Every artist has some sort of journey to share. That is what allows them to truly create their art because all art is based on experience, whether it is firsthand or secondary. This applies to fine artists, tattoo artists, dancers, musicians, and more. We are all on a unique quest for some sort of self-discovery and fulfillment. For Trevor Hall, his music career has been a broad spectrum of spiritual and aesthetic adventures, and his tattoos reference that. They identify a place and time in which he felt the need to document it permanently, and sometimes even religiously on his body.
Hall’s newly released album, “KALA,” explores everything from self-realization and self-actualization, to a larger picture of what it means to be alive in this world today. Here is what Hall had to say about some of his favorite ink, his experience as a traveling musician, and the bigger picture for him:
Your new album “KALA” references a personal and spiritual journey over the past few years. Have you gotten any tattoos to commemorate this journey?
I haven’t gotten any new tattoos that refer to “KALA” exactly, but all of my tattoos kind of serve as a timeline for me. I can remember where I was and what space I was in when I got each one. They are the story of my life and experiences and show me my growth and journey in this body.
Pick a few of your most prized tattoos and describe them/tell us about the history of each one.
My favorite tattoos tend to be the most simple ones. I think my all-time favorite one is the Sanskrit tattoo on my right forearm which translates to “Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati.” These are the names of three holy rivers in India. Where they meet is where our Guruji lives and has his ashram. It’s one of my favorite places on earth and where I most feel at home.
© Photo by Emory Hall
Have you encountered any fan tattoos while on the road? How do they make you feel?
I’ve encountered plenty of fan tattoos. At first, they kind of freaked me out, but as time went on I really enjoyed seeing them. Don’t get me wrong, some are kind of weird but most of them are pretty cool.
Who are some of your favorite tattoo artists?
One of my favorite tattoo artists is Lolito Moko. He tattooed me in Byron Bay Australia. Getting a tattoo from Lolito is very spiritual and healing. He chanted some prayers and smudged me with sage and palo santo wood before we started. It was a sacred act for him which made it a sacred act for me. I hope to get tattooed by him more.
Do you have any ideas for future pieces? Any large scale ink?
Nothing comes to mind at the moment. Usually, the ideas come to me very quickly and I don’t wait very long before going to get them done. Getting tattoos is very spontaneous for me. Once the idea comes, I want to go. As for now, I feel balanced with my tattoos. I’m happy with how many I have and I’m not sure how many more I will get. It all depends I guess.
© Photo by Emory Hall
Do you think impulsive tattoos should be regretted or embraced?
I think it depends on what state of mind you are in. I can only speak from experience. All of my tattoos have to do with something sacred so it’s a little easier for me to not regret getting any. Everybody changes. We all change our opinions as we grow and we develop different views as time goes on. But all of our past experiences and lessons are still with us. They are all a part of us. So I guess in that sense, that tattoo is a reminder of where you have been. Even if it was a negative time, it still shaped us to who we are today. So, I guess I’m more on the embracing side of things.
Have you ever had a negative experience with a tattoo artist?
I’ve never had a negative experience with a tattoo “artist” but I have had a negative experience with a parlor and the manager of that parlor. While I was getting tattooed, the manager of the parlor was fighting with one of her employees. She was yelling so loudly and being so obnoxious that the vibe of the room became so negative. I almost walked out … but then I would’ve had a half done tattoo.
© Photo by Emory Hall
Do you feel that you ink is ever misunderstood? How so?
I’m not sure. I think it depends on what you have on you. I feel that today people are becoming more and more accepting of tattoos and more appreciative of their art and meaning. We are digging into how different cultures get tattooed and for what reasons. I think as a collective, people used to look on tattoos as a negative thing … but times are changing.
What do you believe to be the most important qualities in a tattoo artist, and what is your idea of a quality tattoo?
I think one of the most important qualities of a tattoo artist is their gift to connect with the person they are tattooing. Having a bad vibe or giving off an attitude of not caring at all for the piece is the most disappointing thing. I always love when a tattoo artist asks me about the meaning and is really interested in the story of why I’m getting a certain tattoo. Also, it’s always good for the tattoo artist to have a still hand 🙂
How far would you travel for new ink?
As far as it takes.
© Photo by Emory Hall
Do you ever feel that your music is misunderstood? Do you feel that misunderstanding an artist is due to physical appearance?
I’ve been lucky. I don’t think my music has been too misunderstood. I mean sometimes I don’t even understand certain songs. Everybody has a right to their own interpretation. I just hope they don’t judge too much on the outside of things. What’s happening inside is what’s most important.
Do you think all tattoos should have meaning?
I don’t think that it is necessary. I have plenty of tattoos that don’t have any specific meaning. But at the same time … they still mean something to me. The time, the place … it gives a certain feeling.
How do you feel that your music is translated in your ink?
Most of the things I’m singing about have to do with what’s going on inside me. My tattoos are in some way a visual of that. They remind me of what’s most important to me and my growth over the years. That naturally comes out in my songs and in return, my songs are within my ink. Sound creates picture and picture also creates sound. They go hand in hand. I love tattoos and always will … they are a part of me and I will never let them go.
© Photo by Emory Hall
Order KALA on Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/trevor-hall/id28804148
Order KALA on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Trevor-Hall/e/B000APAR3A
For more information on Trevor Hall, visit http://www.trevorhallmusic.com/
