Inspiring Artists Stories
Today we'd like to introduce you to Trevin Stephenson
Current Location: Fountain Valley, CA
Trevin, before we jump into it, why don't you tell us a little about your story.
Throughout my life, I always knew I had a passion for the arts. Growing up I loved watching Michael Jackson perform and I would put on little concerts in the living room to his music. My grandma always nurtured my passion for music. She taught me how to play piano and always pushed me to continue progressing. Growing up, music was a hobby for me. I decided to dedicate most of my time to sports, and music and the arts would be for my free time. When I met my father at 8 years old, I found where my musical genes came from. My dad is a singer and music producer. My mom and I moved to Missouri when I was 8 so that I would have my dad in my life. While living there, I learned to produce my own music, and focused on vocal training and acting. When I got into high school, I decided to stop playing sports and dedicated all of my time to my art. After my sophomore year, I made the brave decision to move back to California and attend APA. My grandmother has known Tim Nelson for a long time and knew about the program, so I knew that APA would be the best place for me. From there I discovered my love for dance and continued my college education at Pace University, earning a BFA in Commercial Dance. Now, I am back in Huntington Beach teaching/assisting at APA and local studios, while also writing and producing my first full length album.
Overall, has it been a rather smooth road? If not, what are some of the struggles you've experienced along the way?
I don’t think anyone’s road is particularly smooth. I have definitely dealt with some difficulties. I would say my time in New York City was a blessing and a curse. I loved going to Pace University and loved living in New York. But in that time of my life I went through a bit of a dark depression and was very unhappy, which ultimately lead to me moving back to Huntington Beach. The starving artist life took a toll on me mentally. I needed a reset and home was that reset. Coming back to my home was the best thing for me and I quickly became myself again and got back into a better headspace.
Can you tell us about what you are currently working on? Anything you have been focused on during this time of quarantine?
I am currently working on my first album. The album is called LOVENOTES. Side A will be released on October 30th and Side B on December 24th. I am also in the process of writing a musical about my grandmothers battle with cancer, as well as a tv episodic titled The Caldwells.
Do you have an early childhood memory that you fondly remember?
Honestly, there are so many, but one that sticks out right now is dancing in my cousin's living room. My cousins live in Rapid City, South Dakota, and we used to visit them every year. When we were little we would blast *NSYNC in the living room and belt it out and dance. There are some home videos of it and they are priceless.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being called in to a private audition for Hamilton after a casting professional saw my senior showcase performance at Pace University. That was a big moment.
The upcoming Virtual Revue you are performing in is titled TOGETHER. What role do you think the arts has played in unifying people?
To me, Unity means to be feel united together, and the arts are a vessel of Unity. The arts are universal. Wether people speak different languages or come from different backgrounds, the arts can be understood by all. When experiencing art, you know that the person next to you is also having an experience right there with you; united, together.
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