Every so often, we take a little time on Mondays (or, in this case, a Wednesday) to pay tribute to the Muthas! That is, reprinting the adorable metal/maternal Q&As that run in the magazine. Today, enjoy Justin Norton’s chat with Jacqui Phipps, Metal Mutha of Trevor Phipps of Unearth.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
I have eight brothers and sisters, and my husband had six. Family is very important to us, as are both old and new friends. I did day care in our home for 22 years while Trevor was growing up. Staying at home, watching my kids grow and guiding them was my dream job. I am semi-retired now, but still work with kids as a monitor on a special needs school bus, which is fun and nurturing to me, and hopefully the children under my care. I love to read and write.
I have eight brothers and sisters, and my husband had six. Family is very important to us, as are both old and new friends. I did day care in our home for 22 years while Trevor was growing up. Staying at home, watching my kids grow and guiding them was my dream job. I am semi-retired now, but still work with kids as a monitor on a special needs school bus, which is fun and nurturing to me, and hopefully the children under my care. I love to read and write.
What was Trevor like as a child?
He was very sweet and loving. Although he was shy, he made friends easily and still keeps in touch with some of them. He also loved sports. Every season it was a different one. His father coached him in a few of them, but I think baseball was his favorite. To this day, he still wears
He was very sweet and loving. Although he was shy, he made friends easily and still keeps in touch with some of them. He also loved sports. Every season it was a different one. His father coached him in a few of them, but I think baseball was his favorite. To this day, he still wears
a Boston Red Sox hat and probably still has
his glove.
Did he get into music early?
There was always music being played in our house, so he was exposed to different types—mostly ’60s oldies and rock. He started getting into his own type of music, along with his friends, in late elementary school. He got really into heavy metal around middle school, and even more so in high school when he joined a band.
Did Trevor take any traditional vocal or singing classes?
In college he went to a few voice teachers in Boston. Traditional voice classes do not work for heavy metal singers. So, after many sore throats and days of not being able to talk, he found a voice teacher in New York City who taught him how to scream without damaging his vocal cords.
In college he went to a few voice teachers in Boston. Traditional voice classes do not work for heavy metal singers. So, after many sore throats and days of not being able to talk, he found a voice teacher in New York City who taught him how to scream without damaging his vocal cords.
What do you think of his success with Unearth?
One thing that always bothers me when I go to his shows and talk to members of other bands is that so many parents don’t show their sons and daughters any support. If your child is happy with what they are doing, you should be happy for and with them.
One thing that always bothers me when I go to his shows and talk to members of other bands is that so many parents don’t show their sons and daughters any support. If your child is happy with what they are doing, you should be happy for and with them.
What about Trevor makes you proudest?
Trevor is a great dad to his son and daughter. He really makes time for his family when he is home and calls them a couple of times a day when on tour. The love he has for his family outshines all the obstacles of his lifestyle.
Trevor is a great dad to his son and daughter. He really makes time for his family when he is home and calls them a couple of times a day when on tour. The love he has for his family outshines all the obstacles of his lifestyle.
