Early Life

Congolese born Tres, was already showing signs of musical talent from as young as nine when he begun experimenting with sound and music from his bedroom at his family home in the Congo. Constructing their own instruments from household objects and anything else they could get their hands on, Tresor and his friends would regularly meet and rehearse as a musical dance troup. Often attracting a large local crowd, they performed anywhere people would listen. The group’s enthusiasm for music and dance gradually built them a dedicated following which inspired them to enter various musical competitions and attracted other local youngsters who were keen to be a part of the excitement. Attending Church weekly, Tres was a choir boy encouraged by his mother and father as well as the local priest and it was the Church that Tres would later turn to during his darkest hours. As he grew older, Tres’ enthusiasm for music grew, predominantly influenced by musical legends including Bob Marley, Shabba and even Michael Jackson who still inspire and influence his music today.

England

At the age of 16 Tres came to England as an orphan and lived in foster care, after his parents fled the threat of political violence in the Congo. At 18 Tres was moving between hostels, sofas and the streets, a period of his life which is the inspiration behind his latest track ‘Lonely Man’. Despite this, Tres still attended a local Congolese church in Kentish Town, where he was able to return to singing and even learnt to play the guitar. In 2009 Tres got his break when he performed a half finished song to Prince William during a visit to a Centrepoint hostel, which Tres was involved with at the time. Impressed by what he saw, Prince William invited Tres to perform for him again at Clarence House a few months later. Appearances on Trevor Nelson’s show, Sky News and This Morning subsequently followed.

Musical Achievements

After participating in an array of Roundhouse music programmes for 11-25s, Tres B was signed to Roundhouse Records in June 2010 and has since supported The Black Keys and been nominated for Best Male UK based Afro/Caribbean Act of 2010 at the BEFFTA Awards. His debut EP Best Friend launched as part of the Roundhouse Rising Festival in February last year. Following that, he performed the single again for the Roundhouse 5th Birthday Gala with instrumental support from Guy Chambers and Nick Mason.

2011 and Lonely Man

2011 is set to be his best year yet with the assistance of Xenomania songwriters, supported by the Roundhouse, who together have created what can only be described as a ‘soulful floor filler’. Inspired by his childhood idols including Congolese legends Papa Wemba and Koffi Olomide ‘Lonely Man’ draws on various musical genres including Central African folk, hip-hop, soul and dance. Tres says of his experiences so far: “The Roundhouse has enabled my dreams to become a reality. I hope to become one of the most respected UK artists in the industry and I’m striving for MOBO’s and Grammy’s!”

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