trophy wife release "paragraph" - a diy masterpiece

Every song Trophy Wife releases feels more representative of their capabilities than the last. Emerging as a standout in the New York DIY scene, their latest single “Paragraph” has the vocally driven, instrumentally-shaped storytelling that was showcased in their previously released album Get Ugly, and will be ever present on their upcoming album Pathetic (set to be released July 10th).

“Paragraph” follows “Kind of Girl I Am” which to me, feels starkly different from the songs on Get Ugly. From an outside perspective, it seems as if McKenzie Iazzetta has grown to trust her words to push the track further, allowing the group space to grow and evolve into a voice that speaks whatever it damn well pleases. 

Chemistry present between artists can create a unique atmosphere in their music that never fails, and “Paragraph” is no exception. Seen in the bass and guitar following the drums in such a complimentary way; Iazzetta’s vocals shine through-and-through while giving the instruments space to be heard - reverberating freely in the ears of the listener. To me, it’s an honest conversation with yourself about your outlook on art, and how that translates when you create it. It’s the manifestation of an outcast feeling, expressed in words that are cut short by growls of innate desires that you may fail to fulfill.

In an interview with Youngster Year’s Jack Scypinski, Iazzetta shared some insight into how Trophy Wife’s songs are created.

She shared that she usually begins the process with lyrics and a melody and from there, Christian Pace (bass), and Michael Martelli (drums) complete the song in production, with friends of theirs typically picking up the responsibility of expanding the melody on guitar. While vocals dance within a vibrato that fundamentally shapes the music, the bass and drums always compliment her flow in a way that exacerbates how connected they are through the production process. This connection is clear in the way they are able to bring multiple instruments together and support one another, creating a discography worth bragging about.

As said by Iazzetta herself in an interview with Flood Magazine, “I think it’s us approaching the music from different angles that makes us who we are as a band.” What Pace and Martelli add to Trophy Wife is undeniably just as important, with this trio coming together song after song to showcase the spirit that comes alive in all of their music.

After listening to “Paragraph,” I proceeded to listen to every song in their discography. Nothing falters– and the growth between Get Ugly and Pathetic, which comes out almost two years after, shows that Trophy Wife has been committed to growing into themselves, and making music that is wholeheartedly authentic.

Between the previous release of Get Ugly and their newly released single "Paragraph," it is clear that Trophy Wife lean into their experiences in a way that disregards the pretty poise that might be expected, swapping it for raw lyrics supported by impeccably written bass lines, melodic guitar that adds the perfect amount of personality, and drums that feel absolutely critical. 

Take a look at the music video for the newly released single Paragraph below, and keep an eye out for Trophy Wife’s upcoming LP, shows, and more.

Keep up with Trophy Wife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pl3FTbLmck

words by Hailey