Growing up in the Brighton area, Joshua Trinidad had access to a wealth of teachers and mentors who helped mold him into the successful trumpet player, composer and producer he is today.
Trinidad first joined his school band at age seven while attending South Elementary School. It was Michelle Jefferies, whom Trinidad described as a “legendary elementary school teacher,” who encouraged him to join the band — and the rest is history.
Trinidad’s original choice of instrument was a saxophone, but he didn’t know how to a make a sound with it. So instead, he picked up a trumpet and never put it down.
As he grew older, Trinidad continued to build his musical skills at Brighton High School, he found further support through Ted Worth, his band teacher. Worth would arrive to school early and opened practice rooms for Trinidad, pouring himself into his success.
Those early stages in Trinidad’s life and career helped grow him into the successful trumpet player he is today. Trinidad utilizes multiple styles of music, including jazz, ambient, rock, electronic and low-fi, and some elements from hip hop.
He describes his music as patient, often starting slow as it builds up — though sometimes it doesn’t.
“It just exists the way it is. It’s something I never thought I’d create when I was a little boy,” said Trinidad. “I didn’t even know about this type of music. Luckily, just going to school for music and meeting awesome people in my life has led me to discover this style of music.”
Trinidad’s talent has taken him to places like Europe and Central Asia. When asked about his proudest accomplishment throughout his career, Trinidad pointed to music he’s created with Indian ambient producer Riatsu aka Shadaab Kadri. Together, the two released the album “Lithium.”
The record focused on the experiences of the two artists as they navigated the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.
“To be able to collaborate with musicians from India and put together a cool project with someone who has experienced similar restrictions on the other side of the world was unique,” said Trinidad. “The musical aspect was interesting and the social and cultural experience that was shared.”
Trinidad, who is an indigenous, Chicano American, said his number one piece of advice for aspiring musicians is to make the music they want to make and to not listen to what others say about it. He also said it’s important to stay true to yourself in the process and the things you like to make.
Trinidad has a show coming up on March 1 at 9:30 p.m. at Dazzle @ The Arts Complex. Tickets can be found at dazzledenver.com.
For more information about Trinidad and his music, visit joshuatrinidad.com.
