Many listeners are introduced to Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Beta Trip (aka Steve Lewin) as he follows the early success of his debut single “Juliet” with a new track, “On My Mind.”
You hear an introspective and melody-rich single that continues the rollout for his full-length debut, Superette, arriving September 26 on Having Fun Records, the rock imprint of We Are Busy Bodies.
You learn that where “Juliet” introduced listeners to Beta Trip’s layered guitar work and emotionally forward songwriting, “On My Mind” leans into chiming textures and measured dynamics, delivering a song that’s intimate, reflective, and sonically expansive.
You discover that “On My Mind” was originally written as a quiet acoustic piece and gradually builds into something far more powerful. “The song achieves a large dynamic payload with supporting instrumentation to bring its intimacy from emotional ballad to forceful drive,” Lewin says, and you are told that this sound became the benchmark sound and reference point throughout the production of Superette.
You note that “Juliet” landed June 13 with support from CBC Radio and Portland’s XRAY FM and has helped put Beta Trip on the radar of both satellite and FM radio programmers. With previous support from SiriusXM, CBC, and college radio for his earlier projects, Lewin’s new material under the Beta Trip moniker continues to find traction.
You can approach Superette as a collection of ten guitar-forward tracks that balance cinematic arrangements with Britpop textures and 90s alt-rock grit, recommended for fans of Elbow, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and Nada Surf. The album was entirely written, performed, and produced by Lewin, and under the new Beta Trip identity, named in homage to early collaborators, he delivers a debut that bridges past and present, intimacy and volume, and introspection and accessibility.
You hear that “On My Mind” further establishes the project’s range, offering a softer, more spacious side of Lewin’s songwriting while maintaining the strong melodic pull and polished alt-rock feel that define the album as a whole, and that “On My Mind” is a clear step forward and a compelling sign of what’s to come.
Stream On My Mind: https://ffm.to/ombvked
Order Beta Trip’s Music and Merchandise: https://betatripmusic.bandcamp.com/album/superette
What first got you into music?
I was always a creative kid and interested in flexing that muscle. At a younger age I really liked animators and cartoonists, but I think things turned when my exposure to music really intensified. One thing that comes to mind is regular, long road trips in the car with family at a young age. While peers and classmates were boarding planes, my family was in the car for a three-day drive. Listening to music nonstop really developed my interest in music and songwriting and gave me a lot of material to absorb. It was just a matter of time until I picked up a guitar and gleefully fumbled my way through learning how to play it. Looking back I feel like I subconsciously studied music and songwriting through chain-listening, and like learning a language, over time my ear got more critical and I had a better handle on what sounds good during the writing process.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Song styles vary, but I think that it can mostly be categorized as accessible Alternative Rock. Though sometimes it can be a bit grungy, more often than not I find it to be on the less aggressive side with frequent hits to the falsetto during emotional ballads. Those times I’ve cheekily dubbed it “wuss rock.” Whether with a softer approach or hard rock reminiscence, my songwriting is catchy and accessible to fans of varying genres, primarily sub-rock genres
Do you have any rituals before you hit the stage? If so, what are they?
I definitely take vocal warm-ups more seriously than I used to. I often challenge myself vocally when writing, which makes things challenging when performing—especially at length. In addition to exercise, I reach for black licorice or Fisherman’s Friend for vocal lubrication. If it’s a rough one on stage, you may even see my pop a lozenge while performing.
What is your creative process like?
I tend to begin my process with the bare minimum of tools: a guitar and pen and paper. I try to write with just a vocal and single instrument—typically an acoustic guitar. I feel that if a song can stand on its own without the support of other instruments, it’s passed the songwriting test. Once I feel a song is finished in that stage, then I’ll take it into the studio and build other instruments around that initial, mostly completed idea. This stage allows me to explore a different level of creativity. As a producer and multi-instrumentalist, I start to see the song take different directions as it progresses in the studio and comes to life.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Nigel Godrich
What is next for you?
The album is being released September 26, with a final single and video dropping at the same time. It will be a busy time, and I’ll be announcing some international dates around that time, so be sure to follow me @betatripbythegram on Instagram to stay updated.
Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?
It’s planned. Luckily I have a label dealing with these strategies, and I’m no longer a total DIY musician. Though if I were, I think some strategy is important, and it’s too easy to want to release something as soon as it’s mastered. Patience is key.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow you?
It’s a grind. Stick with it if you love it and are ok with doing it for the rest of your life without any success. Only then can you really grow as an artist, and success in some form will follow.
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
Flight.
What’s your favorite sports team, and why?
Toronto Blue Jays. Baseball is really the only sport I tend to follow, and I’ve been going to games for decades.
Are you a cat or dog person?
I had dogs growing up but have had a cat the past several years. Pets are great, can we leave it as I’m an animal person?
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Perspective.
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be, and why?
Beta Blue—a secondary blue, branded to my music, of course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betatripbythegram/
Label: https://wearebusybodies.com/