“When you’re an artist, you’re in charge of the paintbrush to the canvas, no one else. It’s as if nothing else in the world matters.”
Whats The Buzz Presents: Casino Trell
Casino Trell is an accomplished artist and entrepreneur who gained recognition by being featured on WhatsTheWord’s Chicago Artists To Watch List. Based in Chicago, Illinois, he comes from a musical family that includes singers, choir directors, and rappers, making music and art an integral part of his identity. Growing up in both the East Side and South Side of Chicago significantly influenced his development as an artist, helping cultivate the remarkable talent he exhibits today.
His affinity for hip-hop was nurtured by his environment, as he was surrounded by music enthusiasts. Currently, Casino Trell is known for producing and directing captivating songs and music videos, all of which he creates independently. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has established a brand named “The Gambler’s Circle,” which offers a selection of stylish merchandise. Casino Trell is recognized as a visionary in his field, and this represents merely the initial phase of his promising career.
1. When you started your music journey, where was your confidence level?
I’d say I’ve always been confident in my abilities and knowing I’m good at what I do, so the confidence was high. It was more so confusion about my approach and how to go about things, considering that I wasn’t on the same wavelength as others coming out. I always was confident in my art, though.
2. Seeing that you come from a background of being around singers, rappers, and choir directors while growing up, who was your biggest inspiration?
That’s tough. I can’t credit it to just one person, my entire environment inspired this. I’d love to give credit to my mom though, and also some of my cousins that was rapping way before me.
3. Did you ever want to give up in the process?
Never wanted to quit ever, just would become frustrated and unmotivated at times. But it still was like I know how I’m coming and I know I can’t stop.
4. What would you say is something you need to work on as an artist?
I can work on feeding the listeners more music at a consistent rate.
5. At what point did you decide to lock in and take rapping seriously?
Post High School Graduation. I wanted to play football originally and that didn’t quite work out the way I planned. I kept seeking out what was meant for me and what I was passionate about and all along it was music. It’s always been a love of mine, always has been something that was so natural and simple for me.
6. Where do you see CasinoTrell in the future?
I see Casino Trell executing all desires and conquering the greatest achievements imaginable in the music space. Not only that, but expanding beyond music into other realms that will make the name and work greater.
7. Are you seeking to secure a record deal? Or remain independent and why?
I’m open to any partnerships that align with my goals that will help further expand the businesses+art behind “Casino Trell”. It has to make sense.
8. What was the process of your “On The Radar” freestyle?
Gabe P slid to Chicago and they wanted some talented artists from the city to come represent and set it off. They hosted it at Classick Studios and that’s family. I hit big bro Classick up tellin em I gotta get up there, came thru and burnt it down. Hell of a team they got at OTR, very professional and polite people.
9. What was your creative process for the visuals from “On The Low,” which dropped on 06/14/2024?
I treat it the same as any other video I write/self direct, it’s kind of unexplainable but these ideas just come to me. I vividly see these things, I write it up and I bring it to fruition. I can’t do it alone though, shout out to Mark and shout out Director Zell. Whenever I see things I bring it to Zell and we build together off of it.
10. What is a highlighting moment in your career that encouraged you to do music?
I would say my first song “Luv Like This” kicked that off and encouraged me to really keep it going. I hadn’t released music to the world and I had decided I was going to, I released my first song it did well on social media (likes and shares) and got 1,000 plays in the first day. It’s hard to get 1 listen/stream/play, so considering the first thing I ever put out did 1,000 first day + great reception I was encouraged by that.
11. Do you write your own music?
Yes, every single word.
12. Do you think having a ghostwriter is beneficial to artists?
Yes, especially if you’re a singer. I’m open to writing for others as well. I know we knock it in hip hop, but it’s a business at the end of the day. If an artist has all this money behind them and the music is what keeps the machine running, a few different pens will write the hit record(s) that puts more food on everyone’s table, plus it’s more great music. I definitely do think it depends on the subject matter and what is being written.
13. Would you be interested in collaborating, and if so, who would it be?
Of course. On the R&B side Sza, Bryson Tiller, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Chris Brown, etc. It’s so many to name. Outside of that, I’d love to work with Skilla, Griselda, Latto, Meek, etc. I feel like any artist of any style, I’d work well with them.
14. Are there any specific Chicago artists you’d like to work with?
Herb for sure, Durk, Tink, Saba, I think me and OG Stevo would make some crazy shit. Me and my boy Sonny, NombreKari the homie so we deffly gotta get one. I feel like Jean Deaux would be another dope one.
15. What is your favorite thing about being an artist?
Freedom to express whatever. Being in control of what it is that I create. When you’re an artist, you’re in charge of the paintbrush to the canvas, no one else. It’s as if nothing else in the world matters.
16. What’s an exclusive fun fact about you?
I’m a big boxing fan, that’s something that I done got deep into the last couple years.
17. What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Sweets, like cookies and stuff like that. I got a sweet tooth. They gotta be soft though.
18. What never fails to make you smile?
Any time someone listens to Casino Trell, or purchases any merchandise from The Gambler’s Circle at thegamblerscirclellc.com
STREAM and PLAYLIST “Erase The Pain” on ALL PLATFORMS now:
https://ffm.to/casinotrell-erasethepain
Twitter: / casinotrell
Instagram: / casinotrell
TikTok: / casinotrell
