Life & Work with Trenton Manning of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenton Manning

Hi Trenton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
All my life, I’ve been surrounded by musicians in my friend and family circle (some played professionally and some played as a hobby). It all started when I was 4 years old – I would go up and sit in with my uncle’s Blues band on harmonica at their rehearsal space just above my grandmother’s house. My grandfather played pedal steel for a living, my uncle played drums for a living, my brother played bass for a living, my father played drums and guitar, and my mother played piano. Both of my parents did it for fun, though. I also have a cousin who was a first chair flute player (you get the idea).

As a kid, I also learned to appreciate various styles of music. My mom got me into Classical, both parents also raised me on Classic Rock. My dad and uncle introduced me to a lot of Country artists (my uncle started showing me Jazz Fusion bands at young age too), my brother showed me so many different Electronica and Experimental artists, and my friends in school got me into Hip-Hop.

My brother was a very in-demand bassist back home, but he also wrote his own pieces/songs. We both started learning how to play multiple instruments. I remember feeling so heavily inspired, and the rest was history. In my late teens, I started digging deep into Jazz, and I learned how to read and compose. I practiced like crazy, but one of my closest friends back in my hometown encouraged me to move to Tennessee (specifically Nashville).

I relocated to Nashville in 2017 to transfer jobs, and be closer to my friends in Tennessee, but it was also the closest place where I could start a new life and learn more about myself. For the last couple of years, I’ve made a living playing other people’s music and my own.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth road for the last few years. I no longer struggle with addiction, and at one point, I took a chance after leaving one of my old day jobs. At the time, I was still fairly new to the area (Nashville), so I was still getting my feet wet. I was even splitting canned foods for lunch and dinner. At one point, I went homeless, but I had a friend that was gracious enough to let me live on her couch. I’ve been very fortunate to have friends that have had my back – really and truthfully, they’re like a certified I.O.U.. As time has gone by, I have managed to form a good balance, and I wouldn’t trade my path and career for anything in the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s interesting – my solo material is very different from other people’s music that I normally play on. As a solo artist, I mix various styles and elements in my music, but as an accompaniment musician, I usually get called for drums and pedal steel. I’ve performed with Country, Rock, Folk, and Singer/Songwriter based artists. I’ve gotten to live my dream. I’ve gotten to really cross off the basic check list for everything I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve gotten to record for major artists, I’ve worked with Grammy-winning producers, I’ve traveled different countries, I’ve also toured all of the U.S., and I’ve gotten to buy my own house and run a studio out of it. I’ve flown across the country for session work and playing with other people, and I’ve also had people fly out to me for production and studio work on their music.

I’ve really put in the work over the years, and I invested everything I had into my own artistry/craft. I got to know what it’s like to take risks, and I feel like that’s what life is really all about (besides getting quality time in with family and friends).

It’s kind of wild. Even if you truly make ends meet living your dream and played to sold out show or record on major hit songs, it’s cool, but it’s still not really “making it.” To me, it’s about making your own art and connecting with other people across the world with your message. I think that is truly the best thing anyone could ask for. It humbles you.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t EVER stop, because some people can get discouraged, and then they quit. Regardless of how jagged or rough the road to success can be, NEVER stop, and go as far as you possibly can.

Pricing:

• My general pricing for tracking is $200.
• Shirts are $20.
• Hats are $15.
• CDs are $10.
• Stickers are $1.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leetrent.bandzoogle.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leetrentmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeTrentOfficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leetrentmusic3234
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/trenton-manning-388151073