Q&A with Trent Pryor

I recently reconnected with an old high school friend of mine, Shane. We were reminiscing about the past, when he mentioned that he manages a young musician who graduated from our high school this year. The kid's name is Trent Pryor and he's a singer/songwriter/guitarist.



I listened to a couple of Trent's songs and I thought he was pretty good. Plus, we all know I'm a sucker for a cute boy.

You can hear one of his original songs below:





Impressive, isn't he?



I managed to score an interview with the handsome and polite musician. I hope you enjoy!

Here it is:

1. How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as acoustic rock with a country twist, and for me is deeply personal and relatable. Everything I write relates to something that has happened in my life. Some situations worse than others.
2. How did you get started in music?

Ever since I was a baby, my uncle used to sing and play his guitar for me. On my fifth birthday, he gave me my first guitar. How was that?...Never stopped.
3. Who has been your greatest influence as a musician?

My greatest influence was and always will be Johnathan Joseph Theodore Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls.


4. When writing songs, what inspires you?

The things that inspire me as a songwriter would be all the experiences (good or bad) that I have taken the time to learn from and better myself not only as a musician, but a human being as a whole.
5. What do you hope to achieve with your music?

I believe that every person needs to feel the way they feel, without fear of being judged or looked down upon. In my writing I want to express to all listeners that it is okay to feel the way you feel in any situation. Whether it be a loss in a family or friend, or a heart wrenching break up. I just want to let people know that they are not the only ones who have felt hurt or alone. We're human, we have emotions. It's okay to express them.



6. How did your family react when they found out you wanted to be a musician? Have they been supportive?

My family was not surprised when I told them all I wanted to be was a musician. All family members have been supportive, however my parents and uncle have invested more time and money into my career to be successful. They have provided me with the right equipment, the lessons, the attention, and support to keep me doing what I love to do most.

7. What has been the most important lesson you have learned while trying to make it as a performer?

You have to give the same performance and dedication in every show you do. But I also discovered that that is only half the battle. The business side is the hardest to overcome. You need people with connections who believe in you and want to make you into something great. You also need to play shows like crazy, to get your name out there. You can't be selfish when it comes to money. You need to work your way up.


8. What challenges have you faced as a musician?

Facing the reality of trying to record, or trying different methods of promotion have to wait. When you are a young artist, only making minimum wage at your day job, your budget is limited.
9. What makes you stand out from other artists?

I appreciate and respect all the support of my fans, and I take the time to sit and talk to get to know them, because I want them to feel like they know me as well. I don't feel that that's a connection I'll ever lose because they are what my career is based on.
10. When you're not busy performing or writing songs, what else do you like to do? Any hobbies or activities?

When I'm not performing, I usually spend time with my friends or my family. Trying to find ways that my parents might need help around the house. Just little things. When I'm not around my friends or family, I'm usually at my job as a lifeguard or lifting at the gym. A few video games here and there, listening to music. Just normal dude stuff.
If you're interested in learning even more about Trent, or listening to his other songs, check out his Facebook page here or his Reverbnation page here.

I hope you all have an awesome weekend!