From Crashes to Chords: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Unlocked a Musician's Potential

Tristan Trincado's journey from an avid mountain biker to a rising musical talent is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. After a series of crashes left him with a traumatic brain injury, Trincado discovered an unexpected gift – the ability to play the guitar with remarkable ease and creativity. This article explores how a life-altering event sparked a remarkable transformation, propelling Trincado towards a promising music career.

Unlocking a Hidden Talent: Tristan's Musical Awakening

A Passion for Mountain Biking Leads to Unexpected Consequences

Tristan Trincado was an avid mountain biker, spending countless hours racing and practicing on the trails. However, his passion for the sport came at a price, as he estimates he crashed once or twice a summer for seven years, leading to a series of concussions. These repeated head injuries ultimately resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that would forever change the course of his life.

A Transformative Diagnosis: Post-Concussion Syndrome

In 2023, near the end of his sophomore year of high school, Trincado was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, a condition that can cause a range of debilitating symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory. Despite the challenges, Trincado found that his brain chemistry had been altered in a way that unlocked a previously untapped musical ability.

Discovering a Hidden Talent: The Guitar Becomes Trincado's Muse

Trincado had tried to pick up the guitar before, but it wasn't until after his TBI that he found he could play with remarkable ease. "I've tried picking (the guitar) up before, but I got a TBI, which altered my brain chemistry and I was able to do some stuff I couldn't do before," he said. "One of those was play guitar." Determined to make the most of this newfound talent, Trincado dove headfirst into learning the instrument, spending up to six hours a day practicing and mastering a wide repertoire of songs.

Gaining Confidence and Performing with Passion

The ease with which Trincado could now play the guitar gave him a significant boost in confidence, and he began to seek out opportunities to perform. He started busking in the midvalley, eventually landing a featured artist spot at the Tipsy Trout in Basalt. This led to further opportunities, including a competition at the Aspen Rocks event, where Trincado's band placed third and earned recording time at a local studio.

Embracing the Music Industry and Honing His Craft

Trincado's musical journey continued to gain momentum, with the support of the Inspire Aspen Foundation. The foundation has helped him navigate the music industry, providing guidance on songwriting, securing gigs, and promoting his work. Inspired by the lyricism of artists like Zach Bryan, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Tyler Childers, Trincado has honed his craft, composing descriptive country and folk tunes that have earned him a spot as a solo artist at the inaugural GlenWOODSTOCK event.

Reaching New Heights: Trincado's Promising Future

As Trincado's musical career continues to soar, he has set his sights on even greater achievements. He is currently organizing a show at the prestigious Gibson Garage in Nashville, Tennessee, and is in the process of recording his first EP. With his unique story, captivating performances, and undeniable talent, Tristan Trincado is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry, proving that even the most unexpected challenges can lead to extraordinary opportunities.