Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Trey Lockerbie

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Trey LockerbieThe guy I am sitting with today, besides being a great friend of mine, is one of the hardest working names in the business.  Outside of the fact that he is incredibly young for all that he has accomplished, he continues to rock the stage nearly every night.  Writing his own songs, playing guitar for guys like Curtis Peoples and Keaton Simons, and traveling all over the country with a list of endless artists, I recommend getting to know this talent. I have seen him rock to sold out shows and he has even appeared on some late night television shows playing guitar. He is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and is the kind of friend that would be there in a second if needed. Sit back and relax and let me introduce you to a good friend of mine, Trey Lockerbie.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

When did you first get introduced to the business?

I first started working in the music industry when I started my own booking company in college. Since then I have had the chance to travel all over the world playing with some of the best the business has to offer.

How long have you been actually performing?

I have been playing for about ten or eleven years on and off.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I remember getting my first guitar for Christmas one year. I went straight to my room to start playing and don’t think I came out for days.

Tell me about your new EP.

The new EP is sort of an in-between the first EP and my full length record. Thats part of the reason we’re calling it “In The Interim.” It’ll have four new songs, along with the four earlier songs, but everything is being remixed and mastered. I am excited about it for sure.

What are your plans for that full-length disc?

A full length would be nice, but I’m always on the road so recording time is limited. I think we’ll have a full length out sometime in 2010.

As much as you travel, is it possible to have a favorite venue?

My favorite venue is the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. It’s so small and has a great vibe and everyone is there to listen.

Who would win a pillow fight between Ernie Halter and Curtis Peoples?

Good question. Curtis has been working out and has the arm reach and although his pretty looks might deceive you, I think he’d win.

You are always on the road. But you have toured with some big names. Who is your favorite to be on the road with?

They truly are all about equally memorable for me. Everyone and every tour is so different. There was a great tour though one time with Josh Kelley, Keaton Simons, Alexa Wilkinson and Kate Voegele that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

So back to the EP. I love the cover design. Who is responsible for that?

Jason Gaskins designed it! He’s a brilliant photographer and long time friend of mine.

Where can I get some Trey Lockerbie merchandise?

Coming soon!

I saw you not too long ago on the Craig Ferguson show playing with Keaton Simons. Tell me what that was like.

It was one of the easiest gigs ever. Pretty simple to just stand there and play guitar. Although I had a funny moment where I passed David Hasselhoff in the hallway and said, “How’s it going?”  He simply replied, “Thank you.”

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I think MySpace is a great avenue for artists to get their music out. It’s been a great help for me and I owe a lot to Tom. It doesn’t seem to be getting as much love as it once did, but I think they’ll come out with something fresh here soon.

So are you on Twitter?

I am on Twitter. You can find me at @treylockerbie. Follow me if you want to live!

Do you write all your own lyrics.

I do write all of my own lyrics. I don’t see any reason to call myself an artist otherwise.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track.

I know it’s cliche, but inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. Part of the excitement about writing is that you don’t know where it’ll come from. So you just have to go out and live your life until something makes you write.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

For my own crowd, I’ve only played to a few hundred. Playing with other people I’ve played in front of a few thousand.

What about the smallest?

The smallest was probably some coffee shop when I was a teenager.

How long have you known Jason Gaskins?

Probably about eight years now. Not even sure how we met, although I think he was a mutual friend.

Tell me about your relationship with Gibson Guitars.

I became part of the Gibson family when I jumped on to play guitar for Josh Hoge when he opened for Elliott Yamin. I’ll be playing a Gibson forever. I love them.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go?

Australia maybe. I also love New York City.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I’m a big fan of Bob Dylan, of course. Jeff Buckley and Josh Rouse are two other favorites.

What are you drinking on stage?

It depends. Usually just water, but I’ll have an occasional beer or sometimes the obligatory shot someone hands you.

Are you staying single while out there on the road?

I am staying single on the road. Not much time for romance. Always working.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career, what song would you perform?

Good question. Probably John Prine’s “Paradise”.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself living in New York still making music and touring.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Someone who could write some lyrics.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Squirrels!