Spotlight

Spotlight - Jonny Trengrove

Meet Jonny Trengrove, the co-composer behind World of Goo 2's soundtrack, who blends classical piano training with electronic experimentation to create genre-defying music. Discover how Boolean logic inspired his latest album and why he lets his music speak for itself.

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Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.

I'm Jonny Trengrove, a composer and music producer. I started playing piano at age seven and also play guitar and sing. Based in the Lake District, England, I release music under my own name and was co-composer on the World of Goo 2 soundtrack.

What's your musical origin story?

I started with piano lessons at seven after hearing a song on the radio that made me want to create music. Later, I got into technology, and the two interests came together naturally.

What were the driving forces or pivotal moments that inspired you to pursue music?

The diversity of music in the '90s and computer & video game soundtracks had a big impact on me. They showed me how music could create a mood and tell a story.

How would you describe your style of music?

I'm open to all genres. I make everything from ambient to jazz, rock, and electronic. I like to see where the music takes me.

How is your personality reflected in your work?

I'm always experimenting and challenging myself. Each project is about trying something different.

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

It starts with an idea. As I work, I figure out both what the project is and what it isn't, which helps guide its direction. Setting limits keeps things focused.

Tell us about your latest release.

"False" was released on August 2nd, 2024. The inspiration came from Boolean logic, with 'False' representing something technocratically definite. I wanted it to feel electronic and distorted, but with some mystery, hope, and humanity in there too.

What challenges did you encounter during the writing/recording process?

Fitting acoustic guitars into parts of the album without losing its electronic feel proved to be the main challenge.

How do you approach music promotion and fan engagement?

I take a minimalist approach to promotion - I don't use social media and prefer to let the music speak for itself. I connect with people primarily through my music.

What's next for you?

I'm currently working on a new album scheduled for release at the end of summer 2025.

Where can people find your music?

You can find me at www.jonnytrengrove.com. I also release music on Bandcamp under two names:

  • As Trengazoid, I composed the soundtrack for the game "Totally Shmup" (available free on Bandcamp & Steam)
  • As Root Wheel, I release experimental musical projects

Jonny Trengrove is an enigmatic and innovative musician whose work consistently pushes the boundaries of alternative and electronic music. Known for his deeply introspective lyrics, beautiful melodies, and experimental soundscapes, Jonny blends a haunting sense of melancholy with complex, layered compositions. His music often explores themes of alienation, technology, and the human condition. He co-composed the soundtrack for the hit game World of Goo 2 alongside Kyle Gabler.

Jonny Trengrove
Left Is Right

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"Left Is Right explores identity and self-discovery through introspective lyrics and evocative alternative melodies."

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Obscurity

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"Obscurity is four alternative tracks exploring self-discovery and authenticity through raw melodies and introspective themes."

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Bittersweetheart

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"Bittersweetheart is five alternative rock tracks exploring love and self-reflection through poignant lyrics and emotive melodies."

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Wake Up Call

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"Wake Up Call delivers four alternative tracks blending introspection, love, and transformation with captivating melodies."

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Astral

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"Astral delivers four alternative tracks exploring self-awareness and resilience through introspective lyrics and dynamic melodies."

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88MPH

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"88MPH delivers four alternative rock tracks packed with defiance, self-discovery, and raw energy."

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Full Circle

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"Full Circle delivers four alternative tracks exploring self-discovery and resilience, blending introspective themes with dynamic melodies."

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This Nature

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"This Nature is a two-track alternative rock single with environmental themes, questioning humanity’s role on Earth; anti-human or pro-human? You decide."

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Infinite Growth On A Finite Planet

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"Infinite Growth On A Finite Planet explores climate change and societal collapse in five provocative tracks, inviting listeners to decide just how much of it is all really real."

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Letting Go

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"Letting Go blends energy with introspective themes across three dynamic tracks."

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The Stars Of Outer Space

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"The Stars of Outer Space delivers 12 stunning tracks blending emotion, nostalgia, and cosmic wonder into lush soundscapes."

Popular Release

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Rolled Into One

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"Rolled Into One fuses genres in an alternative EP that explores resilience and self-discovery through diverse, compelling tracks."

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Think With Your Heart

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"Think With Your Heart blends moody electronic soundscapes with introspective themes across ten captivating tracks."

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The Journey

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"The Journey blends soaring alternative melodies with introspective themes across five evocative tracks."

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1984

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"1984 captures a playful nostalgia for the 1980s with its gorgeous melodies and heartfelt yearning."

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Doctor Glam

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"Doctor Glam delivers introspective lo-fi alternative rock across four evocative tracks."

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Nothing Outside

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"Nothing Outside explores resilience and authenticity through introspective alternative rock."

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Life Into Machine

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"Life Into Machine channels the fight for love, freedom and self-identity within powerful, introspective alternative rock songs."

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Semicolon Kid

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"Semicolon Kid captures the search for meaning and belonging in a fractured world through introspective alternative rock tracks."

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Little Baby Eli

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"Little Baby Eli celebrates new life and happiness, capturing the joy and love surrounding a beautiful christening day."

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Night & Day

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"Night & Day explores the rhythms of dawn to twilight, blending melodic electronic music with reflections on life’s cycles."

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Smartphones & Dumbpeople

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"Smartphones & Dumbpeople explores digital addiction and isolation, capturing the tension and emptiness of living through screens."

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Piano Songs

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"Piano Songs blends warm, vocoded vocals with a crackling fire to evoke themes of connection, introspection, and life’s fleeting beauty."

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Human Horror

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"Human Horror is an EP examining environmental destruction, societal decay, and humanity's self-inflicted horrors."

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Cosmic Order

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"Cosmic Order is an experimental album exploring the cosmos, existence, and the search for purpose through transcendent soundscapes."

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Jukebox

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"Jukebox is a nostalgic album reflecting on self-identity, love, and the complexities of modern life."

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Reason To Fan The Flames

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"Reason To Fan The Flames is an alternative EP exploring disillusionment, rebellion, and the search for truth in a world of manipulation."

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Dreamcatcher

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"Dreamcatcher is an alternative indie pop rock EP exploring love, self-discovery, and resilience through the tension of hope and struggle."

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Realms Apart

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"Realms Apart is a heartfelt piano-driven single exploring the stark divide between corporate control and nature's untamed freedom."

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Reframed

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"Reframed is a four-track alternative-rock EP about the impact of technology on modern life."

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Log Cabin

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"Log Cabin is a four-track alternative rock EP that explores themes of escape, resilience, and love in the tranquility of a remote wilderness haven."

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Mountaineer

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"Mountaineer is an alternative rock single that delves into perseverance, self-discovery, and personal growth through the metaphor of climbing life’s peaks and valleys."

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Clocks Keep Ticking Away

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"Clocks Keep Ticking Away is a reflective electronic alternative track that contemplates time, personal agency, and the need to seize control of one's destiny."

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Towers

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"Towers explores solitude and lost love, capturing emptiness and lingering memories in melancholic ballads."

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Mystic Nights

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"Mystic Nights is a vibrant new wave and alternative rock EP that explores fate, chance, and life's cyclical nature through dynamic, introspective songs."

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False

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"False is an electronic and alternative rock record exploring deception, disillusionment, and the quest for truth, with each track delving into the pervasive falsehoods in personal and societal realms, yet underscored by hope and resilience."

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