Former Superchick Frontwoman Tricia on Family, Going Solo and Real Beauty (INTERVIEW)
Tricia, the former frontwoman of Christian pop-punk band Superchick, released her second solo album, Radiate, in August and just finished up a tour in support of it.
Tricia chatted with CP in an email interview and spoke about her views on being a role model, transitioning from rock to pop, healthy self-image and being a mom.
Christian Post: Is it tougher musically to write for yourself as a solo artist than as a band, and how did you transition into the style of music you are doing now?
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Tricia: The whole transition has been harder than I imagined it would be. I was used to writing as a band, and in Superchick, Max was the main writer. Being solo has stretched me, but I'm becoming a better writer. ... I guess albums tend to be reflective of the season we're in. We had just had our little girl (our first) and I think it was a happy, pop music season!
CP: What's it like working with your husband on the album as far as the writing and production work?
T: We had to learn how to communicate, how to work and not take things personally. You have to be honest and try to be perfectionists, so that was the hardest part, I think. And sometimes the fact that our studio is here in our house, it's hard for us to walk away from it like a normal job.
CP: In August, Superchick announced their breakup. Was this a necessary step towards the future for your development to move forward as an artist, or more of "the right time?"
T: It was definitely the right time. When our drummer Chase passed away, I think we felt like there needed to be a goodbye and kind of an explanation to our fans. After 15 years there is such a relationship with fans and radio teams and everyone who's a part of your career. We didn't want there to be rumors or have it be anything it wasn't to our fans. It definitely helped our fans understand why I was going out on my own and that I hadn't broken up the band to do my own thing.
CP: Do you perform any Superchick material in your sets, and do you see possible reunions in the future?
T: Yes, I play a few of the favorites in my full sets! These songs have never gotten old to me and I still love that I was a part of something so special for so many years.
I keep saying that I wouldn't be surprised if the chance came to tour together again one day, and I would be the first to sign up! I look back at the time with Superchick and feel so blessed by God choosing us ... For me to have been able to do this with my sister, no words can describe how much fun we had together!
CP: How important do you feel it is to be an example to young women as someone with a platform to do so?
T: I love that I have a chance to speak into girls' lives! I remember vividly what high school years were like. I remember struggles and fears and insecurities and I want to be an example of a strong, courageous woman who is willing to be vulnerable about my faults and my struggles. Trying to appear perfect just doesn't work and it's exhausting.
CP: What would you say to girls who try to be the embodiment of perfection because of what they see in magazines or TV?
T: My song "Mirror Mirror" really says a lot of how I feel. It angers me that the way beauty is portrayed is almost that it's the beautiful, "perfect" people who are happy. That happiness or wealth is a result of outward looks. There is no such thing as "perfect" and beauty is so much more than our reflection. I had people who really spoke those truths into me as a teenager and it helped me re-focus when I would start to obsess with how I looked and to think that who I am is just my reflection.
CP: What would you like God to say to you about your career when it is all said and done?
T: I imagine what we all want to hear – "well done, my good and faithful servant!" I'm sure my heart hasn't been right every moment of every day, but when I pause and have God moments I know in my heart why I have stayed in this ministry for this long and still don't feel like God has moved me yet.
CP: What's in the immediate future for Tricia?
T: I just did a month of touring this record and had such a great time! This winter I am mostly home being a wife and mom, and at this point, we just pray that these songs start to connect with people. Next year the plan is to tour as much as we can!
Tricia first broke onto the scene in 1999 when Superchick opened up for Audio Adrenaline. The band's popularity soared in the early 2000s and they spawned hits such as "Barlow Girl," "Hero," and "Stand in the Rain."
Tricia released her first solo album, The Road, in 2011, where she focused on creating worship songs.
"Enough" is the first single off of Radiate.
