GRAMMY, Latin GRAMMY and 2022 SESAC Latina Producer of the Year, Award-winning producer, mixer and mastering engineer, Trooko, today releases ‘Siempre’ – the debut single from his upcoming ‘BAHIA’ EP, across digital platforms via Sony Latin imprint Orianna.
The 3-track project is a mix of varied sounds of electronica, including Indie Dance, Afro, Latin and House, and marks the production moniker of Honduran-born, LA-based Jeff Peñalva’s debut on Orianna.
Following a recent “Album of the Year” Latin GRAMMY Nomination for his work on ‘DEJA’ by Bomba Estereo, Trooko’s latest solo offering “Siempre” begins as a Tropical and Housey escapade of nature and island life, complete with enchanting synths and steel drum shuffles set against the background of birds chirping and calming ocean waves. Trooko then launches the track straight into electronic outer orbit, delivering a joyous and mad psychedelic romp through brightly colored solar systems and otherly worlds.
WWD: Hello Trooko, and welcome to When We Dip! Fantastic to have you chatting with us for the first time.
Hello, thanks for having me! I’m happy to be here.
WWD: How has 2022 been for you so far?
It’s been really busy, but I can’t complain. I have been able to travel and do more sessions and actually be in the studio with artists. The music I have been working on for the last few months is coming out, so I am very excited about that.
WWD: Starting at the beginning, can you tell us how you got into electronic music?
I started making beats when I was around 12. I was really into rap and I tried making music with my Dad’s Yamaha PSR keyboard with a sequencer, but sounded nothing like rap. I finally heard Prodigy and Daft Punk and I realized I really wanted to do that. At the same time, I got into production and that took off. It was great being able to work with lots of different genres and songs. After a while, I decided to go back to making my own music.
WWD: How would you best describe your brand of electronic music for those who may not be familiar?
It’s very percussive with constant movement, synth/vocal chops, and lots of bass.
WWD: Who or what were your biggest musical inspirations growing up?
My dad played a lot of The Doors, Pink Floyd , Mecano, and Bach. It was a very mixed bag, but I loved listening to those CDs all day! The very first tape I bought was Michael Jackson’s Dangerous! I played it so much that I destroyed the tape.
WWD: Congratulations on the release of your beautiful new single “Siempre”. Can you talk us through the record?
For Siempre, I tried to capture the tranquillity and movement from the waves in Roatán and Utila (Bay Islands Honduras). I tried to copy that movement with the synths.
WWD: And we understand that your new EP “Bahia” is set to drop in a few weeks time. You must be very excited?
Yes, very! Bahia is a 3 Track EP. I tried to capture the feeling of nostalgia of house music in the ‘90’s mixed with the nostalgia of the beaches I grew up on in Islas de la Bahía in Honduras. I’m very excited to have the EP droop soon – Sizemore is a good preview of the overall sound.
WWD: Can you give us an idea of what we can expect, sonically?
Expect lots of rhythm and punchy beats, warm melodies, filtering synths, heavy bassline, movement, and constant groove that will make you want to get up and dance or go to the beach.
WWD: What’s your favourite part of being an artist?
My favorite part of being an artist is that I have been able to express my feelings through music and connect with people from all over the world.
WWD: And your least favourite?
My least favorite part is being the face of a project. I’m very shy, and I’m used to being behind the scenes, so being the face of a project is overwhelming! I love making music and connecting with people more directly than as a producer, so it’s all good!
WWD: What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not touring the world or making music?
In my spare time, you can find me playing with my dog, cooking, drinking wine and watching my wife play video games. I love to listen to old and new music on my record player.
WWD: Any final words for our When We Dip readers?
Please go listen to Siempre and stay tuned for the Bahia EP!
Trooko – Siempre is out now via Orianna. Listen Here