Trevor Interview
Q: Can you talk about your musical history?
A: I’ve played in a number of bands over the last 15 years in Wellington, New Zealand. Mostly rock n’ roll, but I have played country, blues and folk along the way too. My main love has been The Shadow Blasters, a groovy, bluesy group who have recorded a couple of albums and EPs - with the latest record due to come out in December this year.
I always like to have a musical project on the go at all times; I get a bit bored and restless if I don’t. I’ve been in bands since I was 13 and I think I always will be in bands – it’s kinda just what I do!
Q: You played as a bass player in a band and made a transition to becoming a solo artist? What was that transition like?
A: It’s been really easy actually. Being a bass player, you’re often, by default, a bit of a side-person. Although in my band The Shadow Blasters I wrote some of the material and helped a lot with the arrangements; most of the other groups I’ve been have been built around a sole songwriter and leader. I’ve spent a lot of time helping others with their vision, so it’s really satisfying doing something just for myself.
Doing my own album is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but I’ve never really had the confidence or means to do it. A few years ago I reached a point where I felt I needed to start a project that represented me and achieve some of my personal music goals. That’s where the concept of Trevor came about, when I spent some time woefully unemployed in a wintery Glasgow. It never felt right for me being a solo artist in the traditional sense of the word - so I came up with an alias, Trevor. Having a moniker has made me far more comfortable sharing my songs with people for some reason. I’ve reached a realisation that I’m happiest when I’m pottering along doing my own thing as well, and being Trevor makes it possible.
Q: Can you talk about some of the themes and topics that are explored on “Magpie Bottom”
A: I spent a year living in Bristol, England with The Shadow Blasters. I had some tough times, but had some of the best times too. With Magpie Bottom I kind of just wanted to share what was happening to me personally - what I was going through, the good and the bad. These songs just came out over a few weekends and it was the first time I felt that I wanted to play my own music – free the sounds in my head. I felt inspired by everything around me, the country-side, the history, the people, the folk music and even all these crazy animals which we don’t get in New Zealand! All this really fueled my imagination and I wanted to capture this, the best I could, with music. What made it easier was that the guy that produced the record, Jake Stokes totally understood my vision and he really helped to bring it all to life. I am super proud of the record, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to the next.
Q: Can you talk about your musical history?
A: I’ve played in a number of bands over the last 15 years in Wellington, New Zealand. Mostly rock n’ roll, but I have played country, blues and folk along the way too. My main love has been The Shadow Blasters, a groovy, bluesy group who have recorded a couple of albums and EPs - with the latest record due to come out in December this year.
I always like to have a musical project on the go at all times; I get a bit bored and restless if I don’t. I’ve been in bands since I was 13 and I think I always will be in bands – it’s kinda just what I do!
Q: You played as a bass player in a band and made a transition to becoming a solo artist? What was that transition like?
A: It’s been really easy actually. Being a bass player, you’re often, by default, a bit of a side-person. Although in my band The Shadow Blasters I wrote some of the material and helped a lot with the arrangements; most of the other groups I’ve been have been built around a sole songwriter and leader. I’ve spent a lot of time helping others with their vision, so it’s really satisfying doing something just for myself.
Doing my own album is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but I’ve never really had the confidence or means to do it. A few years ago I reached a point where I felt I needed to start a project that represented me and achieve some of my personal music goals. That’s where the concept of Trevor came about, when I spent some time woefully unemployed in a wintery Glasgow. It never felt right for me being a solo artist in the traditional sense of the word - so I came up with an alias, Trevor. Having a moniker has made me far more comfortable sharing my songs with people for some reason. I’ve reached a realisation that I’m happiest when I’m pottering along doing my own thing as well, and being Trevor makes it possible.
Q: Can you talk about some of the themes and topics that are explored on “Magpie Bottom”
A: I spent a year living in Bristol, England with The Shadow Blasters. I had some tough times, but had some of the best times too. With Magpie Bottom I kind of just wanted to share what was happening to me personally - what I was going through, the good and the bad. These songs just came out over a few weekends and it was the first time I felt that I wanted to play my own music – free the sounds in my head. I felt inspired by everything around me, the country-side, the history, the people, the folk music and even all these crazy animals which we don’t get in New Zealand! All this really fueled my imagination and I wanted to capture this, the best I could, with music. What made it easier was that the guy that produced the record, Jake Stokes totally understood my vision and he really helped to bring it all to life. I am super proud of the record, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to the next.
Q: What was the creative process like? Did you consult or collaborate with any other musicians?
A: I tend to write songs quite quickly, but in small bursts. I often write two or three in a really short space of time, and then maybe not write a new tune for 6 months or so. I try not to force it and just wait for the inspiration rather than just trying to write another song. The songs that take ages to write, I find are the ones that I’m least happy with in the end. I’m by no means prolific, but I do have a growing back catalogue of tunes which I like and would love to record someday soon.
Although these particular songs I wrote by myself in the UK, they were bought to life by collaborating with friends back home in Wellington. I ‘workshoped’ these songs with Alexander Stainton and John Niland over a few months last year, bouncing ideas off them and trying different things. This period was invaluable and without their help, I don’t think this album would have got off the ground.
With Magpie Bottom I really tried not to tell the other musicians what to do too much. I think it can make whole thing a bit boring when someone is dictating the music. These guys are such good musicians it’s kinda just better to let them be them. Sometimes, of course, I did do a bit of directing, but my favourite musical moments on the album are actually when my collaborators really just express themselves. It’s the best feeling having your friends play on your songs and take it the music directions you couldn’t have imagined yourself.
Q: Do you play these songs live? or maybe stripped down solo?
A: I haven’t played the songs live just yet. I do have a few solo gigs coming up next month, a few parties, a book launch, just little shows like that. I am though, planning a full scale show in my hometown in Wellington soon at some point. I think Magpie Bottom will work well solo, but I’m ready to do some full band gigs soon. I’d love to do a ‘tour’ of Wellington, playing a series of shows in different locations – old halls, lounges, gardens, heritage buildings, cafes etc. I am planning on getting a bunch of the guys together for it, but I’m not entirely sure how it will look or sound yet. I am not rushing it, happy to wait until it feels right. All I know is that I’m looking forward to playing the songs live and really explore being at the front and playing my guitar. It’s exciting times!
Q: What else should we know about your music?
A: It's simple songs with simple stories. I am not really interested in trying to say anything too deep, profound or chasing success and whatever. I just enjoy writing, recording and playing music - that’s all I really wanna do.