Canadian indie band Men I Trust is set to welcome the love month with their return to the Manila stage on February 1, 2026, at The Filinvest Tent, Alabang, as part of their Equus Asia 2026 Tour. Known for their dreamy soundscapes, warm grooves, and emotionally honest songwriting, the band continues to captivate listeners worldwide — and Filipino fans are in for an unforgettable night.
Before their comeback to the Philippines, Monster RX93.1 caught up with the band to talk about their creative journey, their evolving sound, and the experiences that continue to shape their music more than a decade into their career.
Despite the passage of time, Men I Trust revealed that their music-making process has remained unchanged. Each member works from their own station while giving out ideas through a shared folder. This allows them to freely create whenever inspiration strikes, resulting in songs that feel like a true collaboration of their strongest ideas. While their skills were once more divided — composition, mixing, and production — the years have allowed each member to grow into a more well-rounded artist, ultimately strengthening the band as a whole. True to their roots, they continue to do everything themselves, mostly from the comfort of home.
When asked about their musical influences, the band shared a glimpse into their personal tastes. Dragos named ‘OK Computer’ by Radiohead as his all-time favorite album, while Jessy mentioned ‘Deep Song’ by Kurt Rosenwinkel. Emma, on the other hand, admitted that choosing just one favorite album was simply impossible.
If given the chance to experience a music decade firsthand, the band would gladly step into the disco era of the late ’70s. Often underestimated, they believe disco had exceptional performances, with live players, flawless timing, and intricate arrangements. They cited artists like ABBA and the Bee Gees for their songwriting and harmonies, while also acknowledging how the ’70s simultaneously produced influential folk artists like Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake, alongside boundary-pushing bands such as Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath.
Maintaining creative growth while preserving their signature sound has never been a conscious goal for Men I Trust. Instead, they focus on pushing their music in new directions, following what feels authentic in the moment. According to the band, their distinct sound naturally emerges simply because they are the same people, working together in the same way they always have — even as their music continues to evolve.
Their songwriting, deeply rooted in personal experience, reflects their belief that inspiration exists everywhere. None of their lyrics is fictional; every song is a direct reflection of their lives. The two EQUUS albums, in particular, mark their most vulnerable work to date, drawing from recent heartbreaks, love, self-growth, and personal realities that feel especially close to them.
The band’s dynamic also came from long-standing friendships. Jessy and Dragos have been exchanging music ideas since their high school days, long before Men I Trust existed. What began on platforms like MSN and Myspace has naturally evolved into the collaborative creative process they still use today. Their shared history — filled with memories, inside jokes, and years of conversations — still influences how they create music together.
Their most recent album releases stand apart from past projects due to the emotional space in which they were written. Created during a time of uncertainty, breakups, and emotional shifts, these songs are their most personal yet. While the two albums may sound different, they stem from the same emotional core, making them deeply connected pieces of work.
As for pre-show rituals, the band admits they don’t really have one. They typically gather about ten minutes before hitting the stage to go over cues and warm up — though Emma does confess to having her own personal ritual: a little awkward dance before every show.
Over the years, Men I Trust has proven that staying grounded and true to their passion is key to their lasting relationship as a band. The experiences that shaped their creative process have become the foundation of the songs fans continue to love today.
This February, Filipino fans can once again immerse themselves in Men I Trust’s signature blend of dreamy pop melodies and warm, intimate grooves. Follow Karpos Live on all their social media platforms for more information about the show.