...and let the church say, "Amen" to this male vocal beast.
With the state of R&B music, depending on who you ask, seemingly in competition with today’s musical trends – one has to wonder, why not? Do we, as consumers, oppose new arrangements over lyrics that have been recycled for decades, or are we just apprehensive of the “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” method?
…in walks in Travis Malloy.
The Pittsburgh born and raised native, who has sang his way via YouTube into the hearts of many, debuted his first album called “Love Languages.” Released on Nov. 21 with availability on iTunes, “Love Languages” will give fans and newcomers an opportunity to hear solid songs assisted with one heck of a voice.
Malloy’s viral popularity ignited by fusing Gospel based songs over R&B tracks by some of today’s most popular artists. Songs remixed like “I Luh God” and gospel version of the late Aaliyah’s “One In a Million,” he proves that he can vocally compete with the best.
His rich, baraton voice has actually got some range which is a quality we don't hear a lot these days. Also, Malloy's voice puts you in the mind frame of R&B singers Joe and Tyrese. Both have smooth singing voices with huskier texture that's appreciated by many as opposed to the higher tenors who dominate the charts.
Check out Malloy’s interview with us below:
On how he defines his “start” in the music industry:
There has been so many "starts" and "motivational moments" that pushed me into what I do today. I could say the passion started in church (of course). The start came years later after graduating from a performing arts high school, which inspired me more than you can imagine. Being on stage every day, learning the ins-and-outs of the voice and the recording process — I fell in love and started writing and producing my own music immediately.
On artists who have influenced him:
My biggest influences musically are, John P Kee, R. Kelly, Tank, Charlie Wilson, and Jamie Foxx. They have inspired me to no end! Everything I do musically is because of them in some way.
On his preference between the stage and being a writer:
I love to be on stage. That is my first love and first passion. I was forced into this "writing and producing" thing [laughs]. People started to hear what I was creating for myself and begin to request that same sound for their own projects. So it’s something that kind of just happened! But the stage is number one for me. Nothing like performing something you created with singers and a band bringing everything to life right before your very eyes. Magic!
On how he’s handled criticism for singing gospel songs over secular beats:
It used to bother me. It doesn't anymore. Of course in some way, you want people to love what you do and to embrace your creativity. My mom taught me a long time ago (which was a process to digest) but that everybody won’t always like you and everybody won’t always like your music, but you gotta keep going and stay focused. If I focus on every opinion that comes my way, they'll be no time left to create.
On what inspired the need to create “Love Languages”:
I just wanted to inspired people to talk about love again. I think that’s been my biggest objective. Especially with black artists. These days, we're only talking about drugs, killing people and having sex with a million people we can before we die [laughs]. Nothing is passionate anymore. I just wanted to spark conversation about love again including learning ‘HOW’ to love one another.
On his favorite song from the project:
As tough as a question as this is, I would have to say ‘Everything Right.’ It’s very heartfelt, passionate and has a lot of emotion inside. No one does EVERYTHING right but when you're in love, sometimes it just feels that way.
On choosing between selling out stadiums on a major label, or continuing an independent route with smaller venues:
I'd like both. They both have value. I'd LOVE to sell out stadiums, but I'd also love to ‘keep working’ if I’m not able to sell out a stadium. I love the intimacy though (for smaller venues). I wouldn’t say it’s a sellout when merging with a major label. It’s rough being an indie artist, so of course you want some kind of financial backing. But if you've figured out a way to make being indie work for you, I’d say stick with it. The internet is the new record label.
Fans of Malloy can look forward to seeing him live on Jan. 12 alongside another artist, Deanna Dixon for which he calls a “love language experience.”
