We were lucky enough to catch up with Austin, TX based artist Trey Connor, for an interview. This talented artist is due to release his superb album ‘Horizons’ on 12th June 2020. Check out our interview below!
Tell us about yourself?
I started off playing the guitar when I was eleven after (stereotypically) being inspired by the video game, Guitar Hero. It wasn’t until I was thirteen when I tried singing. I picked up bass and drums along the way and really got into writing music. After playing the local coffee shop circuit for a few years, I started my first fairly successful rock band, Bulletproof Snow. We did some cool stuff including receiving the Detroit Music Awards People’s Choice Award and winning a slot in the 2012 Rockstar Uproar festival at DTE music theatre. After high school, I was recruited to be on season ten of NBC’s ‘The Voice’. Although all four teams filled up before I performed my blind audition, I came home with better training and incredibly talented, life-long friends. I recorded my first solo EP as a pop/rock artist soon after and have put all my time and energy into my music ever since.
What is your songwriting process?
The songwriting process can differ for me depending on where I start with the song. Usually, it begins with a concept that consists of a hummed melody over some chords. I tend to map out the song melodically before I begin the lyric process.
Tell us about your latest release?
I recently released my fourth single ‘The Way You Move’ off of my upcoming sophomore album, ‘Horizons.’ This album began in Florida, continued in Michigan, continued some more in Texas, and was finalized in Michigan. It involved a lot of backtracking, as it is the first release I produced myself. I’m very proud of this one and the amount of work that everybody has put into it.
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
I try to keep my messages on the broader side, as people tend to apply songs to their own specific life situations, which I believe is what music should be about. It’s fun for me, I really love doing it and what I ultimately want is for my listeners to enjoy it as much as I do.
Who are your musical influences?
My musical influences range from Foo Fighters and Skid Row to Joseph and Maggie Rogers to Goo Goo Dolls and Rob Thomas. And of course, so much more.
Who are your non-musical influences?
I think the big one and an obvious one are my parents. Without their support, I would not be pursuing a career in music. It’s as simple as that. Other than my parents and my friends, I’m not really sure haha.
What’s the best gig that you have ever played?
The biggest gig I have played would probably be the Rockstar Uproar Festival at DTE music theatre with my band at the time, Bulletproof Snow.
What is your funniest gig moment?
This is a tough one. There have been a few. One of the funniest gigs was one many years ago back in Michigan where the entire front line failed, and we played half of our set with no vocals whatsoever, and completely unknowingly.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
Overall, I think navigating the music scene is as an indie artist is much easier today thanks to the internet, social media, and the home recording revolution. Though with that, there are much more indie artists trying to be heard, and the market is much more flooded.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Simple. Keep at it and don’t listen to anybody who says you shouldn’t be pursuing what you love as a career. You only fail when you decide to give up, so keep at it.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
My big goals for the next couple of years are to really establish myself as an Austin artist and begin to tour/grow my fanbase beyond Texas. I’m always writing, and I’m always planning my next release. Simply put, I just plan to keep doing what I’m doing now.
FV Music Blog June 2020
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Twitter: @treyconnormusic
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