Rising Star: BRANDON TREVON

Name of Artist/Band and where are you from?

Brandon Trevon| Singer|Songwriter|Actor|Arranger  Residing in Minneapolis, MN

How did you break into the music industry?

I started as a teenager but I got my first start when I was about 24 when I co-starred in my first stage play “The Devil Didn’t Raise You”

Choose one adjective to describe your music style?

Harmonious sound

Your vocal ability is amazing; did you come from a musical family?

I actually do not come from a musical background which is surprising. I got a lot of my teachings from observing and listening to the music that was played around me. As a child I heard many different sounds in my home whether it was Gospel or R&B to Pop and Hip Hop. By the age of 10 I discovered music from Sammie Davis to Frank Sinatra. In all actuality it’s a gift that I am grateful to be blessed with.

Who is your ultimate vocal inspiration?

I have so many inspirations that it cannot be narrowed down to just one. I find influences in so many artist of different genres. I have a love for Gospel music and the feeling that comes from within especially when it’s sung by Kim Burrell, Issac Caree, Fred Hammond The Clark Sisters Mahalia Jackson and many more. I enjoy country music’s flavor and storytelling with greats such as Garth Brooks, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash. It’s amazing to hear the sultry tempos of Jazz from Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and Louie Armstrong. I am inspired by R&B soulful pioneers like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, R.Kelly, Dave Hollister, Sam Cooke, John Legend, Gladys Knight, K. Michelle, Tamar Braxton, Brandy, Ann Nesby, Jazmine Sullivan, Gerald Levert, Monica, Faith Evans, Kelly Price and many more. I also enjoy the intensity of Classical Music from the legends like Luciano Pavarotti and Andre Bocelli. I enjoy the electricity of Popular culture such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Beyonce, Trey Songz, Ne-yo, Luke James to name a few. Then you have the Down-to-earth grit of Hip-Hop royalty such as 2Pac, Notorious BIG, J.Cole, Wale, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, B.O.B, Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z, School Boy Q, Hospin and many more. I cannot forget about my Alternative Rock side which is dedicated to groups like Maroon 5, Sublime, Coldplay, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nine Inch Nails and much more. As you can see I am influenced by a bucket full of talented individuals that range.

Do you write your own songs? If so, what are your songs about and where do you draw your inspiration?

Yes, I write my own songs. I feel songwriting is something that you have to tap into. The way that I write is by visualizing the situations in my thought process first then I generalize it so that each person can put their own story to the song the best way they can relate to it. I take from my own experiences as well as things I overheard or have witnessed. I can literally hear or see something and can start creating a concept based off of that.

What project are you currently promoting and is it available for purchase?

I do not have a project completed just yet, but I am currently in the studio finishing up my first EP project entitled, “Inside Out”. This is slated to be released real soon. I am such a protectionist and everything has to be right. I cannot wait until its completed. I have been working with an incredible producer/engineer Big Lu Creations who is a PHENOM.

Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal?

With the current state of the industry right now and how easy it is to PROMOTE yourself and brand yourself in a social media frenzy an INDEPENDENT DEAL is surely a great asset, but I strongly believe that with a MAJOR label machine behind you is just as important. Besides most Independent labels are owned and/or are affiliated with the majors anyway, so it’s important to be involved with both. The possiblities should always be open.

How would you define the word “success”?

Success for me is being able to live in this world and stop existing. Knowingly using the gifts that GOD has blessed me with is important. Success should not be determined by what you have or what you do. I believe success should be determined on how you live. I no longer put faith in myself or my gifts, but I put faith in GOD more and more that He will allow my gifts to make room for me and to me that’s a success.

What is your biggest career embarrassment?

I would have to say the moment when I wanted to give up. I actually stopped believing in myself which then caused me to quit for a little bit. I then had to realize that my purpose is much larger then it seems at times, so now when I may have those moments that’s when I remember why I was placed on this earth and that is to share my gifts.

Most memorable moment in creating one of your records?

I have so many moments that stand out but I would say the moments I enjoy is the studio atmosphere I have with the people I work with. One of the producers Big Lu Creations is an hilarious character and we have such a great time working on these songs and making them come to life whether it’s cracking jokes or getting deep spiritually we have a common bond and it shows in the work.

Who has been the most influential person in your music career?

That would be my manager Guy Richardson. This is a person that believes in me 100% and is willing to do any and everything to get me where I need to be. There are a number of people that have been a steppingstone to further my career.

Who is your celeb look-alike?

I have no idea, but I have been told I looked like Keenan Thompson & Gerald Levert.

What was your first job?

My first job was working as a door to door salesman for a newspaper company. It was cool because I was meeting new people daily, but it wasn’t anything to be excited about. It taught me how to deal with rejection and to deal with mild mannered people and to control my temper as a teenager.

What is your worst Fear?

I would say leaving this life not satisfied and what would make it not satisfying is dying and not leaving anything behind that could live on generations to come.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Reality TV would be it.

What artists would you love to work with?

I would love to work with so many artist and it’s an entire bucket list that would take me a few days. I will just say that R. Kelly is up there as well as Dave Hollister, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Ne-yo, Brandy, Usher & K. Michelle etc. I will just stop at that, but there are many many more.

Any advice or lessons learned in the music industry that you would like to share with other indie artists?

I would say this Business first and Music second and no one should pay as good attention to your business as you do.

What is the number one thing you hope people get out of your music?

I would like people to find inspiration from my music. I would love for them to hear it and find themselves inside of the lyrics no matter what the song may be. I would like to be the soundtrack to people’s lives.

Where can people get in touch with you?

I am currently involved in various social media sites.

Website: www.brandontrevon.com

Twitter: @BrandonTrevonMe

Facebook: BTrevsingz

Youtube: Brandon55443

Soundcloud: BrandonTrevon