Trevor Hall

 

Trevor Hall realized at a very young age that music was more than just a passion. As an eleven year old, playing harmonica beside his father in the cradle of the weeping willows of South Carolina, music quickly became his most intimate companion, guide and creative outlet. In his elementary years, he began to write his own songs and perform them locally. At sixteen he recorded his first record, and the following year he left South Carolina to study classical guitar at Idyllwild Arts Academy, an international boarding school east of Los Angeles. There, Trevor was introduced to yoga and certain spiritual practices found in India, which greatly influenced his music and his life journey. During his senior year, Trevor signed a record deal with Geffen Records and his career as a musician formally began.

 

Trevor quickly broke through the music scene, with such early accomplishments in his career as having a song recorded on the Shrek the Third soundtrack, as well as joining a series of sold-out tours with artists such as Steel Pulse, The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, SOJA, Brett Dennen and Colbie Callait. Trevor’s quick rise on the scene, however, was ripe with challenges that conflicted with his spiritual life and devotional practice. In order to parallel his life’s path with the messages in his music, Trevor moved into a traditional Hindu ashram in Southern California in 2008. When not on tour, he lived as a monk and devoted his days to spiritual practice and service. His involvement with the temple affected his music and his music quickly became his practice.

 

Trevor Hall’s music – an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, reggae and Sanskrit chanting – echo with the names and teachings of divinities, while maintaining an incredibly and refreshingly universal message. While on the road, Trevor sees the stage as his moving temple, a place where he can share in the experience of his spiritual journey with his audience. Trevor’s annual trips to India also continue to serve as a source of creativity and motivation for his music. The precious lessons and experiences that he has harvested from his journeys East have moved Trevor to return a service to those whom have colored his music and his life so beautifully. Trevor uses donations collected at his live shows to help support an ashram in Allahabad, India, the home of his Guru, where underprivileged and orphaned boys and girls are given the chance at a better life and a traditional Vedic education.

 

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I spent a whole winter in New England. It was cold. Very cold. 

What are your goals for 2016 and beyond?
I try not to think too far ahead ... It makes me crazy!!! However, one goal is to combine music with agriculture. Perhaps have a festival where we can show people how to grow their own food ... Naturally, no chemicals, no GMOs. We could feed people for free with the crops we grow like how it was in ancient times. That is one dream of mine.

How would you describe your first yoga experience?

I was very interested in yoga but had no idea what to expect. A friend in high school had been practicing for a while and he told me of a small place to check out. My first class only had a few people, maybe 8 or 9. I remember when we were in shavasana I felt completely stoned! I remember getting in the car with my mom and being so excited ... Like I had found something I had lost. 

 

Who has influenced you most in your life?

Sri Neem Karoli Baba. He opened the door for me and changed the course of my river. I owe him everything.

 

If you had one super power, what would it be?

The power to heal