In person, it’s easy to see why the four longtime friends and musicians began their own band. The guys have a palpable rapport and easy banter with each other – especially when they are discussing one of their favorite topics – which is music.
The Hoboken-based band Trust was formed by the four friends a year ago and the group began playing out last summer.
The band, which includes Vinnie Belcastro (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dan Rodriguez (lead guitar, vocals), and brothers Mike (Bass), and Scott Petzinger (drums), blends sounds from each of their influences.
Their first EP “Almost Everything” was released last fall at a show at Maxwell’s. Since then, Trust has continued working on their songs and their sound.
“We are all about exploring new sounds,” said Belcastro. “We don’t want to pigeon hole ourselves. I see ourselves getting better and better.”
Belcastro, who writes the lyrics for all the songs, said that they all write their own parts.
Since those first five songs, which Rodriguez describes as “rock driven,” they have continued to expand their repertoire.
“We probably have 15 songs,” said Rodriguez. “At least 15 originals.”
Making their way
Since their first show at the 169 Bar in Manhattan, the guys have continued to polish their sound and play around with rhythms.
In addition to legendary Maxwell’s, Trust has played at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park and at several music venues in Philly.
Recently, they were selected for the Bamboozle Contest and have advanced to the finals. Trust made the cut from 100 bands to the 20 that will play for a chance at the grand prize, which includes a studio time and a spot in the Aquarian.
‘A little change’
According to Belcastro, their fourth song “A Little Change” on the debut CD has gotten the most feedback. With an infectious beat and heartfelt vocals it’s easy to hear why it would be a favorite with fans.
“That’s our bread and butter song,” said Belcastro. “That song, I think, has the most personality.”
“Everyone just came together on it,” said Rodriguez.
“That song really came together in a day,” said Belcastro. “It wrote itself.”
“We said, ‘let’s record it,’ ” said Mike Petzinger.
Rodriguez said that the song came together very quickly. He said that Vinnie began playing a guitar riff, then he joined with chord changes, then Mike added bass and Scott came in with the drums.
“Then we started playing around with the verse,” said Rodriguez.
Belcastro described what the lyrics mean to him: “The whole song is about the road and not knowing where you’re going.
“For that song I actually tried to write the song from another person’s perspective,” he added, saying that most of the songs he writes are from his perspective.
Improving their performance
As of right now, the guys don’t have plans to complete a full-length album this year.
“If nothing were to change between now and next year we would probably do another EP,” said Scott Petzinger. “But we could if we got signed.”
Yet Belcastro believes EPs and the Internet are the way to go.
“MySpace is a huge go to,” said Belcastro. “MySpace is such an icon in the music industry.”
They all give each other credit for bringing different energy and feeling to each song.
“We are always rewriting our songs,” said Belcastro, “trying to improve them…”
“To keep them alive,” Mike Petzinger added.
“It’s been a short amount of time since we finished the CD and we’ve done about 40 shows,” said Scott Petzinger.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m proud of what we’ve done,” said Belcastro.
A little faith
While many of their song titles such as “Revelation” or “Faith Devout” sound like they could be Christian rock, the guys say that wasn’t their intention.
“It’s funny,” said Rodriguez. “There really isn’t any Christianity in it at all. I guess you could look at the names and you would say that [there is].”
“It’s really more of a general faith,” said Scott Petzinger.
“We’re not so much a Christian band in that we aren’t preaching,” said Mike Petzinger. “It’s more about the metaphors or symbols.”
Belcastro agreed with his band mates adding, “It’s really about believing in yourself and your friends.”
Although Belcastro admits that he was raised a Christian, he said that when he writes lyrics it is from his own personal experience.
“I’m not saying it’s not there,” said Belcastro. “I’m saying it’s not the focus.”
He added, “That’s the beauty of music – someone could have a different interpretation of the songs.”
Love of music
The guys all approach the band from very different musical experiences and tastes.
Rodriguez prefers rock including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana.
Mike Petzinger loves metal although his training includes jazz and classical music.
Belcastro learned to love music at his father’s hip, who first introduced him to guitar. He loves the Blues and admires Sade’s singing voice.
“Every time I hear her I want to go home and practice my chops,” said Belcastro.
Scott Petzinger, who is the youngest member in the band at 20, said he prefers pop or rock.
“I guess I’m the most different,” he said. “[I like] anything catchy with a hook.”
Scott endured further teasing by his band mates when he admitted that he had been to a Kelly Clarkson concert with his girlfriend.
“Come on, man,” said Rodriguez, “say something cool like Roots or something.”
Hear them live
According to Belcastro, they’ve been busy building a following. He said at most of the shows they have a base crowd of 80 people.
At the Maxwell’s show, Scott said they packed the room.
The guys hope to do the same at the Whiskey Bar.
“That’s what makes a show memorable – is when the people like it,” said Belcastro.
He added, “When you are playing a song that you wrote and people are singing and grooving to it – it’s the best thing in the world.”
Trust will play at the Whiskey Bar, 125 Washington St. in Hoboken, on Saturday, March 29 at 9 p.m. Also playing that night is the band High Road. For more information, call (201) 963-3400 or visit: www.myspace.com/trustrox. Comments on this story can be sent to current@hudsonreporter.com.