Nashville-based trio TRALA has just debuted their first music video for the band’s third single, “Gotcha.” The track is a total girl power anthem, and a tribute to strong female friendships – which of course, we’re completely obsessed with.
To celebrate their latest release, Celeb Secrets caught up with band members Moriah Smallbone, Julie Melucci, and Jesi Jones to hear all about what they are up to. Not only did we get the story behind their single, but we learned some fun music video set secrets, and learned what’s ahead for the band in 2019. Make sure to catch our exclusive Q&A interview below.
There’s so much importance in friendship and camaraderie, and we wanted to make a statement that strikes a chord with the listener. – Julie
Celeb Secrets: Can you tell us the story behind “Gotcha,” and how it became a song?
Moriah Smallbone: We wrote this song on “Gotcha Day” with our friend and producer Matt Hales (Aqualung) in Los Angeles. In his sunlit, home-studio, we realized we had something special in common—we each have one older sister.
Jesi, Julie and I had complicated relationships with our big sisters growing up. Now that we’re older, we appreciate the power of sisterhood and, equally, the damage we can do to one another as women. Whether we’re family or friends, now more than ever, we want to celebrate the love that exists between sisters!
Celeb Secrets: What’s a message that you hope listeners take away from this track?
Julie Melucci: There’s so much importance in friendship and camaraderie, and we wanted to make a statement that strikes a chord with the listener while still keeping the music fun and nostalgic.
Celeb Secrets: How would you describe your musical journey, and your career up until this point?
Moriah Smallbone: My dad always used to say, “God never draws straight lines.” The road behind me is full of twists and crooked turns. Right after graduating high school, I moved from LA to Nashville and thought a solo career was all there was ahead of me.
Now, I can’t picture doing music without my band mates. I’m a team player and have never felt comfortable being alone in the spotlight. The unpredictable nature of the music industry has taught me to work hard at whatever is in front of me while staying open to surprising results.
Celeb Secrets: What was the best advice you got along that journey?
Moriah Smallbone: I got sick from keeping stress a secret. Jesi Jones told me, “When something goes wrong, tell me. I’ll carry it with you.”
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Celeb Secrets: If this song is the first someone ever hears from you, what kind of introduction to your music do you think it would be?
Julie Melucci: This is one of our most experimental and quirky songs, and it’s pretty bold right out of the gate. So I think it would be a bit surprising but maybe refreshing for someone who’s looking for something different in pop music.
Celeb Secrets: And if a fan has been following your career for some time now, how do you hope this work drives your story further?
Moriah Smallbone: From the moment I started creating music, I felt like those who connected with my songs were people just like me…outsiders, quirky, deep thinkers, gritty, sensitive-types.
We’ve always kept it real and haven’t minded change so I hope this TRALA transition can inspire people reach for a new level of community and vulnerability.
Celeb Secrets: What’s the impact that you hope your music has? And how to do you hope others will be able to relate?
Moriah Smallbone: We have always aimed to be authentic in our songwriting process. If anyone were to eavesdrop on a conversation between the three of us, they’d witness laughter, quiet, disagreements and curiosities.
We’ve embraced tension and differences in our dynamic because we know it leads to trust and growth. If people are entertained and confused or challenged by our music, I’d say that’s a win.
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Celeb Secrets: Do you remember a specific song or artist that was really influential to you when you were growing up?
Moriah Smallbone: Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Jaco Pastorius, Chaka Khan—all the funk and jazz that my dad exposed me to from the time I was little! I can’t listen to “Portrait of Tracy” without happy/painful tears streaming down my face.
Celeb Secrets: What are the 3 most-played songs on your playlist at the moment?
Julie Melucci: At the moment… “The Internet” – Jon Bellion, “Oh What a World” – Kacey Musgraves, “Awake and Pretty Much Sober” – Violents
Celeb Secrets: What are you most excited about that’s ahead in 2019?
Jesi Jones: Releasing new music and another video…we filmed it at a volcano in El Salvador. (eeeeeeep)
Celeb Secrets: For Celeb Secrets, would you be able to share a fun secret about “Gotcha,” either its recording or filming the video?
Jesi Jones: At the very end of the music video, we’re all standing in the middle of the football field when the stadium lights go out. If you look really closely, we’re linking pinkies! That’s what we do before going on stage as a reminder that if one of us feels weak, together we’re strong.
Be sure to check out TRALA’s new music video for “Gotcha” above, and leave us all your reactions below!
