Check out our interview with NYC based singer and songwriter Trevor Knight who specializes in soulful pop. His goal is to spread joy through passionate ballads and playful jams. His sound and writing are influenced by artists such as Sam Cooke, Zac Brown, and Ed Sheeran.
Inspired by catchy hooks and slick harmonies, Trevor’s sound is driven by layered vocals, harkening back to his days as a shameless collegiate a cappella nerd. His smooth and wholesome voice blends the simplicity and nostalgia of Motown soul with glimmers of modern pop.
Through the process of crafting and recording his debut single “Giving It Up” for commercial use, he got a glimpse of what a life in music could be like – and he was hooked. Since then, he has been featured on thousands of playlists including Discover Weekly, tallying over 300,000 streams on Spotify.
Trevor has unveiled a new strategy of releasing a brand new single on the 1st of every month.
Follow Trevor @trevorjknight
Hi Trevor, please tell us a little about you?
Hey there! I grew up on a dirt road in Minnesota where I spent my time playing sports and singing songs. After college in New Hampshire, I moved to NYC to work in finance. I shortly found myself playing open mics and writing original songs, and the rest is history.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Versatile, surprising, and playful? Haha that’s a tough one to narrow down.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve been playing piano and singing since I was a little kid. My mom signed me up for choir through church and school, and when I went to college, I spent a lot of time arranging music for my a cappella group. After I moved to NYC after college and started working in finance, I just knew there was more. I started recording cover songs, which eventually evolved into writing originals and playing open mics. Every taste of a life in music I got, made me want to dive deeper. After a couple years, I made the transition to full-time musician and haven’t looked back since.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Slick, wholesome, poppy.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I make music because it brings me so much joy that I don’t really have a choice. My major influences have been doo-wop stars like Sam Cooke, genre-bending pop icons like Ed Sheeran, along with groups like the Backstreet Boys and Zac Brown Band.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano pretty well, and guitar passably well.
Do you ever get nervous?
I only really get nervous in the few minutes right before performing. Once it’s showtime, I’m just excited and having fun.
Tell us about your new single “Sugar.” What’s the story behind this song?
This song is so fun! It’s short and sweet, and it’s full of sunny and juicy imagery. I wrote this song with my girlfriend Melinda May (also an artist), and we had an absolute blast coming up with all these cute phrases. It came together pretty naturally, but we also put a lot of thought into these turns of phrases.
Did you have plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I thought 2020 was going to be the year I’d grow and perfect my live show. I guess I had that one wrong. I’ve turned instead to maximizing my digital presence and recording a lot more and releasing a new song every month. I played a virtual show in November with Melinda May, which was a blast.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
A collaboration with Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Zac Brown, or Adele would just about do it for me. I’d be pretty content after that.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The boring stuff like managing accounts, sending emails, monitoring digital presence, etc can get long, but it’s part of the job. On the flip side, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a new song and never wanting to stop playing it. It’s just so rewarding to be able to enjoy something you’ve created. It’s also unlike anything else to have a crowd in the palm of your hand. I sure miss performing live.
What’s next for Trevor Knight in 2021?
More music! I’ve been recording a ton of new material, and I’m going to have consistent single releases for the foreseeable future. I’ve begun working with a new distributor as well, which is exciting. Definitely keep your eyes open for some new content.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Wow, I simply don’t have a good answer for that. It changes every month and I blast a few songs on repeat. It’s always changing!
Any loves other than music?
Sports, hearty food, fitness, God, my family, my girlfriend, and my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oof, that’s a tough one. Maybe someone like Abraham Lincoln. He had such a profound effect on history and brought himself up by the bootstraps. That would be really neat.
Best advice ever given?
“Don’t give up.” This has been passed along to me by various people throughout my journey, and I’m always surprised by how much it helps.
How’s a typical day in your life?
It’s honestly great! Sing a little, write a little, move a little, eat some good food. I like to work hard but once I’m done, I love to unwind and have a good time. There’s actually a YouTube video out there that catalogs a day in my life – I highly recommend it.
Name one your strengths?
I think very logically and I am extremely tough. Those things serve me pretty well in a lot of tasks.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Church in the morning, wings and football in the afternoon. That’s hard to beat.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins was a college a cappella favorite that makes for a great karaoke jam.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what I love alongside people that I love. Being able to serve and be generous. Hard to argue with that.
Do you support any charities?
I love to support my church in any way I can. I donate to a few different charities every year, and I generally switch it up.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Greek yogurt. I eat it like ice cream!
And your favorite cheat food?
Gummy worms or similar sour candy.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If you think pop music is stupid or not intellectual enough. C’mon now!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still doing what I love – putting out music, podcasts, and other content. Paying the bills and positively influencing people. Having a great time.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Clean-cut, simple, not over-thought, and a little playful. I can dig a tasteful Hawaiian shirt or funny hat once in a while.
What do you think of Social Media?
It can be fun! It’s part of the job for an artist. It’s a great way to stay connected to my fans, and I love it for that reason.
Where can we follow you?
@trevorjknight on Instagram and Twitter, @trevorknightmusic on Facebook. You can also send me an email directly at tk@trevorknightmusic.com!
