Spiritually driven songwriter to release new album soon
By Ellen Meder
The Post and Courier
Thursday, July 23, 2009

As he nears a friend's farm in Chattanooga, Tenn., Trevor Hall begins his relaxing days off from his busy tour schedule by reflecting on his blessing of getting to play music every night.

The voice of the 22-year-old acoustic and alternative singer/song writer has a mellow, soft thoughtfulness to it, much like his world music-influenced songs.

With a Reggae intonation in the delivery of his mystical poet-inspired lyrics it is surprising that Hall grew up in Hilton Head and not Laguna Beach, Calif., where he now lives when he's not on the road. Recording an album at 16-years-old at his father's friend's studio spurred Hall's drive to make music. He attended an arts boarding school in the mountains east of Los Angeles to study classical guitar from 10th grade through graduation.

Hall immediately found opportunities to tour and has now been on the road with the likes of Colbie Caillat, Stevie Nicks and Ziggy Marley. After some issues with his first record label, Hall recorded tracks with his touring percussionist/drummer, Chris Steele and self-released "This Is Blue." Hall didn't stop there though.

His self-titled album is slated for release by Vanguard Records July 28. With a little more rock influence and a wider variety of world flavors (particularly from Africa and India) than his previous works, Hall describes the album as "spiritually driven."

"Its kind of an album about unity and going beyond social differences and arriving at a place of togetherness" Hall said.

Unity is a common thread in Hall's songs and is even the track title of a song he co-wrote with fellow musician and friend Matisyahu. The pair met at one of Hall's performances at an art gallery during the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and Matisyahu immediately invited Hall to tour with him.

Matisyahu gained fame not only for his skilled rapping but his devout Hasidic faith. Although the musicians arrive at deep understandings, they are not exactly the same.

"I consider myself a very spiritual person and have my own practices," Hall said, "but I don't like to be classified by any one religion."

Instead, Hall utilizes his music to connect to a higher power.

"I am always living music and when the writing process is happening it's like a therapeutic process for me," Hall said. "I'm not thinking about writing for people or myself, I'm trying to clear my head and let the music come through."

With increasing crowds and gathering support on the road, Hall makes it his goal to infuse his performances with energy and create a positive, uplifting experience for all who attend.

Though the sound of the music is quite different, listeners need only ask themselves one question to see if they would like Hall's music: "Do I enjoy Bob Marley?" Hall reveres the late Reggae artist not only for his music, but also for his message and "the way he carried himself."

Catch Hall at The Pour House tonight. The doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8.