LA based band Trapdoor Social formed under unusual circumstances. Meeting in an environmental programme at Pomona College, Merrit Graves and Skylar Funk bonded together over a shared concern for the future of the planet, and set out to make important music – while doing some good along the way.
Their debut EP, ‘Death Of A Friend’, released in 2012, combined their respective influences to become an alt-pop masterpiece. Produced by Curt Schneider, the EP made waves on radio, and featured Death Cab For Cutie’s Jason McGerr on drums. The single ‘Like You Never’ quickly became the most requested track on KROQs “Locals Only” show, and spread to receiving airplay in national US radio stations, including regular rotation on Chicago’s Q87.7. They also saw their song ‘Away’, feature in a nationwide commercial for Discount Tires.
May 2014 saw the release of their second EP, ‘Science Of Love’, and the duo forged a connection with Homeboy Industries, a local non-profit organisation which re-trains former gang members. They donated 100% of the proceeds of their record towards adding a 6.4kw solar rooftop to the HQ of Homeboy Industries, and by the time the presale campaign of the record was complete, the project had reached its target.
Trapdoor Social became a quintet in the summer of 2014 with the addition of  Eyal Dahan on drums, Louie Gonzalez on guitar, and Patrick Griffen on bass. Their most recent release, ‘Sunshine’, is a laidback summer anthem with a tropical feel, and the accompanying lyric video comes ahead of their self titled album, set for release August 12.
Trapdoor Social are currently on tour promoting their album – see their website for further details regarding tickets. You can find them online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
