Just last year, I was introduced to the musical stylings of Trevor Myall. While Trevor has been a musician for a large part of his life, it wasn’t until last year that he launched his artist project with the release of his debut single, “Pyro Heart“. Immediately taken back by his sensitive vocals, touching lyrics and overall impressive musicality, I quickly found myself a fan waiting on more. While, “Pyro Heart“, remains in my personal playlists, Trevor has continued to move full steam ahead as an artist and has recently unleashed his debut EP, “One Way Ticket“.
The recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, now living in LA released the 6-track project to critical acclaim and is steadily racking up some major numbers. Each track on the release finds a way to connect with the listener on a deep and personal level as Trevor Myall pulls inspiration and solace from his life experiences and puts pen to paper. From beautiful arrangements, stellar production and impressive vocals, “One Way Ticket” is a stand out debut for the Canadian born artist to watch.
While we have featured several of the EP’s singles on the site, we felt it was only right to share the project in its entirety and get to know Tyler Myall a bit more. Having impressed us with his debut, we have no doubt that Trevor will be turning out impressive tunes for some time to come. Check out the project below and keep scrolling to check out our interview.
RDFO: How do you think the change in scenery from Vancouver to Newfoundland helped to shape who you are as a musician and person?
TM: My childhood in Langley (just outside of Vancouver) was pretty picturesque and wonderful. I had plenty of friends, most of them all in my neighborhood. Though I’ve always been fairly shy I was certainly confident in myself. Our move to Newfoundland was rough because I had to close a pivotal chapter of my life, knowing the likelihood that I may never see the friends who built me again. My mother is from Newfoundland so I was quite familiar with the province and had family there to connect with however I found incredible difficulty making new friends. I was heavily bullied for my sexuality (especially when I was closeted) and learning disability in a way I had never experienced before. My self-confidence was obliterated and I had to rebuild. The only way I could express myself was through poetry and songwriting. Music has always been a healer for me and that remains my number one drive as an artist and writer.
RDFO: You began playing piano at 11… what was the first song you learned to play and how long did it take you to begin writing your first originals?
TM: While I took piano lessons on and off as a child, I really didn’t start taking them seriously until I was 11. I believe Coldplay’s “The Scientist” was the first song I learned. The truth is I was never too eager to play other artist’s work. Right from the get-go I just wanted to make up my own songs. Creativity has always taken the pilot’s seat for me! I actually wrote my first song when I was 10. I was sent to my room for not eating my dinner (I’m a ruthlessly picky eater) and came up with a silly tune about getting older and being in total control of myself. Silly kid stuff!
RDFO: As an openly gay artist and one who has become a voice for the LGBTQ community, how old were you when you came out and how do you think growing up in the closet has effected you as both an artist and person?
TM: Being in the closet fueled my emotions for writing, so while it was a tough period of my life I’m thankful for how much I grew from it both as a singer-songwriter and a person. I came out in my freshman year of college back in 2011. I was fortunate to have a wonderfully understanding family and close-nit friend group by that time, though of course there were some pitfalls here and there.
RDFO: What have you learned from coming out and being a champion for the community? Is there anything you would like to say to other people who may not be living their full truths?
TM: I’m proud to be an openly gay artist because I have a lot of experiences that I wish a younger and closeted me could have heard on the radio. Now I get to share them with the world in an effort to help others who are struggling! Everyone’s queer experience is vastly different than each-others so it’s hard to give blanketed advice that is relevant to all. All I can do is share my stories and hope they inspire others to realize their true selves and potential in a way that’s empowering and sensical for them. I am the happiest and strongest I’ve ever been! It’s taken several years to get here but I’ve made it and I feel invincible. The suicide rate amongst homosexual youth is way too high. If I can just help one person out through my music, I will have accomplished my greatest goal.
RDFO: We feature many Berklee students and alumni on the site… no doubt there is a high caliber of talent coming out of there… Can you tell us about your experience there?
TM: Berklee was a wonderful chapter in my life. I had some amazing teachers who truly helped me embellish my songwriting toolkit. The greatest asset I received from Berklee, however, was a solid network. In fact Berklee is where I met the producers who worked on the “One Way Ticket” EP! Actually, we were all in Kara Dioguardi’s bootcamp course but funnily enough only started working together post college. Some of my favourite musicians I work with are Berklee alumni.
RDFO: Your sound blends a lot of influences from Folk to Pop… can you tell us about some of the artists that inspire you?
TM: Hell yeah I can! Growing up I was very inspired by OneRepublic’s “Dreaming Out Loud” album and The Fray’s self titled album. I took note of how Ryan Tedder was able to establish himself as both a successful artist and writer; this quickly became an obsession of mine. After my obligatory punk phase I became infatuated with folk, soul, and indie singer-songwriter music. Newfoundland has a heavy traditional folk scene which I believe influenced my taste! My current favourite folk artist is Gregory Alan Isakov. I caught one of his songs in a Canadian McDonald’s commercial and ever since I’ve been hooked (My two favourite things colliding at last, McNuggets and folk music). I urge everyone to check him out live, I’m transcended each time.
RDFO: It seems that everything I have heard from you always seems to connect with me on a deep and personal level (and I’m obviously not the only one). Can you tell us how you manage to pull that out with nearly everything you write? And tips for other songwriters that you’d like to share?
TM: I’m happy my music is building a connection with you! Authenticity means everything to me. Songwriting has always been the easiest way for me to express myself and when I write with other artists my goal is to create a comfortable and open space where they can exist as their most real selves. I believe that anything one feels is likely felt by a million others, they just don’t realize it! Every moment we exist, whether happy or sad, is valid and relatable. It’s just about finding the right perspective! My tip would be to co-write, co-write, co-write. Bouncing ideas off other writers will make you stronger. Plus having different perspectives in the room will only give your material more dynamic! Build a roster of writers and producers who you enjoy working with and do not work with those you don’t, no matter what “deal” they may have. Build yourself a dream team that you can rise with.
RDFO: This is your debut EP, and a stunning debut at that. How long have you been working for this and is there anyone you want to shout out for helping you make it happen?
TM: This EP took almost a year to roll out! I’ve learned so many to-dos and not to-dos from this experience which perhaps is the most rewarding aspect of the release. However, everyone who worked on this record deserves one thousand pats on the back! Here are the credits! Producers: The Swoons Writers: Matthew Underwood & myself Vocal Editing: Bhushan Govilkar Mixer: Ryan Jumper Mastering: Colin Leonard & Alex Psaroudakis Background Vocals: Athena Renee Cello: Tara Atkinson Violin: Alan Price Trumpet: John-Thomas Burson Photographers: Angela Peterman & Gayla Harris Lyric Videos: Jamar Harding & Matt Mamola Distributors: The Artist Method (The Orchard) Studios: The Village A big warm hug to all of you. Of course, I owe huge thanks to my family and friends who continue to support me after all these years. I’d also like to thank those who’ve been listening! I’m so grateful that my music is connecting with you.
RDFO: How would you compare the scene in LA compared to Boston and Vancouver? Is there one location you like to create in most? Why?
TM: I haven’t written in Vancouver since I was a kid so unfortunately I’m not familiar with music scene there. Boston is a wonderful city to write in! The east coast moody-brown-stone vibe is definitely a great provider for inspiration. It also helps that I was attending a music school. Moving to LA was a big adjustment but I’ve been loving my time here! My network continues to grow and solidify each month, the weather is phenomenal, and there’s plenty of happenings in the gigging scene. I do miss Boston’s superior cuisine though. Don’t @ me!
RDFO: What is up next for you?
TM: I’ve recently joined my producers’ band The Swoons as a lead singer! We’ll be releasing some new music and content this year that I’m crazy excited to share with y’all! As for future Trevor Myall projects, I’ve been working on my self-production skills and hope to release some new music later this year. Perhaps diving deeper into my folk routes? All I can say is stay tuned!
.png)
.png)