Trever M. Keith on Rehearsing in His Buddy’s Garage and Playing 1980’s Covers

Trever M Keith (credit Julian Lambert)

Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?

I have a Chevy Silverado pickup (85,000 miles) and a small travel trailer. So far, so good on not having to make any major repairs. I have flown down the highway with the trailer door wide open for several miles before I noticed it in my rear view. Maybe more than once…

How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?

Usually try the in-house hospitality if they have a good restaurant/cook. Otherwise try to buy good quality food from better grocery stores.

How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?

Hopefully close to none. I very seldom break strings. It is necessary to change them after every few shows though because they become dead sounding. Strings can be expensive so it’s good to make friends with someone at the string company.

Where do you rehearse?

I don’t have a regular rehearsal space. If I’m rehearsing without a band it would be in my home studio. I was recently rehearsing in my buddy’s garage getting ready for a couple of shows. There were lots of flies. I was constantly afraid I would gulp some air while singing and swallow a few.

What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?

I wish I could remember. I’ve probably blocked it out for the cringe factor!

Describe your first gig.

I was 14 years old. My younger brother was on drums and our friend was on guitar. I was playing keyboards and singing. We did covers of Duran Duran and Journey. It was the 1980s.

What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?

Construction. None.

How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?

It’s become slightly better. I hope MUCH better.

What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?

There is no such thing as “making it.” Success is a moving target. Be true to yourself and your music and the rest of it doesn’t matter.

Trever M. Keith, storied founder and frontman for pioneering So Cal punk band Face to Face, is putting out an Americana album. In method, this latest venture by Keith down the Americana rabbit hole is a moment of deep reflection and personal solace for the lifelong singer-songwriter. He pays homage to not only the greats of classic country gold from his youth, but also his own blood and lineage within the process. We Drank From a Poisoned Well, out July 10, is an honest waltz across the floor of Keith’s memory and imagination, and his emerging vision for what he wants this current, unknown chapter of his life to be as it unfolds in real time.

Connect with Keith online and on the road.