We were lucky to catch up with Trevor Laake recently and have shared our conversation below.
Trevor, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I grew up in a music household. I was in studios, rehearsal spaces, radio stations, etc. throughout my childhood, so my purpose was pretty clear from early on. I loved being around all of it. And having parents who were in a band themselves really helped drive my love for being a musician.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have been immersed in music all my life, so when I made the decision to do it professionally, it all kinda just clicked. I work as a full time audio engineer (both in studio and for live events) and studio vocalist. I am also the vocalist and frontman for “Screams of Syrens”, a progressive metalcore band based in Southern California. I went to school for audio engineering and started working directly after I graduated in 2010. It has definitely been a rollercoaster, as it is not the easiest field to find your footing. But I was able to get up and running, and eventually build my own studio. Having my own space to record made creating music so much easier. I have been recording and producing my band since we started. Our new EP (which we hope to have out by the end of the year or early next year) is the first that I haven’t mixed myself. We are having the amazing Jeff Dunne mix and master it, and we couldn’t be more excited!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Patience is a huge one, nothing happens fast and you shouldn’t expect overnight success. If that happens, you are lucky! But being prepared to put in the work, and to keep putting in the work, is very important.
Knowing audio from both perspectives (artist and engineer) made a gigantic difference in how I approach music. I would suggest every artist learn at least some of the behind the scenes work that goes on.
Being able to read people and situations has helped me big time as well. Having good people skills is a must.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Take a step back, breathe, and if you can, take a couple days to regroup. There are times when you can push through and be fine, but being able to take a breathe and make sure your head is on right is very important.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screamsofsyrens/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screamsofsyrens/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/screamsofsyrens
Image Credits
Santos Velasco Photography Moss Visuals
