After going solo this year, Trevor Mervyn, who goes by the DJ name Trevor Refix and performs as Texture & Light, has come full circle rather than changing musical direction. With a new EP record dropping soon, Mervyn is playing a dance vibe and collaborating with other artists in Powell River and on Vancouver Island. His final show of the year in Powell River takes place on Friday, November 24, at McKinney’s Pub.
What has gone on in 2017?
Having become a solo artist, it has given me a chance to reach out to people. On my new EP, I have Powell River performer Joel Benson voicing an ancient sound poem. Earlier this year, when I released the song “Leaning In,” Powell River artist Adam Cramb made a video collage for it. We're talking about him doing some visuals at my live shows and something for the Expose Yourself exhibition in the spring. I'm composing a song for a circus performer in Cumberland and Adam is going to film it. I also did some synthesizer programming for a couple of Lukah Bouchard songs for his first album.
What is the new EP about?
In part, it’s to bookend the year because this is a lot of the music I produced this year. The direction of my sound has changed quite a bit since the album that came out last year, which isn't the best representation of what I actually sound like now.
What is the new direction you’re taking?
I'm moving back to being more electronic. When I started this project it was a retaliation of having been a DJ for 10 years and wanting to get away from making dance music. Now that I've been playing Texture & Light for the last four years on the road, I've realized that I quite like performing for people who are dancing. Now I treat my live performance almost like a DJ set. This EP is a reflection of that.
What is the record called?
Eat Magic. It’s from a book called Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, who also wrote Eat, Pray, Love. Big Magic is about creative living beyond fear and making it work or not. It's about not forcing things, letting go, having fun and chilling out. I keep on mixing up the name and calling it Eat Magic.
Who is in the lineup for the upcoming show?
I'm bringing Graeme Bousada over from Victoria. We played a festival together this summer and he blew my mind with his trip-hop summer festival vibe. My songs are always evolving and changing, so this is a chance to hear this year's set before it gets totally blown apart for next spring.
How is 2018 shaping up?
More shows, more music and working with more people.
For more information on Trevor Mervyn and Texture & Light, go to textureandlight.ca.
