Ngarrindjeri producer and artist trials has released two new singles, 'whistle while i walk' and 'pollywaffle', offering a further look into his upcoming debut solo album 'hendle.'
The tracks arrive as the latest preview of the project ahead of its release on Friday 1 May, continuing a rollout that centres on deeply personal storytelling and reflection.
The new music builds on themes already introduced across the album, with trials using his solo work to explore trauma, identity, responsibility and growth through an unfiltered lens.
He explained why the project needed to be created independently.
"A solo record is something I've always needed to do as these topics speak to so many people and it was important that I told my story my way alone," trials said.
"I've been fortunate to play so many parts for so many people and projects, but I owed it to myself and to my story to take the sole responsibility of turning that pain and passion into song... it's unashamedly me and my story in all its fractured pieces."
The album 'hendle' is a 10-track body of work written, produced, recorded and performed entirely by trials, with the artist playing every instrument and shaping the sound from start to finish.
It presents an unsanitised account of his upbringing, drawing on experiences of displacement, domestic violence, substance abuse, intergenerational trauma, mental health challenges and the carceral system, while also highlighting the strength that emerged from those experiences.
The project is positioned as a "warts and all" origin story, with trials using the album to confront and process his past.
He described the broader meaning behind the work.
"Amongst a complicated childhood, I found out later in life the person I was the most estranged from was myself," trials said.
"Writing these songs, painting the portraits and putting the words to paper helped me understand myself as a person, who I was, who I am and who I want to be."
The new singles, 'whistle while i walk' and 'pollywaffle', continue that narrative direction, expanding on the emotional scope of the album and reinforcing its focus on confronting difficult personal experiences and self-reflection.
The rollout also forms part of a wider creative project, with 'hendle' to be accompanied by a memoir and an interactive exhibition of trials' artwork, providing a visual interpretation of the music and its themes.
The artist is also wrapping up his national arena tour support slot with Hilltop Hoods, with the final show set for Saturday March 21 at RAC Arena in Perth.
He will then present the 'what's the colour of love' album launch show in Sydney as part of Great Southern Nights.
The event will take place on Wednesday May 13 at City Recital Hall and will feature a live performance, an immersive artwork exhibition and an in-depth conversation exploring the 'hendle' project.
Tickets go on sale Friday March 27, with pre-sale access available ahead of the release.
The release continues to build momentum toward the full album, which represents the most complete and personal body of work of his career.
Both singles, 'whistle while i walk' and 'pollywaffle', by trials are now available on all major streaming platforms.
