Hello dear Troublemakers,
We’re back, a little tired and very full-hearted after our first tour of 2026. It feels like the right moment to pause, look back, and let you in on what has been unfolding behind the curtain.
We began this year on the road in Belgium, before crossing over to the UK, returning to places that have shaped us deeply over the years. Every weekend was filled with packed rooms, intense energy, and performances that reminded us why we do this in the first place. There’s something grounding about starting a year by standing face to face with people, sharing stories through sound, and feeling that immediate feedback loop of connection.\
During the week, we slowed the pace and shifted into creation mode. We spent time writing in Cornwall and Devon, deliberately bringing these new songs back to the southwest to let them “cook.” It felt important to return there with fresh material, because it was on those cliffs years ago that the first seeds of the Story Album were planted (it rained literally EVERY DAY TOO). Sitting by the sea again, hearing the wind and watching the light change over the water, it felt like coming full circle. The landscape continues to shape the narrative, just as it always has.
The Story Album is Taking Shape
The Story Album is developing quickly now, and something truly special is starting to emerge.
The inclusion of George as our drummer and percussionist has been a massive step forward for the project. His background in classical composition has been a huge asset. Suddenly, some of the more ambitious, progressive ideas we’ve been circling for years are finding their structure and momentum. The songs are breathing differently. Expanding. Connecting.
We’re starting to recognize the sound of this record more clearly now. It feels like we’re stepping into a Progressive Folk Rock “Opera” territory. Narrative-driven, dynamic, theatrical, and emotionally wide-ranging. It’s challenging us in all the right ways, and we’re loving where it’s heading.
On top of that, we recently had a long phone call with Christoph Beyerlein, a producer whose work many of you will know from projects with Feuerschwanz, Fiddler’s Green, Subway to Sally, Versengold, and D'Artagnan. The conversation was full of excitement and shared vision. We talked at length about the future of the music, the show, and how the sound might continue to evolve. There’s a real buzz around Trouble HQ right now. It feels like this project wants to grow into something big, and we’re listening carefully to where it’s leading.
We’ve also been deep into developing artwork and concept art for the story book that will accompany the album. A lot of visual language is already taking shape, and we’re very excited to start sharing some of that with you here soon.
A Short Pause Before the Next Chapter
Before diving into the next phase, we’re all taking a two-week break to recharge creatively.
Bennet will be traveling through Morocco with Stefanie, gathering inspiration and continuing to write for the story. Florian will be spending time in Berlin, letting ideas simmer. George will be back in Manchester, recharging and sketching rhythms and structures for what’s to come.
Sometimes the most important work happens when you step away just long enough to let new ideas breathe.
Thank you, as always, for being here. For supporting this project not just as listeners, but as companions on the journey. We’ll be back very soon with more music, more story, and some exciting things to show you.
With gratitude and a head full of melodies,
TTN 🎻