UB First Look: Atlantic Records Artist Trevor Jackson; Ready to “Shine” with Debut

Trevor Jackson brings some fresh flavor and fire to R&B. However, that’s only one facet of the sixteen-year-old triple-threat, who also counts acting and dancing among his extensive repertoire of talents. With his Atlantic Records debut on the horizon, the Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter now stands primed to leave his mark on R&B/Pop music.

For as long as he can remember, Jackson has been destined for the stage. Growing up in Indiana, he started honing his impressive talents at a very young age. “I actually began dancing when I was three,” he recalls.
Jackson began refining his skills by taking dancing lessons, while also participating in various sports, competing on two basketball teams, the football team, the swim team and was an avid skateboarder.

In 2008, Jackson got the spotlight for the first time in a big way, merging all of his talents. He was cast as “Young Simba” in Disney’s Tony Award-winning three-year national tour of The Lion King. It was then, after being immersed in the role and working with so many talented people, that Jackson knew he wanted to sing.

Meanwhile, his charisma and charm consistently shined on screen as he then appeared on Harry’s Law, Cold Case, Austin & Ally, and in a recurring role on SyFy’s popular series, Eureka. In 2012, Trevor was cast as Kris McDuffy in the Disney Channel Original hit movie Let It Shine, which is currently the #1 movie of the year across kids 6-11, tweens and teens.

Simultaneously, he immersed himself even deeper into music. As his star continued to rise with more television and film roles, he inked a deal with Atlantic Records in November 2012. Embracing influences such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Chris Brown, he cultivated a musical style characterized by his own panache and presence. “My sound is a mixture of R&B and me,” Jackson affirms.

He’s delivered that smooth mixture on stage, opening up for everyone from Michael McDonald and Ziggy Marley to Raphael Saadiq, Jason Mraz, and more. “I want to be able to perform with everybody regardless of genre,” he goes on. “I try to make music that anybody can feel and get into. It’s not just about the hook. The song is always the most important thing, and a good song can be played anywhere.”

Speaking of “good songs”, shortly after signing, he hit the studio with premier hit-makers such as The Underdogs [Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake] JR Rotem [Sean Kingston, Destiny’s Child] and Brian Kennedy [Rihanna, Chris Brown]. Now, he’s armed with veritable R&B anthems that temper his impressive sound with irresistible melodies. It’s a knockout one-two punch.

Now, this youthful prodigy is ready for his biggest stage yet. He concludes, “I just want people to hear how much love I have for what I’m doing and hopefully inspire them to find something they love. I’ve found so much inspiration in my favorite artists. If I can use my talents to inspire someone else, that’d be the best thing I could possibly do. I want everyone to enjoy this ride with me.”