Hailing from the unlikely creative hub of Lexington, Alabama, Triela is a boundary-pushing electronic artist carving out a unique space where industrial textures meet the philosophy of open-source technology. By fusing glitch-driven rhythms with emotive sound design, Triela crafts immersive soundscapes that do more than just fill a room—they challenge the very conventions of how electronic music is produced. Working almost exclusively within Linux-based systems, this DIY ethos is at the heart of everything Triela creates, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to artistic autonomy and technical ingenuity.
In this interview, we dive into the evolution of Triela’s sound, the transition from playing live bass to mastering synthesisers, and the personal milestones that shaped the upcoming debut album. We explore the meditative nature of the studio process and the vital role that open-source software plays in making music more transparent and accessible for everyone.
It’s great to meet you, Triela! Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“Growing up my Father was a musician and songwriter. I took guitar and piano lessons, and played bass guitar with my father. As I grew older, I joined a band in Florence, Alabama called "For the Good of the Order" playing the synthesiser. I started accumulating drum machines and synthesisers at that time. I quit playing live music and even making music for over a decade, selling all my old equipment. I started back playing in 2024, worked on a few projects, and now Triela is my main musical focus.”
You have a new album on the way, ‘Distrohop’, can you tell us a bit about it and what it means to you?
“My next release is ‘Distrohop’ coming out on platforms February 20th, 2026. It's a personal work for me and my first album. I am excited to present the new musical shift pushing boundaries farther. It's been a blast to make it, and I hope my audience enjoys it as much as I do.”
Were there any particular artists or personal experiences that influenced the writing of this album?
“I believe this album was heavily influenced by The Chemical Brothers' work and the atmosphere The Crystal Method makes. I also want to thank my wife Danielle and sons, Leif and Kai and my good friend Jesse. All my followers for all the encouragement that keeps me going.”
What was your songwriting process like for the album? How did it all come together?
“Songwriting is a meditative thing for me. It's what I do after a long day, I sit down with my headphones and focus on what I am creating.”
How would you describe the sound of ‘Distrohop’, and has there been an evolution in your style since you released the ‘Gecko’ EP?
“Since I began with ‘Gecko’ EP, I feel my sound has matured. It's chaotic but more refined than my earlier works. I hope reviews reflect that it is an improvement in production.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey on the upcoming record?
“As with most of my releases, there are many mentions of Linux or open-source pieces of software. I continue to use open-source tools (along with some proprietary ones for Linux) for production and advocate their use. I feel open-source software is important as it's transparent and accessible to anyone. The spirit of open source is shared knowledge and how to apply those tools to improve your life.”
What have the community engagement and the reception to your music been like so far?
“I am so happy with the community engagement I've had so far. I hope to hear more listeners' opinions and their experiences after ‘Distrohop’ releases.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
“I am hoping to start performing live in Florence and Huntsville, AL. Working on my YouTube channel by making Linux music production tutorials. Of course, I am also trying to pump out as much music as I can.”
What is next for you after this album drops? Are there more shows or releases on the horizon?
“There will hopefully be a follow up EP soon!”
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to our audience and those looking to support you?
“Please visit triela.sh to stay up to date on what I am doing. I want to remind everyone to be kind to each other; the world doesn't have to be full of hate. We can change it.”
With ‘Distrohop’ set to arrive on February 20th, Triela is proving that the intersection of open-source advocacy and high-octane electronic production is a fertile ground for innovation. Whether it’s through upcoming live performances in Alabama or educational tutorials for the next generation of Linux producers, the mission remains clear: to push the boundaries of sound while fostering a community built on shared knowledge and kindness.
To keep up to date with Triela, be sure to follow him today on Facebook and TikTok.
