FEATURE
Interview with Brunei Darussalam Base Band Mirror Trash
Hailing from Brunei Darussalam, Mirror Trash is a musical project lead by Aizat Haris. Started in 2018, Mirror Trash makes songs about personal struggles, trauma, and self-confrontation, drowned in dream-pop shoegaze instrumentals with vocals drenched in reverb.
How did you come by your brand name?
I came up with the name MIRROR TRASH because sometimes I hate myself when I look in the mirror. Also, not many people would piece it together but it’s a subtle reference to one of my favorite songs by Sonic Youth called Total Trash.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I knew from early on that music was going to play a big role in my life. My dad was a lead guitarist in a rock band and my mom is an avid music listener. Being surrounded by music a lot as a kid, it’s pretty hard to stay away from it especially when it’s around you 24/7.
I didn’t really put in much thought into taking music seriously until I started performing original music live and people telling me that I should keep at it. I’ve played in gigs before this but it was mostly cover songs at really weird events/private gigs or at a family fun day or something.
I started making songs because the original plan was to make music videos on youtube without getting copyright strikes… Unfortunately, the music-making side took over hahaha.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
Music-wise, that’s a tough one because I have so many musical influences, it’s impossible for me to list all of them here. When it comes to execution, listening to a lot of DIIV, Eerie Summer and Beach Fossils helped me a lot in finding the sound that I wanted to make.
Surf Vampires can also be included on that list, because had I not found their music on Soundcloud, I don’t think Mirror Trash would be a thing.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
The latest release I did call Reform is just a reflection on what’s happening in my current life. I don’t necessarily have a backstory to it besides “I just felt like making an EP”.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Having to put myself out there is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It’s crazy because as much as I do love playing and performing music, I am a very shy and nervous person, it’s self-contradictory!
However, I do find when push comes to shove, I’ll figure out a way somehow to put myself out there, by hook or by crook, even though I have pretty low self-esteem.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
At what I do? Yes, definitely. As a musician? Definitely not, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.
What are your plans for the near future?
Life plan, graduating and then doing a masters degree on creative practices. Music-wise, playing shows here and there. I’m planning on releasing a compilation EP on a 7-inch lathe cut in the near future which is very exciting!!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
My family for pushing me into doing what I want to do in life, of which I’m forever grateful for! Emily Henderson, for being the best friend who taught me how important it is to love myself, a lesson that I’ve struggled learning for so long. Doc from Marly Records and Carlos from Entes Anomicos, for helping me with my releases and believing in me!
To Brian Wilson, Kristine Leschper, Sara Quin, Daniel Johnston, Robert Smith, Stefani Germanotta, Greta Kline, Kasra Kurt and Eve Alpine who saved my life during hard times through their music.
Shout out to my music circle friends, Perfect Scums, Goat Eyes, Surf Vampires, Tropical Hornbills, Bluemoongirl, Yukahati, Night Swim, Brocken Spectre, Jiggy Beast, Death Bed, and Holiday, they all work hard on their art and deserve all the successes and recognition that they get.
How can fans find you?
Bandcamp: https://mirrortrash.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirrortrashband
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIRRORTRASHBAND
Facebook: https://facebook.com/mirrortrash
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Do enough to make yourself happy, if you’re proud of your work, own it! Don’t let anyone else stop you from doing what you love, as long as you’re happy doing it and not hurting anyone in the process, you’re golden!
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