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Trevor Lamont – “Why Don’t You Move To Chicago?”
Trevor Lamont of Grand Reserve has been a DJ since college in 1987. During that time house was starting to take hold within the Philadelphia scene. Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania would have parties which were half house and hip hop. Trevor started playing records in 1987, and was influenced early by the likes of Frankie Knuckles and Louie Vega through his involvement in the club scenes in New York and Philadelphia. From avid club goer to aspiring DJ,Trevor has put his heart and soul in the music he loves…. House. In the 1990′s, Trevor moved to Lexington, KY, where he continues to DJ today. Along the way, he joined forces with Justin Long, Halo, Traxx, Sam-Me, and B: PM to form the Teamsters, a collection of DJs from around the Midwest united by their love of house music.
During the mid 90′s, the Teamsters became one of the dominant forces in house scenes across the Midwest. Beyond his work with the Teamsters, Trevor also worked as a member of the Soul Brothaz, another collective of DJs, which also included the East Coast Boogiemen and Sam-Me. Trevor’s love of jazzy, sexy, deep, and techy underground house music, combined with his smooth, layered mixing skills have brought him gigs across the United States and Canada. Highlights include playing for Scott Henry and Charles Feelgood’s world-renowned night Fever in Baltimore, and playing for some of the most renowned promoters in the industry including Ultraworld out of Baltimore and Liquid Groove out of Atlanta. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to play alongside talents such as Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Sam-Me, Justin Long, Traxx, Halo, Kerri Chandler, DJ Dan, Josh Wink, King Britt, Dubtribe, Onionz, Johnny Fiasco, and countless others. Currently Trevor maintains a steady schedule of clubs dates. He is also one half of the strong up and coming production team with his partner DJ Mutt, Grand Reserve!
Keep and eye and ear out for him in clubs and his tracks coming out of your speakers. Also tune into his House Is Home Podcast. just subscribe through iTunes and you are all set! House Is A Feeling!!!! Check out Trevor’s exclusive Q&A by S&S below.
S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
TL:Right now it is a journey through deepness. Deep house..deep tech…I like to do more than just beat people across the head. It’s all about vibe, flow, and feelings.S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
TL: I was turned onto the music back in the day in Philly. Between my time at
Temple University to those train trips to NYC. My senses were formed through those divas and dj’s feeding me. Little Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles, and Robbie TroncoS&S: What drives you creatively?
TL: The love of the sound drives me. Playing music is my love. I will do it till the day I die. I told my future wife that she will have to push me up to the decks in my wheelchair.S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
TL: I completely feed off them. Without them, I am nothing. I was want to educate but I learn so much every time from the crowd.S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
TL: I listen to everything. I can’t really narrow it down to one. Classic hip hop definitely does it for me though.S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
TL: I remember how hard my mom worked to give me the best. My mom gave me that musical flava every day.S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
TL: DJing is a hobby. I absolutely love it, but I worked my ass off to make sure my family was taking care of. Back in the day, everyone was like, “Why don’t you move to Chicago, you would blow up” I had to take care of my family. DJing took a back seat. That didn’t lessen my love for DJing though.S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
TL: Unfortunately with my schedule, I barely have tine to sleep. I need to be more charitable though.S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
TL: Who are you? I’m more than a deep house DJ.S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
TL: I want to have conversations about life. Not just about DJing and music. smile emoticonS&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
TL: All of them! Everyone brings a different perspective. When you feel that you can’t learn something new, its time to retire. Know your history and always grow.S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
TL: Kerri ChandlerS&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
TL: I am finally getting into production with my partners Reverend T and Mutt as Grand Reserve. Check out our stuff at your local online shop.S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
TL: Trevor Lamont was a DJ’s DJ. He brought his A game every time!Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago