Sound of the City: Singer-songwriter TRS draws from her Ethiopian roots
The emerging artist is carving out a space for herself in the modern R&B and soul landscape
SOUND OF THE CITY is a series created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir that showcases Vancouver’s diverse music scene, highlighting BIPOC and underrepresented artists and acts. Each edition features a Q&A and a Sound of the City playlist curated by the artist that features some of their favourite local musicians.
TRS
TRS is a first-generation Ethiopian-Canadian singer/songwriter born and raised in Vancouver. Often alluding to icons of hip hop, neo-soul, and R&B, her style is informed by her Ethiopian roots. She incorporates raw storytelling and draws from the legacy of vocal mastery and heartfelt, expressive songwriting characteristic of her culture’s musical legends.
Read what’s on Turunesh’s mind these days and listen to her Sound of the City playlist, below.
TRS’s Playlist
1. Dayton James - “Underyourskin”
2. Ninja - “Finesse”
3. Emanual - “Magazines”
4. Junia-T - “Ooowee (feat. Elijah Dax)”
5. Luidji - “Système”
6. I Wayne - “Need Her In I Arms”
7. Teon Gibbs - “Off My Mind”
8. Rema - “Soundgasm”
9. Drake - “Pipe Down”
10. Baby Keem - “Family Ties (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”
11. ParisPlayedYou - “Detroit Freestyle”
12. Boslen - “Trip”
13. Prado - “Stephen”
14. Dacey - “Broccoli’s Keeper”
15. Makadi - “Raspberry Lemonade”
16. Kendra Dias, Mr. Stee, Jub - “Be Nice”
17. Tems - “Found (feat. Brent Faiyaz)”
18. Bukola - “Falling Deeper”
19. Brett Barron, Westy - “Just A Sample”
How are you feeling about life right now?
Life is pretty good! I’m taking the time to embrace transitions and appreciate the process instead of anxiously waiting for end results. I’m enjoying figuring life out right now.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
In a positive way, I think. I’m grateful for the way the pandemic forced us to slow down. I’m an introvert so it was easy, I only missed a few things. But also because it left me with no direction to look except inward. And at that point in time, I really needed that. Personally, but also for my artistry. The extra time for reflection led to a lot more creating. I missed live shows like crazy, though.
What are you working on right now? Do you have any plans or projects lined up for the rest of 2021?
I have an EP in the works that I’m really excited to share! Also look out for some pretty cool visuals in the next year.
Where are you finding solace and comfort?
In the winter months, in my bed… lol. I don’t do well with cold weather. But also when I’m with family and close friends. I’m most comfortable in spaces where mutual understanding and love are a given.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic passes?
Travel! Hands down.
What song or album has been in your heavy rotation recently and why?
Tems’ EP, If Orange Was A Place, and Baby Keem's new album, The Melodic Blue, have been in heavy rotation. And since Aaliyah’s discography was added to Spotify, I’ve had One in a Million and Aaliyah on repeat.
Can you give a shoutout to one of your favourite Vancouver musicians or artists? What about them inspires you?
Honestly, there’s way too much talent, I don’t know if I could choose just one. Even having to narrow it down for the playlist was a challenge because I’m consistently impressed and inspired by all the new sounds coming out of this city. Vancouver has so much to offer and that’s what inspires me the most.
What would you like to see change in Vancouver?
I’m most excited for Vancouver’s progression. It’s a city with so much potential musically, I think it’s less about what needs to be changed and more about realizing that potential.
Who is your dream collaborator?
Collaborating with PartyNextDoor would be a dream come true.
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