Growing up in a musically gifted family, Trent Brooks was surrounded by the sounds of his Uncle Ralph’s band. The group, which played in the late 60s and early 70s, became his first exposure to the magic of performance and left a lasting impression on six-year-old Trent. “I saw them perform and knew I wanted to do that,” he recalls. By the age of eight, Trent had picked up an acoustic guitar, a full-sized one he could barely fit his arm around.
Brooks credits much of his early musical development to a neighborhood teacher who taught him chord progressions, picking techniques, and how to strum with a pick. It wasn’t long before he had his first paying gig when he was fifteen. With no equipment of his own, he borrowed a Yamaha amp from his Aunt Connie, who also happened to have a band. The gig featured a modest five-song setlist. “I loved it,” Brooks says, laughing.
Those humble beginnings paved the way for what would become the Trent Brooks Band. Over the years, he honed his craft, eventually producing records out in Belt. He’s opened for notable artists like Joe Nichols, Josh Meloy, and Tyler Farr. “If you’re a true student in what you do, it shows,” Brooks shares.
Weekly rehearsals every Tuesday keep the band sharp. “You have to find people who are in it for the love of the music, not the love of themselves,” he says.
The Trent Brooks Band has certainly paid its dues, “beating the bushes for snakes,” as Brooks puts it. During the pandemic, the band adapted by performing online shows like the “Hump Day Happy Hour” every Wednesday night. One of those performances led to a breakthrough when a Texas promoter reached out. Playing their first out-of-state show in Texas was a milestone, complete with plane tickets, rented equipment, and fans on the other side of the country.
“When people recognize you, it’s instant validation that what you do is important,” Trent reflects.
The Trent Brooks Band, featuring Ivan Holland, Jim Johnson, and Justin Millikan, is not just a group of talented musicians; they’re a family bonded by their love for music. You can follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, and at trentbrooksmusic.com.