As part of the phenomenally successful DanceOn Network which was co-founded by Madonna, Trevor Wesley has long since been a believer in the power of music.
Now able to share his belief with the masses, he’s launched his own music career and looks sets to delight fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
With his new single “Chivalry Is Dead” available now and with big plans for the future, Wesley kindly agreed to this interview to chat social media, influences and music videos.
PW: When did you first realise you wanted to be a part of the music industry?
Trevor Wesley: I’ve always loved music and playing piano/singing and performing. Since I was a kid really. I think I knew in high school after I realized girls liked it. I would sing Backstreet Boys and NSYNC songs to girls in school!
PW: Was there a band or artist, or concert you attended that cemented that dream for you? Can you recall the first concert and record you attended and bought?
TW: I remember I use to really love The Beach Boys when I was a young kid and the first album I ever had was “Endless Summer.” I have many influences but that was the first album I really got into.
PW: Which bands and artists most influenced you growing up and have those influences changed much over the years?
TW: I’ve loved so much different music. The Beatles, Nat King Cole, Usher, Musiq Soulchild, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Pharrell…the list goes on! I’m sure I pull different elements from different influences subconsciously.
PW: Is there one particular band or artist you get compared to?
TW: I’ve gotten a few different comparisons based off different things…I’ve gotten Michael Buble, Justin Timberlake, Jason Mraz. Those are all cool artists so I take it as a compliment! I like to think I have my own style.
PW: Tell me about your latest track “Chivalry Is Dead.” Is there a story behind it?
TW: Well… everyone has heard the phrase. I realized I’d never heard a song called “Chivalry is Dead” so I decided I’d be the one to write it. This day and age chivalry seems a bit lost so it seemed like the world was ready for it.
PW: Whose idea was it to create VR, 360 style video for the track?
TW: My team over at DanceOn presented me with the idea of utilizing this new technology. I thought it would be a dope opportunity to bring in Ian Eastwood to help out and keep it true to our story for the relaunch of the song.
PW: Who or what most influences your song-writing?
TW: Life influences me most, along with writing from the heart and putting myself in different situations and scenarios.
PW: Is the song-writing process something you find easy or can it depend on the subject matter?
TW: My best songs are always the ones that are easy! The harder I try the worse of a song I think it is! But I always try… I just have to feel it. It’s kinda like a puzzle piece. You have to feel what pieces go where.
PW: What makes a great song?
TW: I think a great marriage of a story with a melody and lyric. I think it’s important to make the listener want to move too.
PW: In your opinion, which is the greatest song ever written and why?
TW: Hmm that’s tough! There is so much music I haven’t heard. But I love “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. That is a timeless song.The melody is so good, the lyrics are simple and it has a simple, timeless message.
PW: What are your thoughts on social media? Are you a keen user of sites such as Twitter and how do you think they’ve helped grow your audience?
TW: You gotta love social media! It provides an awesome platform for artists like myself to be seen and heard. It’s a great way to stay connected with fans directly, hear their points of view, etc.
PW: What are your touring and performance plans for the next few months?
TW: There’s nothing set in stone yet but I believe that will change very soon once this new music is released.
PW: If you could play any venue, anywhere in the world, with four bands or artists who can be living or dead, where would you play and who would you choose?
TW: Hmm how about Michael Jackson, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Amy Winehouse? We could play at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
PW: Finally then, where would you like to see yourself a few years from now and what’s your ultimate ambition as an artist?
TW: I would like to see myself known around the world for my music and for the opportunity to be exposed to other talents/mentors to collaborate with and learn from while traveling and touring. By then, hopefully my music will have inspired many. Who knows what God has in store for me, I’m just thankful to be able to make music as my career and to have the love and support from my fans. They are truly the ones who make it all possible for me to live out my dreams and without the support from them it would just be a hobby. My ultimate ambition is to stretch the boundaries of music and of my own potential. Everything in this world is vibration so I just gotta create those good vibes!
Check out the video for Wesley’s latest single “Chivalry Is Dead” below and for more information on him and his music, visit his website, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter. You can purchase his music on itunes.
