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

Trevor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have played music for most of my life but hadn’t considered it a career option until around 2008. I saw Wycliffe Gordon play with the Friends University big band in Wichita, KS. It changed my perspective on music. I had never realized how far music could go before that show. Afterwards, I knew pursuing sounds was something that I would want to do for the rest of my life.

Trevor, 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 am a trombonist, vocalist, composer, and producer based in KCMO. My career consists predominantly with touring, performing, recording, and writing music around the United States. Essentially I like to make my own music and I like to help other people make their music. I have been a professional musician for over 15 years, playing and writing in many different settings. During that time, I have been fortunate to practice and learn from masters of many deep traditions. I love to collaborate and bring people from these different traditions together. A person can not specialize in everything but through collaboration they can inform and bring their work to new heights. I am honored to get to work with as many amazing people as I do.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

All you have to do is show up, share, and support. Interact with and purchase things direct from the artist when you can. If there’s a cover charge, pay it. If there’s merch, find something that you like and get it at the show. Pay for an album on Bandcamp as well as streaming it other places. SHARE what artists are creating. If you like something someone made, chances are you can connect that artist with other people that will like that thing. Find the music, art, and creators that truly resonate with you and hype up their work just as you would a friend.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There have been times in my life when I subscribed to a somewhat elitist perspective on music. “THIS genre is the epitome of all music in the world.” As I got older I learned more about different traditions and how intertwined it all is. I now respect all music that is well executed with intention. Not all music is aesthetically my favorite but that is just a subjective opinion. I hold the same amount of respect, appreciation, and reverence for this music too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/trevorturlamusic
• Facebook: instagram.com/trevorturlamusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1e8-QslqqI_wMt5h36lLvQ

Image Credits
Ben McBee Photography JC Franco Kris Davi Photography Teri Quinn