Of all the models featured in DA MAN Style, Trevor Drury is definitely the one and only whose portfolio includes not only major runway shows but also a number of popular singles and albums.
Look up “Trevor Drury” on the web and you’ll find a ton of info about his music, news about his latest singles and links to music videos as well as his songs on Spotify, Soundcloud and other online platforms. Take a quick peek at Drury’s Instagram photos, though, and it becomes instantly apparent that he’s a pro model. And for sure, he has worked with quite a few big names in the fashion industry such as Hermès and Tom Ford. That being said, it’s quite apparent that his heart lies in music, where he has just opened a new and exciting chapter.
DA MAN: Hi, Trevor. Awesome to have you with us. Not too long ago, you released a new single, “Chapter 4.” First of all, congratulations! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it?
Trevor Drury: “Chapter 4” is quite a personal song to me. It was inspired by a time in my life when I was moving in a direction that was new and unknown to me. It’s my attempt at describing what it feels like to be moved by the inevitabilities of life.
“When I’m in the studio, I let the song write itself and whatever happens, happens”
DA: The music video for “Chapter 4” was also quite poignant. So, can you tell us about how the concept for the video was put together and what it was like working on it?
TD: The video was a joint effort from me and my team. Many of my videos have been created in the moment and this was no exception. There was more planning involved in this video because it wasn’t just me. The basic idea was to dramatize the lyrical side of the song. It was a lot of fun working on it!
DA: In “Chapter 4” you sang “this chapter’s closing, it’s closing.” What will the next chapter—or chapters—be?
TD: Well, the next chapter is technically what I’ve been living; I suppose I’m in it right now. When I was writing “Chapter 4,” I knew that I was going to be leaving NYC and pursuing music and that’s exactly what I’m doing now. As for the next chapter, I’m not sure. As long as the book doesn’t get cut short, I’m happy.
DA: And then there’s “but it’s been my favorite book I read in a while.” So, what does “Chapter 4” mean to you personally?
TD: It’s all about appreciation and love for where I was, who I was, who I was with and what we were doing. I prefer to not go too deep because it is personal, but the song is relatively transparent and the meaning isn’t hidden. Essentially, it’s a feeling of looking at a time in my life and realizing how lucky I was to have experienced it.
DA: On the flip side, from a more professional perspective, how important is “Chapter 4” in your career?
TD: That’s what I’m in the process of finding out now. Every song I create is important to me, “Chapter 4” seems to be well liked by a lot of people and they get what it’s all about. I’m not sure if songwriters know when they’ve written a hit song. Sometimes the most popular songs are the most unexpected and sometimes their popularity increases or explodes years after the initial release. It’s hard to tell how important it is from a career perspective, but it’s certainly important.
DA: So far in your career, what has been some of the most decisive chapters?
TD: Certainly, recording for the first time was monumental for me. Being in a studio with competent and talented creative people opened my eyes to a new level of artistic development. On the live side, playing with Ramin Karimloo in the U.K. and Japan was a surreal moment. He is one of the best singers I’ve ever heard and I’ve been a fan for years. Getting the opportunity to join him on stage, backstage and even the van for transportation was such a “is this seriously happening” moment for me.
DA: On your website you wrote how you’ve always had a connection with music. What was the journey like from being a kid with a dream of being a musician until today?
TD: I never actually thought I would be a professional musician; I also never thought I wouldn’t be one. When I was a kid, I just loved music and loved playing—it was a part of my life. I’m a very introverted kind of person and music has always been a reflective exercise for me. Once I realized I could write I found myself using music as a kind of therapy for myself.
DA: How would you describe your musical style?
TD: I’d say it’s something like indie alt. pop/rock. With piano. I don’t think of having a general style I need to stick to. When I’m in the studio, I let the song write itself and whatever happens, happens. My fundamental rule is that I have to be inspired by the finished product. If I’m not, then it’s not finished.
DA: What usually inspires your songs?
TD: Heartbreak is a great one! It’s also incredibly annoying and painful and something I don’t want my writing to be contingent upon. I’ve been exploring more with philosophical ideas that relate to everyday life and the human condition. Sometimes inspiration comes easily when writing about something other than heartbreak; usually it doesn’t and it becomes much harder to write.
DA: A lot of people aspire to become successful musicians. What does it take to become one in this day and age?
TD: I’m not really sure. I think it might depend on what type of musician you want to be. My idea is that if you let the music be paramount and you can navigate the business and human side of the industry, then success is much more likely. I also think that success can be found in many ways and artists today don’t have to be one sided. So, staying open to new ideas is important.
DA: Of course, you’re also a well-known professional model. How did your modeling career start?
TD: I was studying at college and after my first year I wanted to do something else. A lot of people suggested modeling but I had no idea how to get in. Call it a cosmic moment of randomized patterned existential bliss; which, basically means, someone saw me on the street during a trip to Germany and connected me with the industry. Three weeks later I was in NYC modeling. That’s how it all began!
DA: You’ve appeared in campaigns for Tom Ford, walked for Hermès, etc. How does one get noticed by brands of this caliber?
TD: I was really lucky with Tom Ford. That came out of nowhere—at least the initial meeting did. The best advice I can give is to be professional, look and act your best, and show humility and appreciation while meeting these designers.
DA: Whether it’s in fashion or music and just about any other field, social media has become a major factor. How important is being active on Instagram, Twitter, etc., for you?
TD: It’s definitely important, maybe even crucial. I’m personally not a fan of social media, I don’t think it naturally lines up with my personality, but it’s hugely important especially as an independent artist.
DA: People can also find your music on Spotify and iTunes. What do you think about digital platforms like these?
TD: I absolutely love these platforms. They are the best way to discover new music and manage your monthly listeners. It’s amazing that with these social platforms it’s possible to release something and grow an audience all online. I think it’s such a revolutionary thing.
DA: So, you’re a musician with a big project in the works, you’re a professional model with shoots and shows here and there. Do you still have time for hobbies?
TD: I do! I’m fortunate to be in an industry I enjoy and find inspiration in it. I’m a homebody, so I love spending time with family and friends. I’m pretty simple I don’t need a million things, just a few that I enjoy.
“I never actually thought I would be a professional musician; I also never thought I wouldn’t be one”
DA: All in all, how happy are you with life right now?
TD: I’m happy. I’ve had my moments of sadness and dark times even though I’m young. But everyone has those moments and I think it’s important to set up a life that will justify itself. There’s no use in being nihilistic. That doesn’t mean nihilistic emotions don’t show up in my life—they do. But letting those thoughts become paramount leads to hell and I’d rather not go there. I think about this topic a lot and find it important to me. My generation is consumed by nihilism and I want to fight that, not the least with my own life. So, yes, I’m happy; but more important than that is to have meaning and that’s my focus.
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