Meet Trey McLaughlin
Featured Artist January 2025
January 2025
Meet Trey McLaughlin: Artist of the Month
The Greater Augusta Arts Council is thrilled to spotlight Trey McLaughlin as our Artist of the Month! A gifted singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger specializing in Gospel music—but with a love for all genres, Trey’s artistry is a profound reflection of his passion, creativity, and boundless talent.
Trey’s musical journey began at the tender age of four, accompanying his mother to Paine College Gospel Choir rehearsals where his love for music was ignited. Formal training at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School further refined his natural gifts, but it was his involvement with Creative Impressions, a local youth arts organization, that propelled him to new heights. Under the mentorship of Evelyn Ellis and other influential educators, Trey honed his skills as a teacher and composer, paving the way for his artistic career.
For Trey, music is more than just a career, it’s a source of peace, a means of self-expression, and a way to connect with the world. Whether teaching masterclasses abroad in France, Spain, or Poland, or touring with his musical family, his artistry has taken him to places he once only dreamed of. His unique gift of synesthesia allows him to “see” music as colors and images, inspiring compositions that are as vibrant as they are heartfelt.
Despite his many accolades, including publishing his photography in Augusta Magazine and being a renowned clinician in higher education, Trey remains deeply grounded. He is currently working on his second album, pursuing opportunities in higher education, and aiming for a coveted spot on NPR’s Tiny Desk series, a dream he shares with countless fans of his YouTube performances.
Trey’s artistic journey has taught him the value of empathy, resilience, and the importance of balance, a “beautiful struggle,” as he calls it. Burnout has been one of his biggest challenges, but learning to prioritize and protect his passion has allowed him to continue creating music that uplifts and inspires.
Through his work, Trey seeks to bring unity and optimism, especially to young, emerging artists. His advice? “Keep going no matter what. Put your head down and do the work to show up as your best self creatively. Believe in yourself!”
Described as jubilant, communal, and heartwarming, Trey’s art reflects his dedication to making the world a brighter, more connected place. His inspirations ranging from Whitney Houston to Kirk Franklin, Shania Twain to Stevie Wonder have helped shape the “Trey Sound” that resonates with audiences around the world.
Outside of music, Trey enjoys roller skating, working out, and dancing activities that allow him to freely express himself without the pressures of perfection. We are honored to celebrate Trey McLaughlin as our Artist of the Month and can’t wait to see where his incredible journey takes him next.
