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your forthcoming debut EP that you can share with us?

There are just so many that narrowing it down is so hard. Our whole existence as a band is a movie lmao so if you want something funny just follow us around.

How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?

Well, it depends who I’m talking to. If im talking to a conservative white dude: “your worst nightmare.” If I’m talking to a woman: “We’re burning the patriarchy to the ground girl and we’re going for their throats or dicks rather.”

What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?

It’s gonna all work out just trust yourself. No one in the world knows you better than you.

How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?

The worst and best year of my life.

Name one thing you can’t imagine your life without.

This band.

What is the most useless talent you have?

My existence or being good in bed since it doesn’t matter how good you are in bed, men still universally blow.

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

Being the biggest band in the world and sword fighting every dude who argues otherwise.

Which artists excite you the most this year?

Ashnikko, underscores, Pale Waves, UPSAHL, LOLO.

And finally, what does your music say about you?

Be nice or we’ll quite literally set you on fire in a song and then make millions of dollars off of it.

TRAMP STAMPS will release their debut EP, WE GOT DRUNK AND MADE AN EP, on May 26th.