Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Travis Kinsey
Introduction of the project
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
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The two earliest music videos that I remember seeing and connecting with were “She’s So High” by Tal Bachman and “Rock the Boat” by Aaliyah. I was around 3 or 4 at the time, but I still vividly remember sitting and watching both of those videos and hearing both of those songs and realizing how much I loved music for the first time. Even to this day, Rock and R&B are the two most influential genres I’ve listened to, and I have a deep love for both.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
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As a kid I would watch American Idol and I was convinced I could outsing most of the people on there. As I got older I started writing songs and eventually music to go with the lyrics, and as time went on, creating music only seemed natural and like what I was supposed to do. I was a band kid in high school so I was surrounded by musicians who played different instruments, even outside of what we had in the band. I would sing along with the guitar players. One day in the band room I was singing “Money” by Barrett Strong, and my band director and classmates were impressed. It felt kind of like my first performance.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
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The project that I’m working on right now is about freedom. I feel like for the first time I’m truly a solo artist, which changes a lot in terms of creation and the process of making the music. I’ve had a great experience working with other musicians over the years, but I feel like now that I have complete creative control I can pick my direction more easily.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
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I think I would describe it as a mix between rock and R&B music, although what I create is more vibes based. I like sounds that are lush and kind of hold the listener in a way. I like to create a landscape.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
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Music is a business, even when it’s not because time is money. It’s important to take control of your own destiny in terms of your career and the direction you want to go sonically. Relying too heavily on other people who have other obligations only hurts you in the long run. In order to make it, you have to be willing to sacrifice and if you’re the only person you know who’s willing, then you’re all you have. Which in a way is beautiful because then your sound is all yours.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
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A Zoom L12 recording interface, a Roland AX-Edge keytar, Zoom V3 vocal processor, a Zoom Multi effects pedal, a DrumBrute Impact drum machine, and an Audio Technica condenser microphone make up my current recording setup. I’m currently not using any software but I may get into some in the future.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There’s a song out called “I Want You (Fever)” by the band Momma that I think is excellent! The overall sound is very euphoric and the vocals and lyricism are beautiful. Another one is “White Horses” by Wolf Alice. It’s just a journey of a song! From the first time I heard it, I was hooked.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I think I’ve always set really high goals for myself as a vocalist and writer, and I’ve also always loved a lot of different kinds of music. I’ve always wanted to be very proficient in any genre I was singing. Over the years I’ve loved Blues, Jazz, R&B, Rap, Pop, Rock, nearly any genre you can think of. I think a lot of this comes from wanting to find beauty in everything and being successful most of the time. I’m motivated by the fact that we live in such a big world with so many people with so much to say, and so many experiences. Music is a way where we can all see where each other are coming from.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I think this would depend mostly on the song but I want for my listeners to see that whatever I’m saying I’m genuinely saying it and I want for them to do the same in their lives. Everybody has something in them that makes them who they are and I want for them to find it and live it out to its fullest. I want my music to be a catalyst or just in the background of them achieving their own greatness serving as motivation to keep going.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
There’s always a way out of the rat race. Although music isn’t the easiest field to get into, I feel like it’s the most enjoyable for me. I think that if I can make music for the rest of my life, I would never truly “work” again. It just comes naturally. I think this is a good method of living if one can achieve it. Live in such a way that you can just be happy living and working and doing what you “have” to do. So many artists who I listen to on a daily basis stand as an example of someone who is living their best life as far as I’m concerned. They’ve made it.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Honestly I don’t have one in mind. I feel like for me the love from the crowd is what motivates me to perform. Not any particular venue or line up.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Ekkstacy! He’s one of my most favorite artists around today. Every album that he puts out is different from the last and shows so much growth as an artist and I just love his overall sound. I feel like over time he’s gotten more experimental with his vocals as well. In general, he’s a whole vibe and it would be a dream come true to work with him.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
This is my official artist Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trav_kinsey?igsh=eTEyd203eTlqYjc0
My music is streaming on pretty much all the major music streaming platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music etc.) under the name Travis Kinsey
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I want to keep on releasing music and growing my fanbase. I have a new song that I am planning to release very shortly. I’m in the final stages of finishing it up. I plan to lean more to the R&B side of my sound.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That they’ll want to keep listening for a long time.
