Trent the HOOLiGAN, has a unique story and sound that reflects his diverse experiences. Though he was born in Atlanta, with some time spent in Florida growing up as well, Trent considers North Carolina his true home. It’s in North Carolina where he attributes becoming a man and maturing. While also discovering his passion for music and beginning his journey as an artist. His musical journey would begin at 16 with a humble setup containing: a USB microphone, an old passed-down Dell laptop, and a copy of Audacity. This setup allowed him to record his first tracks and release his initial mixtapes while still in high school.
Trent's musical inspirations trace back to his early childhood. He recalls a pivotal moment when his older brother introduced him to Outkast’s “B.O.B. - Bombs Over Baghdad” on VH1. The vivid image of Andre 3000 hanging off a bed while performing stuck with him and sparked a lifelong fascination and love for hip-hop. As he grew older, his influences expanded to include the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West's early discography, and even Chance the Rapper and his first two mixtapes, which I think we can all agree are works of art. These artists inspired Trent to embrace emotional authenticity and experimentation in his music, encouraging him to express himself freely and without restraint.
Meaningful interactions with his fans have also left a lasting impact on Trent. He recounts instances where fans went to great lengths to support him, such as driving hours on end to attend his shows or gifting him art inspired by his music. These experiences reaffirm his reasoning for making music, not for fame or fortune, but to touch and inspire as many lives as he can on this earth. For Trent, even if it's just a small crowd of 30 devoted fans singing along to his lyrics, it still makes the journey worthwhile.
Trent’s latest single, “Outside,” marks a new direction in his music career. It’s a dance track that deviates from his usual gritty southern rap and boom-bap style. This single signifies his desire to explore new territories in music and offer his audience a more lighthearted, enjoyable experience. The single is part of an upcoming 12-15 track album that delves into Trent’s personal stories and vulnerabilities, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of his life. With “Outside,” Trent aims to create music that is both easy to consume and fun, while still maintaining the emotional depth that defines his work.
Outside of the music, Trent finds joy in simpler, more traditional pastimes. He has a strong love for fishing, watching good movies, and appreciating various forms of art outside of music. Art plays a significant role in his life, providing a source of happiness and inspiration. Trent also values spending time with his girlfriend and family, often preferring a quiet, intimate gathering over the party scene or clubs, finding much more joy out of staying in writing and working on music.
As he looks ahead, Trent’s focus remains on impacting lives through his music, connecting with listeners on a profound level, and continuing to grow both personally and artistically. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, making Trent the HOOLiGAN a name to watch in this bubbling music scene.