Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Trey Texas: I heard about Exposed Vocals on Twitter after someone retweeted my song. I was subsequently asked by an Exposed Vocals representative if I was interested in a music review/ interview for the Trey Texas single/ video, “Don’t Judge Me!” featuring Thyra Sanders. This was produced by Originate Music and remixed by Michael 5000 Watts, who has a chameo in the video.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Trey Texas: I am originally from Houston, moved to Austin, but I have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for years now. So the hip hop scene in my hometown has always been a big inspiration. The Geto Boys, UGK (R.I.P. Pimp C), Z-Ro, Lil’ Flip, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug are just a few of the artists that have represented H-Town. Of course, there are a lot more legendary artists from the city and many younger, up-and-coming artists from all over the state! I am primarily a songwriter (lyricist) but decided to release some of my own material as an artist in order to get my name out there and to see what kind of opportunities present themselves.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Trey Texas: I am the third so I was nicknamed Trey at a young age. And I have lived in several different places in Texas and have done a lot of traveling all over the area. So I picked Texas as my last name to show love for the state. My music nickname is 33……3 for Trey and because Texas is known as the 3rd Coast.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Trey Texas: I think online music sharing has it’s positives and negatives. Artists certainly needs shares of YouTube videos and previews of singles on social media for promotion/ publicity purposes. But unfortunately, there is an expectation now by listeners for all music to be given away for free. For this reason, downloads, streams, purchases, etc. Are down and it’s hard for independent artists to generate enough revenue from music to invest in upcoming projects, studio time, features, tours, etc. The money can be made off of merchandising and touring but one has to become big enough first in music and/or have enough money put aside from other ventures to fund all of that. So, it is challenging. If I’m releasing something for retail sale, my policy is to not give away an original song/ album for free in hopes of generating some revenue/ sales. We really need support from listeners that will actually download/ purchase singles and albums in order to keep making music. However, I will upload for free any artist or D.J. remixes to songs on Soundcloud, FB, etc. This helps promote and gains publicity for all parties involved.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Trey Texas: I am still a startup myself, but I have learned a few things after spending years behind the scenes helping promote/ supporting other artists. Like anything else in life, it’s all about relationships. In terms of getting gigs, I think it’s important to get out and network with and show support for other artists and D.J.s in your area. The artists/ bands already playing locally may be able to introduce you to the D.J.s, promoters, club owners, managers, etc. That can help with gigs once you develop a relationship with them. In terms of radio play….. if an artist does not have a huge radio promotion budget, it helps to start out submitting a song to smaller market stations and then try moving up the ladder once a song starts getting some play.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Trey Texas: As mentioned before, I am primarily a writer and currently only have one single released so I am not performing at the moment. I have a catalog of songs that I’m working with my producer on now to get the finishing and final touches added. I certainly have performance opportunities and will pursue those after getting some more material released to the public. Mistakes are sure to happen during performances, but the motto is adapt and overcome.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Trey Texas: No, I haven’t toured yet. When I do, however, I will get back to you with some interesting stories that are bound to come about living life on the road. Haha!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Trey Texas: My main inspiration comes from personal experiences in life and/or conversations and interactions I’ve had with others. I like to tell stories and paint pictures with lyrics based on either my experiences or the experiences of those close to me. Either thinking in solitude or listening to someone tell a story can result in a song theme popping into my head. Once I have the theme, I generally write a verse or a hook and subsequently search for a beat that fits the song and proceed from there.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Trey Texas: I don’t have my own website at the moment, but have plans to have one created soon. In the meantime, I use my FB music page as a substitute for one.
https://www.facebook.com/Trey-Texas-1592476917678160/timeline/
I have a VEVO channel on YouTube, a Soundcloud page for song remixes, and I also share music on Twitter- @treytexas33.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Trey Texas: There would be none that I consider embarrassing, but some people would be surprised at the diversity of the collection. In terms of musical influences in general, there are way too many to name but here are a few: Tupac, Biggie, Eminem, NWA, Jay Z, Nas, Outkast, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, T.I., 50 Cent, Game, UGK, Z-Ro, 3-6 Mafia, K-Ci & JoJo, Boyz 2 Men, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Alice In Chains, Kid Rock, Pearl Jam, Johnny Cash, George Strait, and Willie Nelson. Just a random list of musical diversity!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Trey Texas: I would probably travel the world first and then invest the rest into music and other ventures.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Trey Texas: My producer (Nathan “Originate Music” Guerra) and his business partner (Weight of the World) recently oved into the A-Room of a great studio in my area (Brick-By-Brick Studios) with upgraded computers and equipment. Upgraded Omnisphere software for beat-making/ effects was recently added so I’m looking forward to see what we can come up with soon.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Trey Texas: I have used several different outlets to promote my music- Tunecore, VEVO/YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, traditional radio, Internet Radio, Online Publications, Blogs/ Reviews, and more. I think what works best as an Independent artist is utilizing every avenue available to generate awareness and publicity. The market is oversaturated so you never know which of these forums may result in your music being heard and/or video being seen by people that truly want to show love and support your vision.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Trey Texas: It would be great to open (anywhere on the planet) for two of my favorite artists ever, who each died too young: Jimi Hendrix and Tupac Shakur. I always imagined a collaboration between the two had Hendrix been alive when Tupac was recording. The fusion of Jimi’s rock with Tupac’s hip-hop style on a song or album would be incredible!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Trey Texas: My last single was more of a political/ social statement- a call for unity and peace and against the racism we see running rampant in our country. My producer and I are narrowing down song selection now and I plan on releasing another single in the near future- one that is destined to get folks moving in the club. After that, I hope to follow the singles up with an album in early 2016.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Trey Texas: I also have a love of numbers and real estate so it would be great to be a real estate investor and lease and/or flip properties.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Trey Texas: Some of the older kids I hung around with growing up loved classic rock and that had an early influence on me. I believe the first album I bought was Led Zeppelin IV and I remember thinking even at a young age that “Stairway to Heaven” had to be one of the best songs ever recorded.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Trey Texas: Time management is critical when it comes to juggling life’s responsibilities and music. I keep an appointment calender and a “to do” list and try to allocate certain hours of the day to music and still maintain my other responsibilities.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Trey Texas: At least one more single release (song to be determined) and possibly some performances. Shortly after that, in early 2016, I hope to follow the singles up with an album that folks will thoroughly enjoy! Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
