Tristan Trincado is determined to grow as a musician in the face of adversity
Coloradan and 18-year-old high school student Tristan Trincado transformed a traumatic brain injury (TBI) into the foundation of a promising music career. He’d experienced numerous mountain biking accidents, and it all seemed to add up when a particularly bad crash resulted in an official TBI diagnosis.
After sustaining the injury, Tristan turned to music as a therapeutic outlet, using melodies and compositions to navigate his recovery process. This personal journey aided his healing and saw his innate musical talent flourish.
Tristan’s dedication to music has blossomed into public performances and growing recognition within his community. His story inspires, highlighting how adversity can be redirected into creative and positive endeavors. He continues to develop his craft, embodying resilience and the profound impact of art on personal growth.
Concerning Tristan’s story, Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian says, “I have witnessed Tristan’s music journey and transformation. It’s quite remarkable how something changed after the brain injury to accelerate his musical passion and abilities. I have seen him perform live multiple times, and he’s my favorite new artist. I am excited for everyone to see him live at the Gibson Garage.”
On his stint as an attendee of the Rock and Roll Academy in Aspen, Trincado told the Post Independent, “Our instructor entered the band we had into this competition called Aspen Rocks. So we ended up playing for, I don’t even know how many people, but definitely the biggest place I’ve played at. It was at the [Wheeler] Opera House in Aspen. And that kind of kickstarted everything. I started getting more and more gigs after that.”
We caught up with him to find out more about his experience and current plans.
Tell us about your journey into music.
“I tried to learn guitar a couple of years ago and really struggled with getting it. I tried for three months and couldn’t even learn a chord, but around two years ago, I had a bad mountain bike crash, causing me to have a TBI, traumatic brain injury.
“So, when the New Year came around, I decided to try and pick it up again, but this time, it came super easy for me, and I was able to learn two songs in two hours, which really motivated me to keep pursuing and practicing music.”
What drew you towards country music?
“My grandpa on my mom’s side definitely drew me towards country music with the song Long Black Veil by Lefty Frizzell.”
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
“I would say Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, and Charles Wesley Godwin are my biggest influences in music. Their songwriting and emotion through music really inspired me to try and give the same experience back to listeners.”
How did you make the transition from being an instrumentalist into a singer-songwriter?
“I have always had a passion for singing and playing an instrument, so I have never really considered myself an instrumentalist, but if there were a transition it would’ve happened back in April when I started writing my own music.”
What guitars are you gravitating toward at this time? What is your dream guitar and why?
“The guitar I have been gravitating towards has been my Gibson J-45, but I would say my dream guitar would be a 1975 Gibson J-40.”
Are there any playing techniques you’re focusing on to elevate your songs?
“Not anything super specific—just trying to get better at writing lyrics and bringing in more of a unique playing style instead of just playing the chords.”
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
“I hope that they take away the fact that they can feel less alone in a situation that can relate to my songs. Life is hard, and people need God and music to help get through it.”
Being a teen in the music industry, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
“I don’t really know. I haven’t really been involved in music for very long. I’ve only been playing for a year and a half, and all of this has been happening super fast, which is awesome, but it’s kinda scary at the same time, so I’m just doing all the research I can about the industry. “
What have been your biggest highlights so far?
“Probably being able to play at the Gibson Garage or playing at the Belly Up in Aspen.”
You’ll perform at the Gibson Garage on November 15 at 4:30 PM CST. Aside from that, are there any other upcoming shows or projects that you’re particularly excited about?
“Yes! I have a bunch of songs locked up in the vault right now and plan on working on them in the studio after my show in the Garage, which I am super stoked about.”
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