Trent Worley on Independence, Inspiration and the Making of Now, When?’
Adelaide singer-songwriter Trent Worley is gearing up for the release of his latest album, Now, When?. Ahead of the record dropping and Worley’s album launch show at The Austral this weekend, the local lad opened up about the challenges he’s faced as an indie artist, what his new release is all about and the importance of physical media.
Interview Tobias Handke // Image supplied
For people unfamiliar with Trent Worley, tell us your story and what you are all about.
You know that’s a big first question. I might come back to this…
Ok. So you’ve been writing and recording music for close to 15 years. As an independent artist, what have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in the way people consume music, and how has that impacted the way you release music?
Everything has changed in the way people consume music. 90 years ago, hearing a recording was a huge experience, people gathered around and danced. Now we can listen to music on the bus, office, freaking anywhere, all the time – a lot of people I see with headphones on aren’t generally dancing, and it’s more of a personal experience.
Independent artists can “release” music anytime now. These days there are no gatekeepers or labels to restrict releasing music. You don’t need a fanbase, you don’t even need to be real to release music anymore! What does it even mean? It means I get to talk about it now. There are still tangible and real experiences getting made. There’s pros and cons in both extremes. Just don’t forget to gather and dance to music, that’s why live music is so important. It’s scientifically proven [that] it improves your health (physically and mentally), whether it’s in a group of five or 50,000. It’s good for the spirit, unless of course you don’t believe in that sort of thing.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent artist?
I don’t know any different. I hope that as time goes on, the meaning of an independent artist changes. Now it means I haven’t signed to a label. If that is the definition, as an independent artist, the biggest challenge is having to do all the work yourself.
But truly, I am not independent. Making music, I work and play with many people. One example: the background on my cover art for Now, When? was made by Sally McKinnon – an amazing Adelaide painter who has a unique style, a flow of in-the-moment self-expression, which felt like the feeling of making this album. And she was amazing enough to allow me to use her work as my cover artwork!
The challenges of being an independent artist are more things like motivation and energy, persistence and patience. You’ve got to put a lot of work in, so you've got to love it to even think to do it.
You’ve released a stack of music (EPs and albums) over the journey, but the majority of it is only available on your website. Talk us through the reasons behind that.
A lot of my albums, EPs and random singles were once on streaming platforms. The distributor I used folded in 2020. I missed an email amongst the madness at the time and lost all my material. I was shattered.
Finishing my latest record Now, When? was the first time I wanted to put up an album “online” again. Putting up old albums didn’t feel right. Too backward. [But] I do have copies of my previous albums and EPs on CD. Hit me up, while stocks last!
Speaking of Now, When?, what can you tell us about the release?
It’s a chapter for me. For everyone else, whoppteedoo, something else to listen to! It’s a collection of songs representing a moment in time of my songwriting. It’s the connection of thoughts and action without overthinking and trusting the process. I found an understanding throughout this project that perfection isn’t what I want to be chasing after all, and that released some air to flame up the pilot light again.
The best way to experience this album release is by being in the crowd at The Austral for the launch show! You can hear the album after, but to feel it – November 28 mate!
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The album was produced by Shea Roberts. How did that relationship come about, and what did he bring to the project?
He left his really hot takeaway cup of tea in my van. Lucky he left me his business card, I sent his number a text: “Hey, you left your tea in my van, man” – it was as complicated as things got.
Shea Roberts. What did he bring? The studio, the drums, the mixes – he found tones on amps before I even said “yes”. We worked very well [together]. He taught me a lot. He cooked dinner almost every night for two weeks while we were recording – his favourite Mexican/CA styles that only a San Franciscan could. Shea took me on some killer walks around the most Easterly point in Aus and introduced me to Mario at Howl & Moan Records, where I picked up some great records. I mean, c’mon! What didn’t he bring? Epic man.
You’ve released two singles from the album – ‘Love Like This’ and ‘It’s Not What You Say’. Talk to us about these songs. What is the inspiration and meaning behind them?
‘Love Like This’ was a safe song to put out as the first single off the album. It’s simple. Familiar chords yet original lyrics about falling in love and feeling like you’re going crazy at the same time. No one needed it. It’s different for me. I wrote it in my kitchen. I put it out because it’s not a downer – it’s light and fun – and excuse me if I seem corny, but I would like to hear and see more light and fun!
‘It's Not What You Say’ is more typical of my songwriting style. It’s about actions being more important than words and standing up to a person who might be throwing their weight around on you, telling you to do things that they themselves aren’t willing to do.
You’re releasing Now, When? on vinyl, which is the first time you’ve released anything on that format. Why did you want to drop the album on vinyl, and was it challenging to achieve?
I put Now, When? to vinyl because people kept telling me to! I had the album finished for a while, and I would just send it to people around me. I had too many people say, “You should put this on vinyl”, so I had to make it happen!
How important is physical media (vinyl, CDs, etc.) in the current music climate?
It’s not for a lot. For me, very. I love it. CDs are my favourite for listening... some people love tape. Some people only listen to streaming MP3s and don’t care about the quality over the convenience of listening anywhere. I listen to streamed music often, too. Vinyl is the most fun and best experience overall, and if you’re not looking for that, what ya doooing?
You’re launching the album at The Austral. What can fans expect?
8pm - Me solo. Acoustic.
9pm - Pink Noise Generator – support act!
10pm - Me with the band! Rockin’ set.
Real live music experience. Nothing over the top flashy, just real, raw and original tunes!
What does 2026 hold for Trent Worley?
OC Soundfest kicks off 2026 for me! I’ll be playing at the Overland Corner Hotel, near Barmera on the Murray River. With Lola, Molly Rocket, Pelvis, The Mushniks, Tough Boys and 14 other bands!!! Saturday 24 of Jan! Two stages, food trucks, free camping. Join us for a road trip!
And as for the first question… I’d like to think my story is just beginning. I am a songwriter from Adelaide looking up at the world. I write about feelings, virtue and emotion. I enjoy bringing a good time, connecting people through music and live experience! As lame as it sounds, it ain’t deep man, it’s fun! Remember fun?
Catch Trent Worley performing at The Austral on Friday 28 November. Tickets on sale now via moshtix.com.au.
