Los Angeles trio Trousdale truly finds their stride in their impressive sophomore album *Growing Pains*, merging bold openness with rich three-part harmonies and an energetic live feel to create an exquisitely honest collection that transforms life’s chaotic moments into shining folk-pop. In this exclusive track-by-track feature, the band shares the stories, emotions, and experiences that influenced these twelve sun-drenched songs.
Stream: “Growing Pains” – Trousdale
There’s a stage in maturity when ambition clashes sharply with fatigue, where pursuing dreams feels akin to racing without end towards a finish line that perpetually remains just out of reach.
“All work and it’s no play,” sings Trousdale in the poignantly relatable anthem “Growing Pains,” perfectly encapsulating the exhausting yet thrilling tension of moving forward through life’s toughest challenges. In these candid reflections, expressed through bright melodies and shimmering harmonies, Trousdale shines brightly, transforming life’s obstacles into comforting melodies that strike a chord, reminding us that we are never alone amidst the turmoil of shaping our identities.
Fusing sun-kissed harmonies with an engaging pop edge, Trousdale captivates listeners with their luminous folk-pop energy. The LA-based trio, comprised of Georgia Greene, Lauren Jones, and Quinn D’Andrea, embraces a brighter and bolder sound than ever on *Growing Pains*, diving deep into the intricacies of adulthood, aspiration, and emotional authenticity, presenting both charm and tumult. Through heartfelt melodies and genuine lyrics, the band thoughtfully explores universal themes, shedding light on the struggles between dreams and reality, passion and exhaustion, and heartbreak and recovery.
Ultimately, *Growing Pains* illustrates the beautiful contradiction of personal growth: While rewarding, it is seldom without its challenges.
*Growing Pains* – Trousdale
I feel it in my knees
Catching up to me each morning
I’m proud of how far I’ve come
But there’s still a long journey ahead
So, I run the extra mile
And I do it with a smile, no problem
I might not win the race, but
Steady and slow
I’m getting through the rough patches
When I feel like I’m burning out
Trying to build up my strength
So the hustle doesn’t drag me down
And I know I should
Be focusing on the positives
But it’s all work, and there’s no play
And too many growing pains
– “Growing Pains,” Trousdale
Released on April 11th via Zula Records, *Growing Pains* arrives after Trousdale’s critically lauded 2023 debut, *Out of My Mind*. Their first album was celebrated as a “sun-kissed collection of songs that perfectly pairs the ‘catchy’ with the ‘cathartic’,” establishing the band as a unique voice in contemporary folk-pop, known for their rich vocal harmonies, uplifting melodies, and intensely vulnerable, honest songwriting. *Out of My Mind* laid a solid groundwork, showcasing Trousdale’s intuitive collaboration, infectious musicality, and lyrical depth—all traits that deeply resonated with both audiences and critics.
Building on that success, *Growing Pains* reflects a more mature, self-assured, and still very sun-drenched Trousdale.
Employing a live-recorded style led by producer and collaborator John Mark Nelson, the album maintains a warmer, more natural sound than its predecessor. This growth in their artistry highlights the trio’s evolution—not just as musicians and songwriters, but also as individuals navigating life’s challenges. It’s an album shaped by lived experiences, hard lessons, and sincere reflections.
“*Growing Pains* is a collection of our most cherished songs written over the past few years,” Quinn D’Andrea shares with Atwood Magazine. “The central theme began to emerge once we penned the title track. We’re all perfectionists, constantly pushing ourselves to reach the next level. It’s inspiring and incredible, but there’s another side where you can overexert yourself. This album is filled with hard truths and how to navigate them.”
Besides delving into deeper emotional territory, Trousdale aimed to capture the raw energy and intimacy of their live performances. One frequent piece of feedback they received on tour after *Out of My Mind* was that fans enjoyed the live shows even more than the album itself. “That’s such a huge compliment for us, but it also made us wonder how we could enhance our studio recordings,” D’Andrea notes.
Fueled by audience reactions to their live performances, the trio opted for a more “live” approach on their second album—collaborating with John Mark Nelson to encapsulate that on-stage energy. Operating with a renewed sense of purpose and spontaneity, they recorded much of the album live to tape.
“At the outset, we had rehearsals with our studio band to outline
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The LA trio Trousdale truly finds their voice on their successful second album ‘Growing Pains,’ seamlessly combining striking vulnerability with rich three-part harmonies and live energy to create an incredibly sincere record that transforms life's chaotic moments into brilliant folk-pop treasures. In this exclusive track-by-track feature, the band explores the stories, feelings, and experiences that influenced each of these twelve sun-drenched songs.