Meet Trev Lukather | Music Producer, Guitarist, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trev Lukather and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trev, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is everyday life when you are perusing your dream and what you love to do. It’s high risk, high reward or high risk, no reward. It keeps you focused. The fear. It’s all about taking one step at a time towards the goal. It keeps life interesting tho. There has never been a plan B.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a music producer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. You have to wear a lot of hats in the music scene these days. It has been quite an up and down journey but I wouldn’t trade it in for anything because it’s made me who I am as a person today and I am proud of that. My first memory was playing music. My Pop is a legendary session guitarist and co founder of the rock band Toto. I got the bug since I was crawling. My professional start was at 17 years old playing guitar and MD for Lindsay Lohan during her Rumors era. Playing Good Morning America, Times Square New Years Eve, Angel Stadium before I could buy cigarettes or get into a strip club is a trip to think about. I had the fake ID tho (wink wink) After that experience I was really hellbent on being an artist myself and I had an opportunity to make a record with a major label that sadly never saw the light of day. That did lead to a writing session with rock band Halestorm for their debut album which got me a Gold record. Something I always dreamed about having seeing them on the walls growing up at our family home. From there I was on and off the road touring guitar for my dear bro Ryan Cabrera to touring the world with EDM/Producer What So Not. A lot of bucket list venues and shows played with WSN but still, hellbent on being an artist myself. I started a band called LEVARA. We opened for Pop and Toto in Europe and then got signed to rock label Mascot Records. We mastered our debut album and then the pandemic hit. We had tours and festivals booked before we all got hit with the Covid life changing experience. We were uncertain if touring would even happen again. That fear brought the question “What do I do now? How do I make a living?” I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to produce and write with an amazing rock artist Dorothy for her “Gifts From The Holy Ghost” album. That started my career as a producer/writer working with Amber Van Day (Captiol) Classless Act (Better Noise) Hoobastank, Andrew Hagar, Cris Hodges (Greydaze) my Pop Steve Lukather and a lot of amazing independent artists. I’m grateful to have pushed myself as an engineer during the lockdown to really hone in my craft which got me through the shut down. Sadly, the pandemic brought tension on the LEVARA band side of things and the singer decided to kick me out of the band before the album released. At that point, everything got dropped. The label, agents, and tours. It was beyond heartbreaking. I just dove into music and production. After some healing, an opportunity to start a band with my dear friends and not scared to say, my personal dream team, I couldn’t argue with the universe aligning. The band is called The Effect. I’m the guitarist/producer. Nic Collins who is the son of Phil Collins on drums. Nic has earned his own stripes. He is unique and incredibly talented. Touring the world at 16 as Genesis drummer and drummer for Phil’s farewell tours. He’s a prodigy but most importantly, one of the most beautiful souls. My bro of over a decade Steve Maggiora is on keys who you’ve interviewed before. He tours with my Pop and Toto currently. Emmett Stang is on lead vocals. Em is an unreal talent. I came across Emmett on instagram when he cover Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” that went viral. We followed eachother, got on the phone and after a 3 hour phone call, I knew we were not only instant brothers but I knew we were gonna make some amazing music together. We released a song that went #1 on AXS TV’s rock countdown show The Power Hour and just wrapped our debut album. We are very excited about what’s to come. My lesson from all of the above is even when you think your world has shattered, there’s something better on the other side of the heartbreak. We are all where we are supposed to be. Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize and have faith that from the experience, you’ll be a stronger person for something greater that’s coming next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in the hills of Studio City. I’m a Valley boy at heart. I would take them to Aroma Cafe, Henry’s tacos (wish they still had their old legendary location) Katsu Ya, the legendary Residuals bar, Blackmarket, Salt n Straw, Laurel Tavern, Jinya Ramen, and The Baked Potato for live music. Drive up to mulholland for views to a Runyon canyon hike. Gotta do the sunset Strip drive or even a night walking in or past The Whisky A Go Go, The Roxy and eat some pizza at The Rainbow. We live in Woodland Hills/Topanga now so it would be most likely be a Topanga drive to PCH. Show them Calabasas for a potential Kardashian sighting hahaha (I kid) Joey’s at The Village is amazing or just the Village in general. It has a great vibe and all of the restaurants are great!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Wife Madison Lukather. She’s my rock everyday. She brings me back to sanity in an insanity world.

Website: Www.theeffectband.com

Instagram: @trevlukather

Twitter: @trevlukather

Facebook: @trevlukatherofficial

Image Credits
Adam Kent Alex Abaunza Luke Emblen