Trash Pals Indie Rock Duo Blending Emotion With Danceable Energy

UNPUBLISHED

9 Lounges Team

8/5/2025

The Sound: Warmth, Groove, and Emotional Depth

Trash Pals craft a sound that walks the fine line between melancholy and joy. Their tracks have a warmth that wraps around the listener, often driven by organic grooves, layered guitars, and inviting vocals. There’s a familiarity in their melodies, yet something entirely fresh in their production.

Listeners will pick up elements of indie rock’s lyrical honesty, funk’s bounce, jazz’s complexity, and pop’s polish—all without feeling forced. Their songs invite you to feel deeply, but never leave you stuck in the sadness. There's always a beat, a rhythm, or a harmony offering hope.

In a music world that often encourages escapism or emotional detachment, Trash Pals are doing the exact opposite. The indie rock duo — formed by longtime friends Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider — is on a mission to help listeners embrace all that comes with being human. Whether you're dancing your heart out or reflecting on loss, Trash Pals provide the perfect soundtrack for riding life's emotional rollercoaster.

With roots that span jazz, hip-hop, funk, and pop, their music is not just genre-blending—it's soul-expanding. And with an artistic pedigree that includes collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Mark Ronson, Wynton Marsalis, and Jon Batiste, it's no surprise that Trash Pals are making serious waves in the indie music space.

Conor Rayne: The Rhythmic Architect

A key force behind the viral success of Brasstracks, Conor Rayne brings undeniable percussive talent and sonic clarity to Trash Pals. Brasstracks, of course, is best known for their Grammy-winning work on Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book, particularly the hit “No Problem.” Conor’s studio and live experience with artists like Mark Ronson has equipped him with the tools to blend old-school groove with new-school production.

In Trash Pals, Conor dials in a more organic, heartfelt sound—but his rhythmic fingerprints remain unmistakable.

From Summer Camp to the Studio: A Lifelong Bond

The story of Trash Pals begins at summer camp, where Conor and Gabe first met as homesick kids. That early bond eventually grew into a creative partnership rooted in trust, honesty, and shared experience. Today, that emotional intimacy translates seamlessly into their music, which feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Their 15-year friendship is more than backstory—it’s the foundation of their musical chemistry. Every harmony, chord progression, and beat is laced with years of shared memories and creative growth.

Gabe Schnider: The Guitarist With Jazz Royalty Ties

Gabe Schnider is no ordinary guitarist. A virtuoso with a deep jazz background, Gabe has played alongside some of the greatest names in the game—including Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste. His ability to weave subtlety and soul into every note elevates the Trash Pals sound far beyond your average indie rock setup.

From intimate jazz clubs to global festival stages, Gabe brings melodic wisdom that gives Trash Pals an edge—rich chord changes, clean solos, and unexpected turns that keep listeners coming back for more.

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A Band to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

Trash Pals is more than just another side project—it’s a fully-formed musical statement about friendship, feeling, and finding joy even in the mess. As they build momentum toward their debut release, it’s clear that Conor and Gabe aren’t just making music for themselves—they’re creating an emotional experience for all of us.

Expect to see them on festival lineups, NPR showcases, and playlists that celebrate music with both depth and groove. They’re not here to numb the pain, but to turn it into something beautiful.

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