Having spent the last few years releasing a string of highly-praised EPs and studio albums, LA-based singer and songwriter Trevor James Tillery has now returned to unveil his sweeping new offering 'Stolen Thoughts'.
Channelling the smooth yet haunting aesthetic of the likes of Thom Yorke and Nils Frahm, this dark and pulsing beauty sees him explore soundscapes that rarely get much attention these days. With its soaring and majestic energy that blends organic and electronic elements, his newest release showcases him as a truly forward-thinking and progressive artist.
So with his new single doing the rounds right now, we decided to sit down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Electric guitar.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
It’s always been about making sense of the world around me and how I fit in or to not fit in. Early in my career, it was struggling with religion and my sexuality. After coming out as gay years later, it's been about my perspective now, being outside of religion, trying to be a decent human to myself and others.
I also find the Internet fascinating and what its doing to us on all levels. I write about that sometimes. My LP, Together. Alone, is basically about that especially the song 'Online'.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I listened to a lot of emo, alternative, post-punk growing up. Like Copeland, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, and Lovedrug. I never really got into the hardcore screamo stuff. All my friends played in those kind of bands. The chill emo music fit my shy / timid / closeted self more at the time.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I’m not sure if the song made me want to pursue a career in music, but the first song that comes to mind is E.L.O’s 'Living Thing'. I just remember that being my favourite song when I was young. I made my mom play it in the mini-van on repeat.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
If I’m in the car, something to get me awake but not too chaotic. Lately, it would be something shoegazey like Slowdive or something. If I’m walking the dog or working on my computer, probably Nils Frahm or maybe some Elliot Smith as of late.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Hard to say. I think there’s some songs I have that are not completely directed to someone in particular but rather to multiple people in my life at times. Lately, it’s been more internal.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
My old band opened for Taking Back Sunday in a college arena in Phoenix, AZ. There was probably 3,000 people there. We were on the Jumbotron screens. It felt like we had made it. I would say that or meeting Zane Lowe and hearing him say he loves my music and premiering two of my songs on his radio show a few years back.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Over the last couple of years, I got really into graphic design. For a long time I didn’t allow myself to be interested or dive deep into anything but music. But I have found design only expanded my perspective on music and vice versa.
I also love a good book and read constantly.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I would hope something creative like graphic design or maybe a full-time activist or something.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
Don’t feel like you have to be creating if this shit is bringing you down. Let it happen naturally. Your mental health is the most important thing next to taking care of the people around you. I didn’t think I would be creative during all this but I just kind of let it flow and its been a very creative time for me surprisingly. Just don’t force it or worry too much. It’s a fucking pandemic!
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Trevor James Tillery's new single 'Stolen Thoughts' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.