We spoke with Lee Trent about “The Dashboard Incident” and more!

Hi! What pivotal life experience inspired The Dashboard Incident’s lyrical themes of renewal?

A: It was really inspired by events that had occurred while I was using, and then overcoming addiction, almost like having epiphany-related moments. The one lyric, when I say “I almost ran off the road” – that actually happened from intoxication, and negative thoughts (or mental distractions) while being behind the wheel.

How did the East Tennessee environment shape the song’s acoustic resonance?

A: Even though I wrote the chord progression while I was in East TN, I actually had some friends and acquaintances in that same part of the state who I deeply cared about. I witnessed darkness wash over them as they happened to fall deep into the world of drug usage. I also used that as “fuel” to get me back on my feet, and develop healthier habits.

What drew you to collaborate with INNER VIEW on this track?

A: I wanted the song to have positive and healing sounds, but I intended to give it a “vibey” feeling that everyone could listen to as well. I knew Jef’s (INNER VIEW) melodic approach and style would help the song glow so much, but also compliment Matt’s (my brother) synthesizer part. I really love singing with him, but he’s another close friend that has been there for me over the years. I wanted close people in my life to be part of “The Dashboard Incident.”

How did self-producing this song differ from past collaborative projects?

A: Honestly, I wanted to show people my true side. When you produce a song with lyrics that you’ve written, not only is it extra special, but you really get to reveal a bigger, more serious part of you that no one has ever seen. Overall and most importantly, I wanted to add my own “feel” to the song and really humanize it. I LOVE performing other styles and collabing, but with a song like “The Dashboard Incident,” I feel that I get to fully express my true self and my personality through the lyrics and music.

Why did you choose a stripped-back, guitar-driven sound for this single?

A: I went for that approach because I wanted a more raw acoustic sound to emphasize the mood of the song. A good, stripped back, raw acoustic sound really enhances the emotions and the lyrics of the song.

How does The Dashboard Incident reflect your growth since Pessimism (2022)?

A: “The Dashboard Incident” (along with the rest of the album) reflects more personal experiences and events I went through, digging deeper into my times and reflections on life. You can also learn a hell of a lot in 2 years.

What role did Joel Gardella’s mixing play in achieving the song’s warmth?

A: I know I didn’t mention this before, but I ended up also giving Joel credit for not just for the mix obviously, but as a co-producer. I’ve actually jammed with Joel, and I’ve listened to other records that he has engineered. I immediately knew that his touch would be the cherry on top (as far as the production level goes). Joel is also someone who I musically relate to on another level.

How do blues influences from your Virginia upbringing inform this track?

A: Truth be told, it wasn’t just Blues/Roots Music influences, but I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the Folk and Singer/Songwriter (a la Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez) artists growing up. That being said, all of those styles of music and writing show so much truth and raw character in someone’s life. I think it’s really a cross between a lot of these styles of music I grew up listening to that helped morph this song out.

What connects The Dashboard Incident to the broader In Presence EP?

A: As I had mentioned before, each song reveals a different phase or other part of my life that I had gone through, but I think “The Dashboard Incident” has the most personal and raw honesty. Each song is like a “chain” of life events in the 2010s that taught me so much. The songs resemble reflection.

Has fan feedback reshaped how you view this song’s personal significance?

A: In some ways, yes, but I always appreciate the different perspectives people can draw from listening to a song. It also helps me grow as an artist.