Terrible News Band Interview

An Interview with Josh and Tianna from the band Terrible News:

London Penny: How did the band get started?

Josh: I started writing most of these songs during 2020 when the world was shut down for covid. There was a previous iteration of the band that ended in 2024. Then I basically branched off initially thinking this was going to be more of a solo act.

I took the songs and recorded an EP (The Purity of Obscurity) with Mitch Mason, who is the drummer for Black Bleeds Through from St. Joseph Missouri, serving as my producer and studio drummer, while I recorded guitar, vocals, and bass. John Dail, also of Black Bleeds Through, laid down lead guitar for "Tell Me" and "For What It's Worth".

The band definitely has been through some lineup changes over the last couple years. 

Tianna Trigg came into the mix on bass at the beginning of 2026 and was absolutely the perfect fit for this band. She is an amazing bass player and I'm looking forward to the future because she's really fun to work with.

Tianna: I wasn't part of the band in the beginning, this was Josh's creative process, but I saw a place where I could fit in and amplify our sound, and bring the ideas to life. It felt like an open book to add whatever creative flair I desired. Plus, working with Josh feels extremely easy. When someone is more of a friend than they are a "business partner," it's definitely the right place to be. 

LP: Who are you influenced by? Can be personal or musical or both.

Josh: Musically I am influenced by so many different bands and genres, and I feel like that comes through in Terrible News. This band has no limitations on what we write or what genre we can fall into.

Personally a lot of the lyrical content is influenced by trauma and overcoming that trauma. That trauma can range from toxic relationships, addiction, or even just the overall daily trauma of dealing with the world. I feel that every song is relatable in some way.

Tianna: I have so many local and personal influences, as well as traditional musical influences. Despite our differences, I have to credit my highest influence to my father, William Trigg. Growing up watching him play on stage instilled the love and passion I have for music today within me. 

LP: Let’s break down the EP track by track.

Josh: “Tell Me” is definitely about a toxic relationship. It's a very raw and in-your-face song with a punchy main riff, which is why it opens the EP.

“For What It's Worth” is the second track on the Purity of Obscurity, this song has a very simple yet distinct bass line. It's a very somber song that is basically just about being stabbed in the back by those close to you or being let down by people you trusted. 

“Run Rabbit Run” is definitely a standout song on this EP. I used an acoustic modeler throughout most of the song paired with chorus and reverb to provide some ambience. It is lyrically just about partying and having a good time. This is truly a song that you can just chill to.

“Gaslight” is the last song on the EP and is also what we typically end our shows with. “Gaslight” is about exactly what you would think it's about. The lyrics just repeat throughout the entire song purposely because that's what the toxicity of someone gaslighting you is like. It is such a fun song to play live because in the middle of it we usually do a breakdown and we have the crowd sing it back to us. It's just an overall cool way to end a show.

Tianna: Another hard one...I didn't play on these tracks, but I have a couple favorites. Off the EP, “Gaslight” is probably my favorite song to play. It has just enough energy to entertain a crowd and move around a bit, but enough musical involvement to not take your eyes off your hands for too long. I enjoy a good challenge, and “Gaslight” takes the cake. Also, playing this song with Tim Leland (who is amazing), is always a good time.

LP: What do you enjoy most about performing?

Josh: Everything. That's the whole reason for doing any of this. Are there some performances that are better than others? Absolutely, but the day that I don't enjoy it is the day I should probably hang it up.

Tianna: Performing can be stressful at times, but I enjoy sharing my love for music and my personal craft with people of like mindsets, and it's electrifying to bring communities together for such a positive experience. Every time I, or anyone else steps on a stage, it fuels positivity within the music community and gives back to its life. I love knowing that I have a part in this amazing experience.