The Trespassers formed in 2019. The early lineup, built around Adam Holley and Lynn Hayes, performed throughout Texas and recorded the band’s first two EPs, released in 2021 and 2022. The group toured to support those releases before going on hiatus.
In 2025, The Trespassers returned with the addition of bassist Kurt Joye, marking a new phase for the band. The re-formed lineup entered Blackout TX, Kurt’s home studio, and recorded four tracks: Hot Rod God, Eggshells, Boltneck, and Torn In Two. The band played a series of shows across the North Texas region in support of the new material.
The Trespassers are currently recording an expanded catalog, including new versions of the ten songs from the original EPs and a full LP’s worth of additional material planned for release in 2026.
Current lineup: Adam Holley (vocals/guitar), Lynn Hayes (drums), and Kurt Joye (bass).
-Interview- (12/16/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
Music’s always been part of our lives in one way or another. The Trespassers originally came together in 2019, built around Adam Holley’s songwriting and Lynn Hayes’ driving drum style, playing clubs and venues across Texas. Those early years shaped the foundation with loud guitars, groove-heavy drums, and songs rooted in real experiences.
After a hiatus, the band returned in 2025 with the addition of bassist and producer Kurt Joye, marking a new phase for the group. Recording at Blackout Tx Studio gave us the freedom to refine the arrangements and production while keeping Adam’s songwriting and lyrical voice front and center. The sound naturally settled into a blend of Southern Rock, Outlaw Country, Texas Red Dirt, and Country Punk, letting the songs lead the way.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
At the core, it’s about connection. Adam’s lyrics come from real life personal struggles, relationships, and lived experience. We want listeners to hear themselves in those stories. Whether it’s defiance, reflection, or survival, the goal is honest music that doesn’t talk down to people.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
It’s gritty Southern Rock with an Outlaw Country edge and a Punk attitude. Strong storytelling, heavy grooves, loud guitars, and songs that feel lived-in and unapologetic.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Ghoultown is high on the list they are Texas legends who understand grit and storytelling. Whiskey Myers is another natural fit, and bands like Blacktop Mojo or The Driveby Truckers would make a lot of sense on the same bill.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
AI can be a useful tool, but it can’t replace human songwriting. Lyrics and songs come from lived experience, perspective, and emotion. That’s especially true in genres like Southern Rock and Outlaw Country, where authenticity matters. Real music still needs real writers.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Southern Rock, Outlaw Country and Country Punk?
It’s in a strong creative place. There’s a renewed focus on authenticity and songwriting, and artists aren’t afraid to blur genre lines as long as the songs are honest. The underground and independent scenes are keeping these styles alive and relevant.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Texas?
Texas is still one of the best places to be a working band. The scene is competitive but supportive, especially for bands writing original music with strong identities. If you put in the work, there’s room to grow.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
They’re not great. Streaming helps with exposure, but it doesn’t fairly compensate songwriters or bands. Live shows, merch, and direct fan support are still essential.
9. What’s next for The Trespassers?
We’re continuing to record new material built around Adam’s songwriting, reworking select earlier songs and finishing new tracks for a full-length release planned for 2026. We’re also playing select Texas shows and building momentum. Anyone wanting to follow along can find updates, music, and show info at www.thetrespassers.com
10. Any shoutouts?
Much respect to the Texas independent music community, the venues that support original bands, and the songwriters out there still doing it the hard way.
