Meet Trevin Little

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevin Little.

Hi Trevin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m from a little town in eastern Kentucky called Pikeville. It’s historically a coal mining town with a medium size university and a very authentic small-town vibe. Bluegrass and country pervade every aspect of music in Pikeville due to lots of incredible artists in those genres coming from the surrounding areas (Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, etc.).

Even with all of this incredible heritage around me and the Country Music Highway, my passion has always been jazz saxophone. I got started playing sax in band like a lot of instrumentalists do. My ears have always been my strongest asset, and my band directors noticed very early on. I was given a lot of opportunities to stretch and explore in my time in school (including my Alma Mater Morehead State University), but I really learned what it was to be a musician playing in local groups when I moved to Louisville. The scene was/is so vibrant and welcoming and really nurtured the inner artist in me. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with dozens of incredible local bands & artists (Kiana & the Sun Kings, Casey Powell, The Jesse Lees, Spooky Diamonds, Sheryl Rouse, Z Lynn, Idris Fredrick, Louisville Jazz Initiative, etc.).

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My area of the world I was born into was a blessing and a curse. It’s such a gorgeous part of the country, but local inspiration is hard to come by in the way of instrumentalists. With not much else to do other than practice and the occasional tire fire, my work was cut out for me. Life just happens at a slower rate there. To be taken seriously in the world outside of EKY, you must hide your dialect and increase the speed at which life is processed.

Biggest challenge? Finding ways to make sure that the inner slacker inside me doesn’t win. Every. Single. Day. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a horrible student. Learning isn’t the issue, it was always keeping the drive and stalwart desire to finish what I started that kept me from succeeding. As I got older (and with a few swift kicks to the gut from life and spending seven years in the service industry/kitchen work), I learned the importance of followthrough and how much it affects your standing as an artist. It’s important to be accountable in all aspects of life, but with music, it’s paramount.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for being the sax player you can throw into any musical situation and thrive immediately. That’s what I’ve trained for my entire life. Being ready when you get the call by putting in the work beforehand has been my mantra since I decided that this “music thing” wasn’t just a passing fad. When it comes time to work, you can believe I’ll be there with all senses ready to accomplish the task at hand.

I’ve always considered myself somewhat more of a master craftsman/technician of the horn rather than an artist, but this has been changing in the past few years due to working with incredible artists like Joslyn Hampton, Marty Charters, Kiana Del, and Casey Powell. Having people around you that can see what you can’t see in your creativity is crucial to the road ahead in this business.

Currently, I’m working on multiple projects with different groups.

Joslyn & the Sweet Compression is on the cusp of releasing a second album in 2023 on the heels of an incredible year on the road. 108 shows, 40k miles, and lots of love has been spread by this group.

Kiana & the Sun Kings has a brand new EP in the works, which is part two of our debut release, “Chrysalis”. I’ve gotten a lot of creative freedom with this group, and I’m beyond excited for the public to be able to consume this wonderful piece of art.

Casey Powell and I have had a long-standing creative relationship that I wouldn’t trade for the world. He has released some really outstanding works this year, but also be on the lookout for some really special things from him and I.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
What I’m seeing in Louisville is an artistic movement of a R&B, bourgeoning jazz scene, and killer folk music acts coming to the forefront of what people are producing, and the public is starting to catch the vibe. SO many creators and shakers, we have the makings of a real renaissance. Where that puts us in 20 years?… who knows – but I do know that there is a large amount of hard-working talented people in Louisville who are poised to be on a national stage. It’s such a pleasure to be a part of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevsax/

Image Credits
Vince Alonzo Dan Dry