Meet Trystan Grisham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trystan Grisham.

Trystan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in southeast Iowa. Music wasn’t really a big part of my family early on, so it wasn’t exactly destined for me to get into it as I did. Besides a few church singers, a drummer here, and an occasional bassist, there really was no family legacy to fulfill. If anything, sports were presented to me before I ever considered playing the guitar. I spent most of my younger years doing what kids usually do. I played baseball, watched Power Rangers and had the time of my life. At about the age of 8, I was introduced to the band KISS by my parents, and I was hooked. Being infatuated with the lights, stage show, and music, I knew this was what I was destined to do. This is truly where my musical journey began.

For the next year or so I begged my dad for a guitar. Every day I made it known and never let up. Eventually, a guitar showed up at our house and it was never quiet again. I spent hours watching YouTube videos learning new techniques and how to make actual sounds out of this new toy. When something that could vaguely be described as the music started pouring out of my bedroom door, my parents decided it was probably time to get me some lessons as I had taken to guitar much better than I had anything else.

Fast forward a few years to my first shows and bands. I began playing out live at the age of 10 or 11. My family was once again very supportive of my dreams and helped fund PA equipment, and trailers booked shows for us, and essentially became my merch/manager tag team duo. Since my first band, I have never stopped playing. Playing in various cover and original bands, as well as recording and writing with a multitude of artists, I have spanned genres such as rock, pop, country, punk, folk, singer-songwriter, hip-hop, and practically anything in between. Good music is good music to me no matter the genre. I like to soak it all up like a sponge.

I have had the opportunity to open up for many great acts including Pat Benatar, Halestorm, .38 Special, Royal Bliss, Eric Martin of Mr. Big, American Hitmen, Skid Row, Slaughter, Gary Allen, Like A Storm, Saving Abel, Jared Weeks, and so many more. I’ve played stages of all sizes all over the country ranging from Burlington Steamboat Days to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, to The Stage on Broadway. Most recently I’ve had the opportunity to tour with Nashville recording artist Jake McVey on bass and acoustic guitar. It’s been a lot of fun to do, and I have met a lot more of the Nashville community being based there for touring.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life ever goes quite as expected, but my musical experience has kind of come together one door after another.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had to work very hard to get where I’m at now, but every opportunity has led to another if I’ve applied myself. Keeping an open mind and always being willing to try something new has kept me busy and presented many amazing opportunities.

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?
I am a multi-instrumentalist/producer/songwriter/singer. I perform as a solo artist, with my local cover band Contingency, and as a touring member of Jake McVey’s band.

I love recording and producing, but my real strong suit is live performance and songwriting. I believe what sets me apart from others is my willingness to not get hung up on a genre and just make music. I have a good work ethic and am always ready to play. I’m most proud of my recent single “She Loves Me Not”.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Humility. Success is great, but I believe the respect that comes from remaining humble is more admirable. Everyone is proud of themselves and what they do, but the key to success is always keeping a level head and never forgetting where you came from.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://trystangrisham.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trystangrisham/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrystanGrishamMusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrystanGrisham
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMYV0mHT4cKaB_OabskBXUA

Image Credits
Christina Grisham Photography