Trevor the Trashman (Chicago, IL) – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
Born and raised in Chicago. Moved to Brooklyn 3 years ago. I’ve been rapping since before my voice dropped. And I was a late bloomer. I started at age 12 with a group of friends from school. So there are tons of recordings with this foul-mouthed boy with a girl’s voice that shall never see the light of day, ha. Over the past two years I have really honed my skills and worked my ass off though.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
I listened to a ton of music growing up. I was really into alternative like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Cake, and Butthole Surfers before I ever got into rap. The first cd I ever bought was Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. The crossover point was P Diddy’s Bad Boy and The Family. Then I went back and heard the hip hop I fell in love with. Big Pun, Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Wu Tang, Common, Big L. I discovered I was really good at rapping along with all those artists and eventually started writing rhymes about my own life.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
I can really spit. But my sights aren’t only set on the hip hop game. I consider myself more of a songwriter; I like to write hooks and complete songs with concepts. I listen to new hip hop but what I’m listening to whats going on in electro house, minimal techno, and whatever you call what r&b has become. It feels like everything is really blending together so much now and for the most part its good.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
Vic Mensa, Saba, Nacho Picasso, Green Sllime, Pimp Jong ILL, Benny Nice. In a dream world I’d collab with Action Bronson, Danny Brown, Chance The Rapper, Bishop Nehru, Max B, Kendrick Lamar, and more I can’t think of.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Independent hip hop that doesn’t get played on mainstream channels.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Influences are Blood Orange, Disclosure, Mike Will Made It, DJ Premier, Just Blaze, Timbaland, XXYYXX. I do some of my own production. For my latest album I reached out for more outside help production wise than I ever have. I worked extensively with Nate Fox (produced multiple tracks on Chance The Rapper’s Acid Rap), The Vamp (Brooklyn production team), A$ap Mob’s P On The Boards, Benny Nice, Milo, and Roca Beats.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
I’m promoting my first full length studio album: Hell Yeah | I Want It All. In an era dominated by shorter releases and eps I released a 15 track album that goes strong the whole way through.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Hell Yeah | I Want It All? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.
The album took over a year from start to finish. I write, record, mix and master everything myself and sometimes have a hand in the production process as well. That’s probably why it takes so long, and the fact that I’m really a perfectionist. So what you’re hearing is a whole lot of me on this album. It was recorded in NY and Chicago where I split most of my time.
Where can we find your music and info?
I got the internet goin nuts.
www.soundcloud.com/trashmanmusic
https://twitter.com/trevortrashman
http://instagram.com/larrypoppins
Any shout outs?
HI MOM!!
