Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor O’connor

Hi Trevor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I guess i’ve always embraced a DIY attitude. I would even go as far to say I can be a bit of a punk ass, I certainly don’t like being told what to do. When I commit to something its generally 150%.

These days my life is a little more stable for sure. I think I kind of burnt myself out over the years, and I had to be in a rough spot to become humbled and remember the things that truly matter. Family, healthy relationships and being truly happy with yourself.

I graduated college, grabbed a few internships which turned into jobs that I ultimately didn’t like. I am pretty much squirming if I can’t have a certain amount of freedom to be creative and make my own decisions.

I returned to the music school I had been working at before I left for college. I was able to pretty much do what I wanted and since I cared about it’s success so much I worked very hard. The Original Music School has been pretty much a constant in my life with the exception of 6-7 years i spent in Austin, Texas. (I even produced a reality show for my students called “Shut Up & Play” it’s pretty entertaining and its still on the youtube.)

I up and moved to Austin and hit the ground running. I still miss it and there is a dull pain in my heart that I had to leave, but it’s just what felt right at the time. I played many shows with many amazing people who I consider dear friends for life. I got my name out there and i’d like to think I left a mark. Ultimately I just was going through a rough time and let the drugs and alcohol take over and fortunately I was functioning well enough to do something about it.

I wont say I regret anything because that’s a waste of time. I will say that I gave it 150% but hey… shit happens.

These days I reformed my bands back in NJ. We are playing shows and recording new music with no sight of slowing down. I’m back at The Original Music School with a much better situation, less pressure and a much better attitude. I would say my current mood is grateful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The big one for me was realizing what an asshole I had become at the height of my partying in Austin. I had no real goals and I was bitter towards everyone. Forgiving yourself is a bitch man, Once you open that box and realize how truly disgusted with yourself you are its a tough decision to love yourself. I still have my moments, but ultimately looking forward is the only move. You can always be a better person tomorrow. You never want to feel like a failure but sometimes thats how you need to feel to open your eyes and see whats really happening.

NJ doesn’t have the music scene ATX does- so that was a huge transition for me. I pretty much set up all my shows here and have to bring the PA etc. I have my moments where I feel like nobody could give a flying shit, but also I can’t live and breathe negative. I have to remain positive and remember that I am doing something about it, I will continue to do so. I have been gathering residencies and putting live original music at the forefront.

So someday when i’m an old bitter man I can bitch and moan because I actually got off my ass and tried to change my situation! ha! Something to look forward to…

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m still very much committed to my main project “Dr Scientist”. I have a new EP coming out with some pretty piano songs and in a few months LP3 will be done. Im excited for LP3 since I’ve been working on these songs since I moved away (about 6 years). The lyrics are a time capsule for some of the hardest times in my life…but there is also no shortage of sarcasm as well.

I recently started playing with my side project “Bag Lady” and we are planning on putting new music out soon. The band is slamming and its fun to jam a little more..less structure than Dr Scientist and more rootsy/funky/country. It certainly fulfills that other half of my musical persona.

I just started a new band, I wont say much about it but it’ll be completely different. I’ll be playing bass and singing which is not typical. Stay Tuned ;)

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

I think I said this in the last interview (thanks for having me again btw) managing your own happiness and your idea of success. It’s easy to look around and ask “why don’t I have that”? These days I try to work hard, smart and keep plugging without giving in to that fatalist attitude of “why bother?”. Just keep doing it ya’ll. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t play music.

In terms of work and making money, if you are good at what you do and you always show up people will always want to work with you…

I always show up and i’m good at what I do.

Pricing:

• Songwriting Instruction $100/ hr
• Mixing $100/hr
• Mastering $50 / track
• Guitar Lessons $100/ hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/drscientistlives
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorkevin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drscientistlives
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drscientistlives9270