Kevin Mark Trail facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kevin Mark Trail
Kevin Mark Trail performing at Parklife, Sydney 2011
Background information
Birth name	Kevin Mark Trail
Born	October 1980
Genres	R&B, soul, reggae, hip hop, folk, electronic
Years active	2003–present
Labels	EMI (2004–2005)

Kevin Mark Trail (born in October 1980) is a British singer, songwriter, and music producer. He mixes different music styles like R&B, soul, reggae, and hip hop. Kevin is well-known for his work with the band The Streets. He sang on two songs from their first album, Original Pirate Material, including the popular song "Let's Push Things Forward". This song became a top 40 hit in the UK.

About Kevin Mark Trail

His Early Life and Music

Kevin Mark Trail grew up in North West London. His parents came from Jamaica. Kevin's music blends many styles, including soul, reggae, hip hop, folk, and electronic sounds. He gets ideas from US R&B and Jamaican reggae.

His mother introduced him to reggae and soul music when he was a child. Visiting Jamaica every summer helped him connect with his roots. He looks up to reggae artists like Bob Marley and Toots and the Maytals. For soul music, he admires Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

When he was 15, Kevin started making music sketches in his bedroom. Later, he went to an arts college in Camden. There, he learned about writing songs, performing, and playing music. These skills helped shape his first album, Just Living.

Working with The Streets

Kevin first became known after he worked with the music group The Streets. He sang on their hit song "Let's Push Things Forward". He also sang on another song called "Same Old Thing". Both songs were on The Streets' album Original Pirate Material.

The song "Let's Push Things Forward" reached number 30 on the UK Singles Chart. This was his biggest hit song so far. Kevin said that Mike Skinner, the leader of The Streets, was very talented. He liked that Skinner's music was unique. Skinner also asked Kevin to join The Streets on their live tours.

His First Solo Album: Just Living

In 2004, Kevin Mark Trail signed with EMI, a record label. He released his first solo song, "Perspective." His second song, "D Thames," came out in 2005 and did even better. Kevin worked with UK rapper Estelle on a remix of "D Thames."

On March 7, 2005, Kevin released his first solo album, Just Living. He said the album was about his own life experiences. For example, the song "D Thames" is about a clear moment of understanding. "Perspective" talks about daily worries. "Bread" is about the joy and meaning of food at his family's dinner table.

Kevin wrote and produced the songs for Just Living in his bedroom first. Then, he arranged them and performed them with a band in a studio. He said the album was about trying to improve yourself and give back. He believes you always face new challenges and must keep moving forward.

Tours and Collaborations

Besides touring with The Streets, Kevin also performed at places like the Jazz Café in London. He worked with Nitin Sawhney on the song "Eastern Eyes." This happened after Sawhney saw Kevin perform live. Critics praised Kevin's singing on the song.

After Just Living was released, Kevin toured with Beverley Knight. He received good reviews for his performances. During this tour, Kevin showed a new song called "Last Night." This song was later released on a new version of Just Living. The album was re-released on July 4, 2005, and included another new song, "Ticket Line."

Kevin Mark Trail's Music

Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles

Production Work

Kevin Mark Trail has also produced music for other artists. Some of his production work includes:

• 2013: Pieter T – Completion (on the track "Something Boubt You")
• 2012: Huia Hamon – Huia's Waiata (on the track "Karekare K road")
• 2011: Kevin Leo – Powerful (on the track "Powerful)
• 2011: Lyric L – Amazed (on the track "Away")

Collaborations and Writing

Kevin has written songs and collaborated with many musicians. Some of his collaborations include:

• 2022: So.Crates – Malcolm After Mecca (on the track "7th Day")
• 2021: Sola Rosa – Chasing the Sun (on the tracks "For the Mighty Dollar", "Chasing the Sun", "So Many Times")
• 2018: Sola Rosa - In Spaces EP (on the tracks "Leave a Light On", "So Fly", "Truth")
• 2015: Kings of Tomorrow (on the track "Long Road Home")
• 2014: Sola Rosa – Magnetics (on the tracks "To the Ocean", "Both of Us", "Roots and Culture")
• 2003: Nitin Sawhney – Human (on the track "Eastern Eyes")