The definition of a triple threat. From acting, singing, and dancing, to songwriting, and directing, behind the lens, watching his career evolve with every project he does leaves no doubt that he is original in every form. He is a true artist’s “artist”. The visionary Trevor Jackson opens up to Glamoholic about The Tap Dance Kid, transparency in his music, and exploring new areas on “Grown-ish”.
"EVER SINCE I WAS YOUNG I WAS UNAPOLOGETICALLY MYSELF AND IT JUST MAKES FOR A MORE PEACEFUL LIFE."
It was just announced that you will join The Tap Dance Kid premiering next month. What attracted you the most to this project?
The project itself was nostalgic considering the fact that I tapped when I was younger and Kenny Leon and Jared Grimes are two artists that inspire me!
This is definitely going to be a different experience. How are you preparing for it?
Prayer [laughs]. I haven’t tapped like that since I was nine years old. But it’s like riding a bike. I have been going to the gym everyday since tapping requires a lot of stamina.
Your new music "Bouts To Be" is so beautiful. Can you tell me about the inspiration behind it?
I want all my videos to be very cinematic. I wanted to show the feeling when you want something so bad and how it feels when you can't have it.
“Pictures By My Pool” was released recently too, and it feels like the return to outdoor fun mood we needed so much, but it also has a take on how consumed we are by the way we want our lives to appear on social media. How important is it for you to live the moment and give the right attention to people around you?
It's so important to appreciate the moments we are given. Life is so short and I rather remember the moments than remember capturing the moment [laughs].
“The Love Language” album has so many fan-favorites. What do you think made your fans relate so much to this album?
I think my transparency... I was so honest from Rolling Stone to Pictures By My Pool to Love Don't Change... Songs about my truth and how they helped me through tough times and hopefully did the same for my fans.
I really hope you’re gonna film “Love Don’t Change”? It’s my favorite!
That is in the works right now sssshhhhhhh [laughs].
The way you direct your music videos completes the songs creatively, gives us the full picture. Are the song and the visual for it born together in your creative process?
Typically the song comes first but I can never really finish the song until I can see myself singing it visually… Then it rabbit holes from there.
Are you already working on the next album?
Yes, I currently have three albums in the can.
If you were to direct films in the future, what kind of stories would you like to tell?
I want to tell stories like the Matrix, Snow Piercer, The Lorax, Free Guy. Stories that force you to believe in the impossible, to question reality or society version of what is real.
The fourth season of Freeform’s “Grown-ish” witnessed a lot of growth for the characters. What was it like to explore new areas with Aaron?
I love exploring new areas with Aaron. His growth more times than not coincides with mine.
How important was it for you that the season also tackled relevant issues such as racial justice?
So important for me. It gave me a sense of relief, I put so much pressure on myself to do something that could change things, and doing an episode like that let me feel as though I was doing my part.
Was it difficult to deal with these issues as they happen on a daily basis and you were probably hearing new stories every single day that relate to what you’re talking about on the show?
Yeah, we heard stories about injustices amidst shooting the very same episode, it was insane.
Zoey and Aaron’s relationship took a few unexpected turns during season 4. Where are they headed?
I can't say too much, but if you know Grownish you know you are in for a road of twists and turns.
The show got nominated for “The Comedy Show of 2021” by the People’s Choice Awards! How do you feel about that?
So honored and so proud of all my cast, crew and writers.
“Grown-ish Senior Year” returns 1/27 on Freeform, next day on Hulu. Are you excited for what’s coming?
I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised. And I'm always excited to see what takes they kept in and took out. It takes a village.
If you could decide on one thing to happen next with Aaron, what would it be?
I selfishly wish Aaron started a secret surfing life [laughs].
What type of roles would you like to play after “Grown-ish”? And are you working on any upcoming acting projects?
I'm open to anything. I'd love some more comedy, drama and maybe even horror!
Whether it’s your music, acting career or even your style, you always know how to show your own identity and people love that about you. Was it always easy for you to just be yourself regardless of what people think?
Yes, ever since I was young I was unapologetically myself and it just makes for a more peaceful life. I always say if you give people the keys to your car you give them the permission to crash it. No one should hold the keys to your happiness.
When it comes to style, you can pull off almost anything. What’s the secret to pulling off pieces that not every man has the courage to try on? Is it confidence? Or knowing what looks good on you?
It's not taking anything too seriously. I'm much more concerned with the vastness of space than what clothes I have on my body, much less anyone’s opinion of it... respectfully [laughs].
Do you have any plans to expand your “Born Art” merch line into a fashion brand?
Absolutely, I'm very excited about that. You are actually leaving pieces of yourself behind in the clothes you create.
Since we’re starting a new year, do you usually put plans for every year? And do you stick to these goals?
I never usually stick to them, but this year I've been eating better and working out which I'm proud of, so I will try to continue on into 2022.
What’s the happiest memory you’ll have from 2021?
There's a few but I think moments spent with loved ones are priceless.
Facing negativity with positivity, and the way you show that love is the answer will take you so far! what is your next big dream?
I wish to write, direct and compose a film.
This story is featured in Glamoholic Magazine's upcoming "Next Big Thing" Issue (#40). You can order your copy HERE.
