We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralphie Trench and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ralphie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For us, art and creativity are not careers, but relief from our careers. We’ve never been able to make much money playing music, so we hold other jobs, which for the most part are a drag. We have dedicated a lot of time, energy and focus to the band as if it were a career, but making music with our friends is something we have always done regardless. And when we’re lucky, we sell a few t-shirts and records as a means to fund various projects, such as touring or recording; self-sufficiency is the basic financial goal of the band. But the ultimate overall goal of the band has nothing to do with finances – it’s about personal fulfillment, and a refusal to assimilate.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For everyone who doesn’t know us, we are a fast melodic punk band called Sketchy Trench, and we are from San Antonio. Our music is a blend of aggression and harmony because both of those things feel good, and most of our lyrics are about struggling with the human condition generally. We played a few hundred shows in 2017 & 18, then we went into the studio for a year, then covid hit. I’d say the one thing we’re most excited about right now is the fact that we got on Beefcake Records. They are about to release our first full-length album “Born In A Ditch” on vinyl and other mediums. We’ve been working on these recordings and others for a while, so it’ll be nice to put something out.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat: at home Drink: coffee w/ chocolate milk Visit: your loved ones if you can Hang: at the show. but since that’s shut down: plan B – skate a ditch!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Jackass John who booked our first show!
Website: BeefcakeRecords.com
Instagram: @sketchytrench
Facebook: facebook.com/sketchytrench
Youtube: Beefcake Records
Image Credits
Jeff Antons Photography Mach Speed Productions & Videography