Ryan Trinh, Of Virtue’s newest drummer, sits down with HypnoticAsia to answer some questions and share insights about his journey with the band.
Trinh and his band recently released an album entitled “Omen,” and it has received an impressive 25 million global streams. “Omen” has racked up over 26 million Spotify streams, amassed more than 3.4 million YouTube views, and dominated the airwaves with numerous Top 50 Mediabase FM placements.
While Trinh may be the newest member, he is just as integral to the band as anyone else. Of Virtue has been on tour with the band Imminence, and their journey doesn’t stop there. Trinh and the band have an exciting year ahead of them, starting with joining the lineup for Capulet Fest. Following that, they will go on tour with Upon A Burning Body. Additionally, they’ll headline some shows of their own.
What are you waiting for? Check out the interview by Of Virtue’s Ryan Trinh below.
Interview with Ryan Trinh
Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers.
Hello! My name is Ryan Trinh. I play drums for Of Virtue. I am 26 years old from Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Can you share some insights into the creative process behind “Omen”? How did you and the band approach the writing and recording of this album?
This album was written over the span of a few years; specifically, during the pandemic. We went to a few different producers while we were writing. We were still trying to figure out what direction we wanted to go in. We eventually came to the conclusion that we are just going to write whatever we feel like writing, and it has worked out well for us! I think Omen is a great representation of that. We have such a variety of genres that are integrated within the album itself: pop, metalcore, r&b, electronic, acoustic, rock. We’re a band that doesn’t like to be put into one specific genre. We want to be able to tour with bands like Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, etc. However, we also want to be able to tour with bands like Wage War, Fit For a King, The Plot In You, etc. as well!
How has the fan reception been to “Omen” so far? Are there any particular reactions or feedback that stood out to you?
The reception has been amazing. I never thought our music would reach so many people. This feeling has really been emphasized since we’ve just finished our tour with Imminence and Catch Your Breath. Seeing people singing along to songs you’ve written is a really special thing and a feeling I will never let go of!
How was the tour that just ended with Imminence? Any memorable moments or challenges you’d like to share?
The tour was incredible. Some of the best nights of my life were spent on this tour. Every day had it’s own special moments and challenges. One of the most memorable moments of this tour was playing House of Blues – Anaheim. This is a venue everyone in the band was stoked about playing, even before the tour started. Every single person on the tour package that night left with a smile on their face. No one had a bad show. Everyone killed it. Definitely a night I will never forget.
What should we expect for your upcoming tour with Dead By April?
Expect to have fun when you see us! One of our biggest goals with our live show is to make sure everyone is having a good time. We’ll joke around, make you laugh, and maybe even cry.
Also, we’re going to play songs we’ve never played live before so definitely come out!
With Of Virtue set to perform at Capulet Fest this year, what can fans expect from your set at the festival?
Expect some crazy energy from us! Capulet Fest kicks off our next tour with Upon a Burning Body and Until I Wake. The first night is always a blast for all of us. We will have been practicing for weeks, so we will be very excited to get back up on stage again!
How does the band approach headlining shows compared to shows where they’re supporting acts?
To be completely honest. We don’t really approach it too much differently. Other than some stage production. We always go out and give it our all no matter where we are on the bill.
Can you tell us about your journey joining Of Virtue? What was the transition like and how did the band make you feel welcome?
The guys and our manager Oliver found me on Instagram back in 2020, right before the pandemic hit. I had just started making videos on social media and they reached out. It was the perfect time in my life to join. Although I didn’t meet the guys in person until December of 2021, I had chatted with all of them online. We all already had some kind of a friendship. Meeting them in person was easy; it felt like I was just seeing my friends.
How would you describe the chemistry within the band now, especially with you being the newest member? How have you integrated into the group both musically and personally?
The band’s chemistry has never been tighter. There is an age gap between me and the guys. I am 26, the rest of the guys are in their 30’s. These guys have been touring for nearly a decade. I’ve only been on two tours. I’m very fortunate they are able to guide me and help me bypass some mistakes that they made back when they were in my shoes.
Who are your drumming influences, and how have they shaped your style? How do you incorporate your influences into Of Virtue’s sound?
When I was younger I really looked up to Luke Holland. I still do. I think his playing is amazing, his showmanship is great, his videos are incredible, and his writing is genius! I still strive to get to his level. Fun fact, he’s the reason I played Meinl Cymbals back when I first started playing drums, before I was a Meinl artist.
Now, my drumming influences are all of the drummers I come across on tour. Every drummer I have met on tour has given me such great advice, whether it be about playing, gear, techniques, mental health. I always love chatting with other drummers and learning about what they are like on tour and how they deal with the challenges drummers come across on tour.
How important is fan interaction to you? Do you have any memorable fan encounters or stories from recent tours?
I love meeting fans. It’s one of my favorite things about touring. I get to meet so many different people and get to hear so many different stories!
On this last tour, someone took off their leg and I got to sign it. That was tight.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your role as the drummer in Of Virtue, and how have you overcome it?
Living a far distance away from the rest of the band has its challenges. For those who don’t know; I live in Calgary, Alberta and the guys are in Lansing, Michigan. It’s not the shortest car ride. But we always chat over text or call, so we do what we can!
What advice would you give to aspiring drummers and musicians who look up to you and Of Virtue?
Keep going. No matter where you are in your journey, just keep going.