Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Devlin.
Trevor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a fan of music, I grew up in Plano, Tx and in the house, my parents had on all of the classic rock and 90s stuff. They were the reason for me discovering music and seeing some of my first live bands when I was younger. I started making music back in middle and high school, with my lifelong friends when we had a rap group.
Around 14, I really got interested in the production side of things and learned how to create beats on an earlier version of Fl Studio. Digging deeper into the instrumental side of music, I came across other artists and beatmakers who were making really forward-thinking stuff and it inspired me to want to make a style of hip-hop called lo-fi. Slowly getting better and making connections helped me to gain more listeners under my artist name Leaf Beach. I met a group of artists in Dallas who formed a label called Dead Gorgeous and through them, I began playing live beat sets. I’ve had my music released on vinyl and have been able to make a living doing it as well. Just kept it going from there
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This past year was rough for me going through family loss and I struggled with finding motivation for work. By being an artist in general, I have moments of overthinking trying to make the best music I can. Time and stress get to me because of it so some days I just take a moment to do things to clear the mind. Finding motivation is key and learning to have a better outlook. I’m lucky to have so many good people around me. Beatmaking is a great outlet, but it’s also good to take time for yourself. Everyone has their own challenges and it’s important to not get taken back by it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a beatmaker and I produce for vocalists on occasion. My music is primarily jazzy hip-hop beats with elements of lo-fi and soul. I like to create a chill atmosphere with my music, something to vibe with. Sampling is a big part of the genre and most of the time it’s my go-to for creating new music. Either from digging for vinyl records or downloading wav files. Lately, I have been creating stuff without samples and using new hardware; it’s a nice challenge. Also about done with a new album so look out for that later this year or early next. I’m grateful to have had opportunities to play shows in multiple states, score a track for a video game, and release music with record labels like Blue Note (Universal Music) and Hip Dozer.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
It’s crazy to see the growth I’ve had over the years putting out beats and have love for everyone who has supported and listened especially my friends and family. One of my goals is to inspire people to follow their passion. Anything takes practice to accomplish so don’t worry about success but instead have fun doing it. Keep it humble, don’t rush things… make it for you
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/leaf.beach
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaf.beach/
Image Credits
Photos by Nathan Devlin
