He Said, She Said With Trevor Hall

Did you grow up in a musical family? What are your earliest musical memories?

My dad is a musician. He plays the drums and percussion. Growing up we always had music in the house. My dad had a massive record collection. As a kid I would pull out records that had cool covers and put them on the machine. I was exposed to so many different types of music early on, which was a blessing. When I was 11 years old, my dad let me sit in with him at a local club he used to play at. From the beginning, he always supported me. I’m grateful for that.

How would you describe your sound to listeners who are new to your music?

I’ve been trying to answer this question for ten years! I’m still figuring it out. Overall, it’s a blend of acoustic rock, reggae and folk, with a spiritual theme. I wish I could make it sound cooler!

You’re performing at the anti-fracking Rock The Gate event. How powerful is music when it comes to making a political and social stand?

It’s extremely humbling to be a part of such an amazing event. Music is the string that ties everyone together from all walks of life. We can use it to destroy or we can use it to build. To be a part of something with so many other great artists that want to use music to build and heal is such an honour.

You’ve toured with some very community-oriented artists – Michael Franti and now Nahko. What’s the experience been like?

Music has introduced me to a lot of my idols. Some of those idols have become my best friends. I learn from them, heal with them, grow with them and laugh with them. It’s been an incredible journey. It seems these days there is a surge of conscious musicians like Michael and Nahko. We need more storytellers and warriors like them. We all have to come together in order to make positive change.

The songs on your album Chapter Of The Forest came about on a year-long sabbatical. Tell us about your inspirations.

Chapter Of The Forest was an extremely healing process for me. During that time, I retreated back to India and Nepal, to the places I love. That’s where I recharge and get the juice. After I returned, I still wasn’t ready to jump back on the road. My wife and I went up into the woods in Vermont and Maine and spent a lot of time in solitude there. Chapter Of The Forest is what was born from that time. It’s about returning to the source, going inside, healing and reflection.