Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Travis.
Jack, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from Talladega, Al. Raised in a single-parent home but had and still have a father was present and accounted for. I was an outstanding athlete as a teenager with dreams of playing professional sports. I spent a couple years in college (Jacksonville State Univ) and even did a bit of time in the Army before I eventually moved here to the Atlanta area in 2005 armed with the original idea of starting a record company. After a couple of really rough years of getting into the flow of the city, I started to get into the music and entertainment scene but wasn’t satisfied with the talent pool. That is when I began writing songs to the tracks that I produced. Once I started, I noticed the talent that I had and decided at that point to be my own artist. As I put together songs and looked to get them mixed and mastered I found out how expensive those services where and quite honestly I got my first glimpse of the ways newcomers to the industry are taken advantage of money-wise. I have had the pleasure of making some solid friends in the industry but I’ve also had some of the worst managers,promos, and engineers money can buy. That led me to learning the art of engineering and me coming to the overall conclusion that not only was I capable of basically doing everything that needed to be done creatively that that was the smartest way (also because I’m a Virgo). Over time I have gone on to become a published photographer and creator of the brand “LIVHI” a clothing/lifestyle line and up to this point, almost everything that you have seen me apart of was created by me. It was and still is a daunting task at times but I can start to see my dreams coming to fruition, which will undoubtedly bring my efforts to the attention of like-minding individuals thus creating opportunities for collaboration. I plan to continue to create great music, awesome images, and overall good stuff and I hope that you all will continue to support me in my efforts.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not smooth at all… Just getting to know how to move around the city was a challenge at first. I’ve been kicked out of plenty places, slept in my car, survived on noodles… All that to get to where I am today. I have been through the starving artist stage. I’ve ran around doing any and every show I could get my hands on. It a crazy world in entertainment. You can’t much do without spending money but once you start spending it, it’s almost impossible to get what you pay for because the people you run across being an indie artist are only out to make your money. At the beginning, it was hard to just get music done and released until I just had to do it all myself. It’s a struggle to get people to take you seriously once you say that you’re an artist because in Atlanta… everyone is.
Has there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
Not really… Like I said, my issues all revolve around not having any solid help or reputable representation. I’ve dealt with people that have opened my eyes to certain things. I know people that encourage me and co-sign my material, but no one that I can say actually did anything to promote, propel, or position me to be where I currently am. Alternately, I would have to say my daughter gives me the confidence, determination and overall motivation that I can say is pivotal in my career.
Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
Andre 3000 used to be my favorite artist but now I’m my favorite. Still, though, that’s my dream collaboration. Nipsey Hussle is also an artist I would like to work with… as far as producers and singers and such, it’s a long list of people I think would make for some sick music. At some point, I hope to integrate a live band into my “act”. Overall , I have 10 days of music in my iTunes which means I listen to all sorts of music so again… I think I can work with a lot of different styles. When it comes to my fashion line and the visual material I produce, it’s pretty random as far as what pieces and images I put my brand on.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
Honestly… continued to play sports. I was an awesome athlete in basketball and baseball and could have most certainly played professionally in either of them. Seeing how the world is so computerized and how apps can get you rich, I probably should have stayed in college and obtained that computer programming degree I was pursuing. It may sound crazy but had I stayed in Alabama and pushed my music I think I would have garnered much more attention and built a much better foundation. Coming to Atlanta has been great as far as upgrading my life, it’s a cool city and all but music career-wise it was a bit of a bad move. It’s really congested and so many layers to sift through around here, a real pay-to-play, you-not-a-part-of-the-fraternity type deal.
Pricing:
- LIVHI Apparel T-shirts/Hoodies/Hats/Bags $10.99-$49.99
- LIVHI Original Images $50-$500
- Jack Travis Music $Free
Contact Info:
- Website: http://impyre.wixsite.com/jacktravis
- Phone: 470-798-7815
- Email: impyremuzik37@gmail.com
- Instagram: ay_ilivhi
- Facebook: Jack Travis
- Other: Twitter: @iJackTravis SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ijacktravis Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jktreez/videos
Image Credit:
All images are either of Jack Travis, Taken by Jack Travis and edited by Jack Travis and are property of Impyre Muzik/LIVHI productions.
Credit: Jack Travis
