Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson
MW: Please introduce yourself?
TM: Hey!! I’m Trevor McNevan, the Vocalist/Guitarist & Songwriter for TFK. Nice to meet you!
MW: Tell me about your first time on stage?
TM: My very first time on stage, I was 8 years old, and sang at my Aunt’s wedding. I wore a tiny brown suit and have no idea what I sang. That suit would’ve actually been cool in 2016 though!
MW: Tell me how you got the name Teerawk?
TM: I’ve always done a lot of songwriting for other artists & bands outside of my own (from pop, Rock, country, hip-hop, etc), and I called my first publishing “Teerawk Music Publishing.” I’m a big hip-hop kid at heart. Very few people actually call me that btw, but I do get “Tee” a lot.
MW: How have you kept Thousand Foot Krutch together for over 20 years?
TM: Hahaha, that’s a great question! Let me know if you figure it out! I started this band at the end of high school in ’96, and in the beginning, we went through a few member changes, but Joel & Steve have been with me a LONG time. To answer your question, this is what I feel called to do, it’s one of the reasons I’m here, and the guys feel the same. We have always been, and will always be music fans first and foremost, and have never bought into it being “all about us.” This has always been about chasing a great song, being inspired, and hopefully inspiring others, not only with music, but with hope to see positive change in the world we live in. We feel extremely blessed to do what we do, we always have, and always will. We thank God every day for what He’s blessed us with.
MW: In that time did you ever say I am tired of this?
TM: Haha, man. If anyone’s done this a long time and says they “haven’t” said that before, they’re lying. Truth is, outside of everything you see & hear from us as artists, there are thousands and thousands of miles of travel, and of course a lot of blood, sweat & tears, just like anything. The older you get, especially with families, the travel gets hard, there’s no question. But as crazy as it gets at times, and much as there are times you want to turn back, it’s all part of it, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. We love what we do, and it’s the love & support from everyone out there that gets us through the hard times. We couldn’t do it without you guys! Our faith is also a big part of drawing on that strength when you need it.
MW: In your 20 + years as Thousand Foot Krutch what has been your favorite release to do and why?
TM: Album release? Man, we have so many now! Haha. That’s a tough one, because obviously, each album has meant a lot to us, and is a part of our journey growing together as a band, and growing together with our listeners. I think “EXHALE” is our best record to date. To be just coming off of a new record, and feeling like you’re just getting started, after all this time, is invigorating. We continually try to push each other every album, so that we continue growing as a band and as musicians. Can’t wait to share this new music with you!
MW: How does “Oxygen/Inhale” & “Exhale” go together?
TM:The vision for these two albums from day one, has always been a two part story. Every album we’ve ever made has showcased an aggressive and lighter side to this band. We love both ends of the spectrum, and are proud to be embracing both. The vision behind “INHALE” & “EXHALE”, was to give us a chance to dive deeper creatively into both sides. “INHALE” was a chance to explore the lighter side more than we ever have before, and “EXHALE” is our chance to do the same with the more aggressive side. A lot of people didn’t understand that, and thought we went “soft” haha, when that was always the plan from the beginning, and we tried our best to relay that. But you can’t control what people perceive or what conclusions they draw. We love the “INHALE” record, and are extremely proud of it. It’s an important album.
MW: After releasing Exhale in May what are the plans for Thousand Foot Krutch?
TM: We are full tilt, from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & Columbia, to everywhere in North America hitting a ton of shows and festivals now throughout the summer, and have exciting tour plans in the works! Also, a new video coming soon!
MW: Are you planning a tour with Thousand Foot Krutch?
TM:Yes, there will A LOT of touring ahead!! Can’t wait to see you guys out there! #TFKARMY
MW: Has Thousand Foot Krutch and FM Static ever toured together? If not will that ever happen?
TM: Yes! It was a long time ago now, but at one point, we did over a 100 shows together! FM would always play earlier, and we had to make sure we had one band in between us and TFK, so we had time to switch everything over! It was insanity, but a good time.
MW: How can a Thousand Foot Krutch fan reach out to you or the band to say HI or purchase something?
TM: Check out www.thousandfootkrutch.com, or we have a free app in the app store, both link to all of our socials! Come and say hey!
MW: What advice would you give a young musician looking to break out?
TM: I’d say if that’s what you feel you were born to do, then “what’s stopping you?” When we all started, that’s the only ammunition we had or needed. It’s up to you to fight for it, practice non-stop, and make music that inspires others like it inspires you. Music doesn’t owe you anything, if you feel called to do this, then do it, but don’t expect it to happen overnight. Good things take time, and require a lot of discipline & determination. You’ll hear a lot of “no’s” before you hear a “yes.” So let it roll off your back, get up and keep walking. Remember, at the end of the day, music speaks for itself, let someone else tell you you’re good at what you do, or that that’s a great song. Appreciate everything along the way, it takes a village, so love people the way you’d want to be loved and appreciated. If you stick with it, the rest will take care of itself.
MW: What would you like to say in closing?
TM: From myself and the band, thx so much for all of your love and support!! We don’t take it lightly, and are so thankful for each and every one of you that believe in & support this band and this music. We hope to see you all very soon!! Cheers!
Tee.