Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colin Hogan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Colin, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew from age 5 I wanted to write music and share it with the world. My mom would find me at the piano trying to play. One day she asked me if I wanted to take lessons. Yes! I began taking lessons at a studio. The studio was gearing up for their annual recital. My teacher asked me to pick out a song I wanted to learn for the recital. I promptly told her that I would play my own song that I had written! That was a surprise to her and to everyone at the recital! I can remember seeing my name on both the performer column and the composer column in the program.

Later I began singing and then picked up guitar. I’ve always felt propelled toward music. It’s the way I express myself and how I reflect on life. I’d say it’s how I work to understand life. It’s most definitely how I hope to connect with people.

Colin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a hard worker. I’m driven to follow my dream of writing music and sharing it with the world. I love to connect with people. Music is one of the ways I love to bring people together. I thrive on the energy exchange that is playing music live. I learn from the musicians I play with and we help each other grow. I sing, play piano and guitar and love to write songs. Songwriting is a solitary endeavor. I enjoy bringing new songs to the band and working together to arrange. I write in various genres from rock to Latin inspired to soul. My music is dynamic, emotional and sometimes orchestral. I’ve had the drive since I was little to perform and write music. My band, The Colin Trio, is myself, Brian Link on bass and Cheo Larcombe on drums. We often have trumpet player John Dover join us. We play the Pacific NW region. I also work as a producer in the recording studio. I enjoy working with other musicians to bring their songs to life! The Colin Trio works as a backing band for other Pacific NW artists both on stage and in the recording studio – Taken By The Sky, Karyn Ann, Gwythaints, Beardz II Men, Vonnie Kyle and more.

What sets us apart from others is our drive and our commitment to quality. We all enjoy playing music and performing and we all feel the best when we put in the work and do our best. We lift each other up.

I’m also a yoga teacher. I’ve been teaching since 2010. I love helping people find a deeper connection with their bodies, their intentions and their actions. Yoga teaches me to be kind to myself. Yoga reminds me to find balance in all areas of my life. I’ve learned so much about myself through my own practice and I’m continually inspired to help foster that discovery in others. I teach one on one yoga sessions where I combine hatha, therapeutic movement and breath work. I also teach public classes, both in person and virtual. I have a deep connection with my students and I love teaching! What sets me apart is I have an eye for detail and alignment. I am observant and have an excellent memory! I have a deep knowledge of the body, movement, energy systems and I love connecting the dots.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is to go see live music! If you have an artist you love, tell your friends about them! Buy their album and give it as a gift! Playing music live is an exchange between the performer and the audience – both can benefit greatly from the exchange! Live music might help you move through emotions, inspire you to move and dance, meet new like minded people and make friends, stimulate your own creativity!

Playing music is an act of giving – you give your energy, your creativity, your effort, your expression, your all…go out and receive!!! Spread the word and share what inspires you!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

To make a life with your art is to make sacrifices. You align your money making activities to best support any opportunity that ight come your way that has to do with your art. Musicians never know when their next gig will come along – all they know is their passion for playing the gig and reaching new audiences. You never know who or if anyone will come to your show. You never know if folks will buy your new CD – nowadays no one even buys music at all. Your schedule can be unpredictable and you feel compelled to accept all kinds of offers to play. Gratitude is what I have for each of these opportunities. The lesson is to not take your opportunities for granted. Stay humble and hard working and be true to yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecolintrio.com
• Instagram: @the_colin_trio
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecolintrio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@feistyfolk

Image Credits
Photo of Colin at the microphone: Norm Eder Photo of The Colin Trio: Tom Chamberlain Photo of Colin in yoga pose: Karen Pride Photo of Colin teaching Anatomy: Colin Hogan Photo of Colin’s dog: Colin Hogan