Toronto-based electro-rock artist Trak navigates the emotional terrain of despair and resilience in his latest single, “Dust & Ashes.” The song explores the space between the burdens of yesterday and the uncertainties of tomorrow, finding hope in the often-hidden will to move forward. With lyrics and spacey production, Trak’s newest release is a cathartic expression of personal struggles and a pivotal piece in a larger, sci-fi-inspired narrative.
“Dust & Ashes” dives deep into themes of suffocation and renewal, as Trak portrays a character overwhelmed by “the ashes of the past” while simultaneously feeling “the heat from the future.” This tension between stagnation and propulsion forms the crux of the song, which Trak interprets as an exploration of inner fire: a force that doesn’t consume but instead sustains.
The track’s urgency is reflected in its intricate arrangement. A haunting sub-melody – reminiscent of a distorted vibraphone – pulsates beneath Trak’s vocals, while the song builds to a powerful atmosphere. This dramatic conclusion features contributions from Trak’s new ensemble of musicians, including Tina (violinist), Stephan (drummer), Alejandro (guitarist), and Kat (backing vocalist). Together, they add an organic energy to Trak’s evolving sound.
“Dust & Ashes” plays a central role in a narrative Trak began with his debut album, Enter the Purgatory, and continues in his forthcoming EP, The Last Flare. The story follows a space traveler grappling with the consequences of a sacrificial act that separated him from his soulmate. These themes of loss and questioning mirror Trak’s own artistic process, which he describes as inherently therapeutic. “I’ve always gone to music composition to express sadness, fear, doubt, and any negative thoughts,” Trak explains. “These feelings create the most meaningful songs and beautiful melodies.”
Trak’s penchant for introspection is no stage persona — it’s intrinsic to his identity. Raised in Nice, France, before relocating to Toronto, Trak has long sought refuge in music. As a teenager, inspired by his father’s love for Genesis and artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, he began experimenting with synthesisers, debuting his talents at a high-school performance where he played three keyboards simultaneously. While he’s since embraced cutting-edge recording technology, Trak’s recent work marks a shift toward live instrumentation. The Last Flare, slated for release in February 2025, represents his progression from electronic experimentation to a richer, rock-infused sound. He aims to create music that blends the pulse of DJ sets with the energy of live performance.
Trak’s philosophy on music is clear: he prioritises substance over fleeting popularity. “The ideas behind my music are simple: make music a long-lasting product instead of a short-term phenomenon,” he says. “Today’s music focuses on being catchy and trendy, instead of exploring emotions and messages. I want people to connect more with what they listen to.”
This ethos is evident in The Last Flare, which will expand on the operatic ambition of Enter the Purgatory while embracing the dynamic interplay of live instrumentation. With a planned move to Barcelona in the coming year, Trak continues to evolve both geographically and artistically.
“Dust & Ashes” is an invitation to find strength in vulnerability and clarity in chaos. For Trak, the answer lies neither in the wreckage of the past nor in the uncertainty of the future, but in the eternal embrace of music that endures. As he says, “See you there. And don’t forget to kick the ‘Dust’ off your shoes.”
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