Phoenix has long been known as a city with a deep, eclectic music scene. From post-hardcore garage shows to glittery indie pop, the desert has been a melting pot of musical experimentation and Trouble Minds is one of the local bands making a serious impact.

Last year, I sat down with the band to talk about their origins, their scene, and the passion that keeps them pushing forward. What I got was an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation that made one thing clear: this isn’t just a group of musicians trying to “make it.” They genuinely love what they do.

A Band That’s Grown With Its Members

“Believe it or not, I started the band in 2013,” says frontman Matt Aldawood, who handles vocals and guitar. “I was like 19. There have been a lot of people who’ve come through this band over the years. But I really believe in this current lineup.”

That current lineup includes drummer Riley, guitarist Saban, and bassist Ryan, each of whom brings a unique musical background. While the faces have changed over the years, the core mission has remained the same to create authentic, emotionally driven music and take it on the road.

“This is the first band I’ve been in that’s actually toured,” says Riley, who joined the group just over a year ago. “It’s been awesome.” Saban, who has played in bands with Matt before, joined about five months ago. “We’ve already done a couple runs, and we all just really vibe together.” Ryan, who jumped in May 2023, adds, “It’s definitely the most touring I’ve done, but it’s been nothing but fun.”

Born From Trampolines and Boom Boxes

For Matt, the path to music wasn’t through lessons or formal training. It was through “playing pretend” as a kid.

“I was about eight years old, playing on the trampoline with a neighbor. We had this game… ‘Let’s play band.’ The trampoline was our stage,” he laughs. “We’d grab his older brother’s CDs and boom box and pretend to be Blink-182. That’s how I discovered punk rock, Blink, Bad Religion, Pennywise.”

Eventually, the fantasy turned into reality. After two years of asking, he finally got a drum set for Christmas at age 10. His brother got a guitar. Another got an egg shaker. “We just started teaching ourselves. I took my brother’s guitar books and taught myself how to play, and eventually, I started writing songs.”

Influences That Echo Through the Setlist

Trouble Minds’ sound is hard to pin down, and that’s part of what makes them interesting. Their influences span from raw emo and punk to the core and the deep melody.

Matt lists Title Fight, The Wonder Years, Mom Jeans among his biggest inspirations. He also has a soft spot for midwest emo icons like Snowing and Algernon Cadwallader. Riley shout out The Story So Far, Pierce the Veil, and other pillars of early 2010s pop-punk.

The result is a mix that feels both nostalgic and fresh, a sound shaped by years of listening, writing, and refining. “We’re not trying to sound like one band or one scene,” says Matt. “We just write what feels good.”

Phoenix: A Scene with No Borders

When it comes to their hometown, the band agrees, Phoenix doesn’t have a signature sound and that’s a good thing.

“The music scene here is massive,” says Ryan. “There’s a little pocket for every genre. It can feel a bit disconnected at times, but that diversity is a strength.”

Matt echoes, “Sometimes people ask us what Phoenix is known for, and I’m like, nothing in particular, but we have everything. You can find your niche. And the crossover is real. You’ve got emo kids at hardcore shows, pop-punkbands playing with trap artists. It’s a supportive community.”

Overcoming Doubt, Choosing Joy

When I asked if they ever had doubts about putting themselves out there, the band got reflective.

“Oh yeah, totally,” says Matt. “I wasn’t a good singer when I started honestly, I sucked. But I put it out anyway. Because I wasn’t doing it to be ‘good.’ I did it because I loved it.”

He shares a piece of advice from an old roommate: “I don’t do music because I want to be good at it. I do it because I love it.”

“That stuck with me. If you’re making art to impress people, you’ll never be happy. Make it for yourself. Express yourself. That’s what matters.”

What’s Next for Trouble Minds?

With a solid lineup, consistent touring, and a deep connection to the Phoenix scene, Trouble Minds is clearly in a new chapter and ready to expand outside of Phoenix.

If you’re into emotionally raw music with heart, grit, and something to say, Trouble Minds is a band worth watching. And more importantly worth listening to.

Trouble Minds recently released their newest EP, Full Circle. A project that captures their growth, resilience, and signature blend of emotional punk energy. If you’ve connected with their story or are just discovering their sound, this is the perfect place to dive in. Give it a listen and experience the next chapter of a band that’s continuing to carve out their space in the scene. Stream Full Circle now.

_{Interview date: July 8th 2024}

Follow Trouble Minds on Instagram and stream their music on Spotify.