Trapdoor Social

On May 20th, Los Angeles-based Trapdoor Social released the Science Of Love EP, their most ambitious project to date. The band's second EP explores both sides of Skylar Funk and Merritt Graves' influences as songwriters, with lead single "Science Of Love" and other tracks such as "Angel City" showcasing Merritt's knack for emotionally charged songwriting and dense, symphonic production in the vein of bands like Muse and Arcade Fire. In turn, Skylar's contributions, like the standout track "Paper Love," highlight his affinity for long-time alternative radio staples like Weezer and Death Cab For Cutie. The balance between these two dynamics is what makes Trapdoor Social's music so compelling and original.

After meeting in an Environmental program at Pomona College and bonding over a shared concern for the future of the planet, Merritt and Skylar started off on a journey to make some important music and do some good along the way. The duo introduced themselves with the 2012 EP Death Of A Friend, which combined the two writers' influences into a driving emotive alt-pop experience. Produced by Curt Schneider, the EP featured Death Cab For Cutie's Jason McGerr on drums.

When the boys started work on Science Of Love, they became connected to Homeboy Industries, a local non-profit that re-trains former gang members for jobs in the economies of the future. Marrying their passion for the environment with their musical ambition, they decided to partner with Homeboy Industries and donate 100% of proceeds from their from their special holiday album towards adding a 6.4kw solar rooftop to the company's headquarters. By the time the record's presale campaign was complete, the project had been fully funded.

Rounding out the new Trapdoor Social six-piece band are Louie Gonzalez (guitar), Clayton Patterson (keyboard), Patrick Griffen (bass), and Eyal Dahan (drums).

Trapdoor Social will be on tour all summer.

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