Featured Photo Credit: Dead Horse Branding
Known for his performances in New York City musical theatre productions, including Oliver! and A Christmas Story, TROY has always been a performer.
His move to Los Angeles led to major tv roles, including This Is Us (NBC), The Last Ship (TNT), and Victorious (Nickelodeon).
Now TROY’s voice is taking center stage.
His debut single “Unbreakable” showcases his pop and edgy rock sound.
Alongside Evan Frederiksen and award-winning producer Marti Frederiksen, (Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry) TROY has created a song that inspires authenticity, confidence and invincibility.
We chatted with TROY about the single, acting and what is next from this new artist.
How does it feel to have your music finally out in the world?
It’s both an exciting and an emotional time. I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to this point and it’s rewarding to hear so many people are loving “Unbeakable.”
What was the inspiration behind your debut single, “Unbreakable”?
While I was lying in my bed one night thinking about life, I started to write “Unbreakable.” It was a time in my life that I felt like I was consistently tested to see if my legs would give out or if I would keep going. It was the moment where I started to trust myself more and become who I am today. As the writing process continued, I realized so many others were going through the same thing – trying to persevere through tough times and aiming for better days. This song to me isn’t just a song, it’s an anthem.
What was the writing process like?
The writing process was great. The original version of “Unbreakable” was slightly different than the final version. After I played the demo song to my producer, Marti Frederiksen, we sat and spoke about the song’s meaning and that conversation sprung some new ideas. I then got together with Evan Frederiksen (Marti’s son), an amazing musician, songwriter and friend. He and I sat down and added a few enhancements to the lyrics and made the song what it is today. Marti added his magical production talents to “Unbreakable” and it sounds amazing.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to “Unbreakable,” what do you imagine it looking like?
The perfect environment to listen to “Unbreakable” is in your car 5 minutes before you go take on a challenge. It helps you center yourself and bring out the confidence you forgot you had. Plus, the bass in the car sounds insane.
How do you hope people feel when they listen to “Unbreakable”?
I’d like them to feel inspired and pumped to take on their challenges. Everything in life that’s worth something to you is worth working hard for, especially when others may not feel the same way. Trust in yourself.
You are working with producer Marti Frederiksen. How did you two get connected and what has it been like to collaborate?
Working with Marti is like working with Obi-Wan Kenobie. He’s incredibly wise and insightful and a musical force. He’s worked with some of the best bands and artists in the world (Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry) so I consider myself fortunate to be working with him. I got introduced to Marti by my music manager, Michael Keeling, who is a long time childhood friend of Marti’s. Michael set up a listening session with Marti in Nashville. I was so pumped and nervous at the same time. I played a few of my songs and Marti liked what he heard. After we left the session, I celebrated with Belgian waffles. We’ve since worked on several songs together with more on the horizon.
How did you first get interested in music?
I grew up in a household with an excellent taste in music. So it’s always surrounded me. My parents told me as a kid I’d stand on the table and belt Lou Bega’s “Mambo #5” just for the fun of it. But as I got older, and with the support of my parents and many other influential people in my life, I was told I had a powerful voice. So, when I was 12 I got involved with musical theatre in New York City and started writing my own music at age 14.
Who did you listen to growing up and do they have an influence on your sound today?
I grew up listening to Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, Johnny Cash… I could keep going. My late voice teacher used to call me the “Retro Kid.” Haha. I definitely think they have influenced my sound. Every one of their songs tells a story and I like to do the same.
How would you describe your sound?
If present day Pop, Motown, and 80’s rock had a baby… It would be me.
Your signature is an eye. What is the significance behind that?
The eye is the window to the soul and that’s where my music comes from. And, I’ve been told I have nice eyes. It made perfect sense.
You are also an actor, has acting taught you anything about music or vice versa?
I’d say acting has taught me how to connect more deeply with my feelings and the feelings of others. All of my songs come from a place of vulnerability. Acting has also taught me the discipline of persistence and never giving up. Both fields challenge you but they are both so incredibly rewarding. Music helps me be a better actor through self expression, which is helpful whether I’m in front of the camera or doing back flips on stage.
What can fans look forward to next?
Lots! The “Unbreakable” music video comes out October 1st. My next new single will release in a few weeks, with several more following right behind it. I’ve begun working on my second music video and have started recording tracks for my 2021 album. I’m also the lead in a feature film project that should be released in 2021. But the most exciting bit of news is that I just became an Uncle for the first time! She’s precious and I can’t wait to get to know her.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
I’m Unbreakable.