Spirited, deep, and thought provoking are just a few words to describe the artist known as Trevor Green. His music is something fresh and distinctly new, yet is deeply woven in the spiritual fabric of our ancient ancestors. Surrounded by 5 guitars, 3 didgeridoos, an array of percussion instruments and decorated of symbolic ancestral nature, Green’s stage appears to be a musical playground not for the faint of heart.
We caught up with Green to learn more about his upcoming tour and growth as an artist.
What made you decide to get involved in music?
I started playing music when I was 15. I picked up a guitar that used to lay around in the house and started strumming it. My parents had great taste in music. I grew up listening to bands like Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Neil Young and the Grateful Dead to name a few. I didn’t take any formal lessons. I remember some of the first songs I could play were off of the Full Moon Fever album by Tom Petty. Songs like ‘Free Fallin’.’ I taught myself to play by ear.
How do you think your music has changed over time?
I’ve always made it a goal to write music from the most authentic and honest place that I could. I feel like the best information came when I got out of the way and allowed the music to move through uninterrupted. I noticed early on that the music I was creating was often inspired by the spirit of the land that I was on at the time. One of the spaces I frequently visited to write was called the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Southern California, and during my time there I learned that there was a sacred burial site on the land and I would often visit it. It was during this time that I began to realize more clearly the information that was coming out in my songs. I am deeply inspired by the connection to spirit and land and continue to keep those channels open.
What about your personal progression as an artist?
I’m a self-taught musician. In high school, I was part of a jam band. We would play the local parties and our repertoire consisted of Hendrix and Allman Brothers covers. From there I learned of the Grateful Dead and soon became part of the Bluegrass world playing in bands around Northern California. After a few years of this I came across a musician who would change my life more than any other. Michael Hedges was his name. He blew my world apart and from there I began to explore sonics in a very different way and I began to explore a solo career in music, combining different instruments, which is what I currently explore today.
Overall, what does music mean to you? Why is it important?
I see music as ceremony. I think of it as a sacred tool that we have had access to for many moons. Being used to communicate the depth of emotions, facilitate healing, or just provide an atmosphere for celebration, it is the cosmic language and crosses all lines. There is no boundary. Like the expansiveness of the universe, it has endless potential and I believe we have lots more to unravel with it.
As you’re now on an extensive tour, what is your favorite thing about touring/performing?
I love performing because it’s always been an opportunity for me to communicate things that otherwise I maybe couldn’t get out. It also fuels me and brings me high levels of energy. I use it as a source of healing myself and discovering more about the world around me, which in turn seems to translate for the audience I think. I love touring and experiencing different energies in different places as well as making connections with people. For this tour, I’m looking forward to playing spaces we haven’t visited in a few years as well as sharing some new songs that are coming out on the next album.
What do you find most difficult with touring?
The hardest part without a doubt is being away from my family. I have a beautiful wife and two children and we are all very connected.
For someone who may have never seen you perform, what can they expect from your live shows?
Can you talk a little about your latest album?
My latest work was a record we did in Joshua Tree, CA entitled Voice of the Wind. It was an incredible experience. The record was based on a successful crowdfunding campaign that sent myself along with my wife, two children and my adopted Navajo nephew on a 25 show tour through Australia. We also received an invite form Djalu, elder of the Galpu Clan, from NE Arnhem Land while we were there, so we added another month to our stay and sat with the clan. It was truly an experience that has changed my life forever. When we returned we went right into the Joshua Tree desert and with the help of co-producer Robbi Rob, we built a studio from the ground up in a old stone home and recorded the Voice of the Wind record.
Currently I’m working on some pre-production ideas for the new record that we haven’t yet named a release date for. I’m also working on a live record that should be released sometime this summer.
What have you been listening to lately? Anyone inspiring your sound?
Lately I’ve been listening to a few different artists. Harry Manx is one that I’ve been enjoying. I also have been listening to some more new age electronic music. Artists like Kayla Scintilla have been inspiring me with their approach to using electronics in such creative ways. It’s pretty new to me as electronic music has never really been something that I have been interested in.
To learn more about Trevor Green visit his website and DEFINITELY listen to his album if you haven’t already.