Trey Best is a non-traditional R&B singer-songwriter and actor from Atlanta, Ga. Characterized by his sweet-crooning tenor tone and pure vulnerability, Best’s melodic touch transcends all boundaries. Known for writing for Atlanta-based artists like Baby Rose, Trey Best is now stepping out into his artistry to tell his own stories. 
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO MUSIC?
My love for music came from my parents. My home growing up was an extremely music-heavy environment. My mom was gigging around the world singing backgrounds vocals while leading choirs in ATL and my dad was a dope DJ who played records from all genres. Being in this space definitely pointed my gaze towards music.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE AS AN ARTIST?
My style of music and performance is influenced by the genres and people that shaped my adolescence. I love to mix the sounds of R&B, Gospel, classic rock, and 80s pop songs in my music.
As a performer, my style is fun and high energy! I’m always dancing when I’m on stage, so I want the audience to feel the same freedom I feel in the music. My goal is to create an experience where people feel they can abandon all their worries and just have a good time.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CREATE, AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS FOR YOURSELF IN MUSIC?
It’s really just life that drives me. It could be a conversation with a friend or the way the wind blew that day that gives me an idea. Lately, I do like to create as much as possible though, just so I don’t get stuck on needing a full finished product each time to feel accomplished.
How I gauge success shifts from time to time as well. Of course, I’ve dreamed about all of the Grammys and accolades, but right now, I see success much simpler. If the music I make for myself touches folks, I feel successful.
THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER, WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST WITH DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT?
There are so many people who have played a part in me developing into the artist/person I am today. Of course, my parents, who supported me 100% from the very beginning. They went all out for me, no matter what. My friends have also been a huge part of my development. I have some of the most gifted people around me and I learn so much from them. One of the biggest blessings has been my vocal/performance coach, Dionne Osborne. She helped me truly find my voice and has been a constant advocate for me and my artistry since we met in 2018. D also makes sure I’m always fighting for my own artistry and not getting lost in the sauce. Everyone needs a Dionne in their life!
SOMETIMES BEING IN THIS BUSINESS CAN BE OVERWHELMING. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR MAINTAINING PERSPECTIVE AND NOT SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF?
The one thing I tell myself when I get overwhelmed is that everybody is winging it. Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously.
ARTIST, SINGER-SONGWRITER, ACTOR, CREATIVE -- IF WE DIDN'T KNOW BETTER, WE'D SAY YOUR BLOOD RUNS PURE CREATIVE INTENTIONS! DO YOU BELIEVE IT'S IMPORTANT FOR CREATIVES TO TRY OTHER FORMS OF ART IN ADDITION TO THEIR OWN? HAVE YOU LEARNED OR GAINED ANY NEW SKILLS FROM ONE ART FORM -- SAY ACTING -- THAT'S INFLUENCED ANOTHER, LIKE YOUR MUSIC?
I think trying other forms of art can help round out creativity. For example, acting and singing go hand-in-hand for me. When I’m singing, I want you to feel the emotion like you would if I were doing a scene on a television show. The same techniques that actors are taught to deliver a scene can be applied to the lyrics of a song.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS JUST STARTING THEIR CAREERS, BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED?
Keep practicing. Find your community. Chase the check, but also chase the JOY! And, most important, HAVE FUN.
WHAT MOTTO, AFFIRMATION, OR QUOTE EMPOWERS, INSPIRES, OR MOTIVATES YOU?
“You’ll fail 100% of the time trying to be someone you’re not. Be you.”
FOR FUN, IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND AND COULD ONLY HAVE (3) ITEMS WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU BRING?
A bed, Cheez-It's, and a Genie in a Bottle.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP NEXT?
I’m currently working on a full-length project! Don’t have a release date yet, but excited to start releasing singles this summer! On the acting front, got some pretty exciting things coming. I just had a show premiere on Peacock called Killing It starring Craig Robinson. I have two more shows coming out in May that I can’t talk about yet, but they’re pretty big and I can’t wait for people to see them. So just stay tuned!
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH SONGTRUST BEEN LIKE SO FAR?
I've had the best time working with Songtrust! Since joining, I’ve learned so much from their transparency about who, what, when, and where my money is coming from. Any time, I’ve had a question, their reps have been there to help me out. Really appreciative of the team at Songtrust!
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