Exposed Vocals just interviewed writer, producer ‘Trevi’ – Just released mini EP ‘LEV’
Im an independent song writer from Perth WA, Australia now based in Sacramento CA. I write, produce and play all the instruments on the tracks with Garage Band. I have been in many bands in my music career.
When i was 21 my friend and I a duo called’ Wabbit’ opened for ‘Take That’ in Perth to 8000 screaming fans.
I then went on to make 2 albums with a band called ‘The Honeyriders’ and extensively toured around Australia with John Butler Trio. I have played along side many talented artists such as Spearhead, Tony Joe White, John Butler and many more in my career.
Exposed Vocals Score 8.4/10
After I left the ‘Honeyriders’, I went travelling and ended up not going back to Perth for 8 yrs. Im now in Sacramento and just got back into playing music after a long break. Because I just moved here and don’t know any musos, I decided to start my own solo career and have been working on over 30 songs created in my lounge room this year alone. I start with a drum beat and then what ever comes to my head i record. Kind of a one off thing. The excitement is in the song writing process as whatever happens, I record.
So, if its off or out of tune it doesn’t matter… What matters is the vibe of the song and the energy of it. I then get it mastered with Landr which puts it on itunes/spotify for me. This way the music is out there!
Exclusive Interview
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Trevi: I grew up in Fremantle, WA Australia. I was always playing music and already in school had a band that we used to play at weddings and functions. I had a few duo bands, then my main band ‘the honey riders’ which toured with John Butler around Australia and we produced 2 CD’s one of which recieved a 4 star review.
I decided to travel and quit the band back in 2004 and since then have been roaming around the world where in ended up in Israel and had my 2 girls there, We moved back to Perth where i formed a band called ‘the dashleys’.
We moved again 6 months ago to Sacramento CA.
I still wanted to play music so i decided to go solo and here i am!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Trevi: I think online music sharing is amazing! I can write a song in my living room, produce it and put it on itunes/spotify in one day! Unbelievable. I don’t recieve much money from streaming but once I’m out playing shows i can get the crowd .
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Trevi: I don’t think I’ve ever made ‘mistakes’ during performances. Most of the time it has to do with the sound engineer or equipment. Sometimes my strings will break! But the show must go on.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Trevi:I have toured around australia. We ended up smashing into a kangaroo on the way to Broome and we were left stranded. We waited for a bus the next day to take us to the gig!
We loved Broome so much we decided to stay there a couple of months while the car was being fixed.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Trevi:At the moment we live across from a beautiful park so i have set my computer up and equipment to look at the park and write.
I start with a drum beat on Garage Band then whatever comes out i record. So usually vocals and guitar are recorded together to a drum loop. I then track another guitar and bass. And that’s it! usually 2 hours and its done. Whatever comes out i keep.
For me now its about the energy of the song. Usually for me when i start a new idea its the most exciting part and i wanted to capture that feeling.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Trevi: I have a Facebook page, youtube and soundcloud. I also put the songs onto itunes/spotify with Landr.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Trevi:I would continue to do what i am doing. Maybe even go to a beach somewhere in Costa Rica to record and hire some kick ass musicians to play the songs. I would even record all my music professionally in a studio with a great producer and sound engineer and buy myself new guitars/bass and drums… ohh… to have that luxury !
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Trevi: I am currently fixing up 3 songs that are ready to put out there, more on the dancer side.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Trevi: I would love to preform with the pixies! best band ever!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Trevi: i can’t think of anything else that i would be doing apart from travelling around the world.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Trevi: first album was ABBA, i only wished i could see them live but i was too young!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Trevi: I record during the day while the kids are at school and at night i work on releasing them.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2018?
Trevi:Fans should look forward to more songs and some live performances around town.
