Meet Trevor Dering

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Dering.

Trevor, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Music to me has always been the most important thing in life. Since I was young, all I can remember is doing the best I could to make noise out of something silent. When I wasn’t getting kicked out of classrooms for singing out-loud, I was doing my best to keep my thoughts occupied. As I grew older, I started to channel to the best of my ability, my thoughts into something tangible. Eventually, leading to the start of my path as a songwriter.

Growing up in Arizona I spent half my time playing ice hockey (yes there is hockey in Arizona), and the other half locked away in my bedroom with a guitar. (Obviously, I had to eat/go to school, but math was never my forte). My love for guitar came from the most cliche way of wanting to be a rockstar, and that was Guitar Hero. I was addicted to learning every classic rock song in the books and kept my parents up most nice playing “Hotel California” by the Eagles. (Sorry about that Mom)

Eventually, I grew out of my “rocker” phase and was introduced to an artist that forever carved my path as a songwriter, John Mayer. I’m instantly transported to why I do what I do today every time I put on one of his songs. It opened a whole new world to where my “sad, hopeful” mind could stretch and express itself to the best of my ability through songwriting. Eventually leading me to pick up an acoustic guitar, fall in love early, and write about how it was never going to work out.

I did my best to view things as positively as possible, but the BEST songs came from a part of my heart that wasn’t sure if everything was going to be okay. I could be the happiest kid in the world but still wrote about how sad things would be in some alternate inevitable universe. I got pretty good at being sad in the best ways possible as depressing as that sounds. I eventually starting gigging at local restaurants, bars, and even weddings as early as 16 years old.

Graduation was suddenly looming around the corner, and I wanted to make sure I did everything possible to sustain my dream of working within music. After being declined from Berklee College of Music the first time, I spent a year at Arizona State University whilst waiting for the news on my second audition. Suddenly I finally received that bittersweet email from Berklee during the middle of a fraternal serenade practice. I was accepted.

My dream school finally acknowledged my talent which led me to make one of the hardest/easier decisions of my life. To move across the country and leave all that was “comfortable” to follow my dream. My start at Berklee, unfortunately, followed suit with a dark cloud as I was extremely unhappy during my first year in attendance. I spent almost every night alone and discouraged that I would ever be happy in the city of Boston. I can’t exactly pinpoint what day turned everything around for me, but during the madness of finals/a messy break-up.

I knew if I didn’t turn myself around somehow and make the most of a beautiful opportunity I’d regret it for the rest of my life. So that’s exactly what I did, I wrote, socialized, explored, and inevitably fell in love with the city and folk of Boston. I spent the next two years writing countless songs and officially started my Artist project with my first release in 2017 titled, “XXX in the Morning.” Even though it was mainly an attempt to make an ex think I was “scoring” it ended up proving I could hang with the big guys/gals in the music world.

As soon as that songwriting degree was handed to me during my final day at Berklee I immediately took that VERY expensive paper and stormed my way to LA to write, perform, and expose myself to as much music as possible. That brings me to today. I currently have lived in LA for almost a year and am eager to make a name for myself in this crazy, crazy city. I aspire to write, produce, and most specifically perform as much as I can in the days to come.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road to where I am today has most certainly not been smooth. Looking back at all the hardships I had to overcome is tough but rewarding as they have made me into the person, writer, & musician I am today. I’ve tried to take some of the lowest moments in my life and appreciate what little good may be hiding behind.

Since arriving in LA, I have been blessed to be around such a tight-knit group of friends who strive everyday to help me move forward.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As a songwriter, my main specialization is that of creating something from nothing. I’ve been trying my best to write everyday and be involved with as many people/projects as possible. Lately, I’ve been producing my own music as I feel I’m more than capable of handling a good majority of the creation process when it comes to bringing life to a song of mine.

My ability to contribute towards many aspects in the creation process of a song is what sets me apart from others. I inspire to keep my abilities strong whilst trying to learn more and more everyday from others.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love living in Hollywood because it’s truly central to all that goes on in LA. Being a working musician in the city of LA I am continually driving back and forth between sessions. I’m fortunate enough to be in a place where I can say “Yes” to a lot more opportunity because of my location. The city also is never lacking in entertainment.

There are constantly new and exciting things going on here in Hollywood that keep me constantly occupied. As someone who records at home, the thing I like least about Hollywood is the noise. Although I’ve gotten by pretty well thus far, I don’t think I’ve gone a vocal session without getting a few screams or horns blaring from outside my window. Definitely working on some sound treatment…

Contact Info:

• Website: trevordering.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevordering/
• Other: https://spoti.fi/2CYitYa

Image Credit:
Natasha Feise

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