Kansas City-based musician Travis Marks is an artist who refuses to be confined to any one genre or style. With a unique sound that blends elements of electronic R&B and alternative pop music, he’s a true sonic storyteller. A singer-songwriter and producer who wears his heart on his sleeve, Travis uses music as a way to share his own personal journey and connect with listeners on a deeper level.
Having previously charmed us with releases like ‘Morning After’ and ‘Sincerely Fuck You’, he’s been cementing his place as a unique and uncompromising talent. His latest work, ‘The Human Emotion’, is set to be one of his most vulnerable projects to date and a testament to his artistic evolution.
We recently had the chance to sit down with Travis to learn a bit more about the project and to discuss his inspirations, his process, and his style.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Travis! It’s great to have this chance to chat with you. We’ve enjoyed so many of your songs in the past, but where dud your love of music all begin?
“I just remember that I’ve been singing since I was seven years old. I was in my elementary school choir and church choir. The first music video I ever saw was Michael Jackson's ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, which made me fall in love with music. It wasn’t until I was thirteen that I started writing poetry and songs. I began to shape my own voice and stories into what would become my journey as a songwriter, and then eventually an artist, turning my pain and circumstances into art. I knew I had something important to say.”
Can you tell us a bit about your current project and what it means to you?
“The current project that I’m working on is ‘The Human Emotion’, and it’s one of the most vulnerable projects that I’ve written thus far. It captures a certain pivotal time in my life, dealing with the beginning and end of a love story and everything in between, and the inner thoughts I had during and after those specific moments.”
Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when creating the release?
“My life experience usually inspires my writing. When I’m at my most vulnerable, I allow what I’m feeling to guide the words to flow out. Sonically, I’d say my inspirations are BANKS’ ‘Serpentina’, Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn’s ‘Pigments’, and Moses Sumney’s ‘A Romanticism’. I had those three albums on rotation during walks, and when I felt something inside while listening or a melody came to mind, I’d pause the music and start writing.”
How would you describe the sound on the upcoming release?
“It's definitely more of an electronic, ambient type of vibe. I don’t want to put a genre to it, but the chaos of my heart and the sound of the beats will match the music.”
What was your songwriting process? How has it all come together so far?
“For this project in particular, it was a lot of walks with music and self-reflection. I was so open and vulnerable that lyrics would begin to flow, and I went with it. This is the longest I’ve taken to complete a project—about an eight-month process.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey with ‘The Human Emotion’, especially noting is has such a strong title?
"Just honesty, vulnerability, and leaving room for hope of a better future."
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?
“It has to feel authentic and genuine to me.”
Do you have any advice for bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to make their mark?
“Stay focused and continue to push. You have to be the one who believes in what you’re doing. Set goals for yourself and do whatever it is daily to achieve them. Someone out there needs your story to help them.”
What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far? What has the reception to your latest release been like?
“My latest release was the ‘Morning After’ EP, and it's been received well. I’m really proud that ‘The Gems’ (my fans) enjoy it, and those just discovering me also. Thank you for listening.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with and support you?
“I want to thank you for the support; it truly means the world to me, more than you'll ever know! More music is coming, stay tuned.”
Travis Marks has truly created a soundscape for the human experience, and his candid approach to songwriting is a breath of fresh air. From his earliest days singing in church choir to his latest project, he’s consistently stayed true to himself and his art. With his new release on the horizon, he continues to push boundaries and invite listeners into his world. His journey is a powerful reminder that turning pain into art can be a beautiful and transformative process.
To keep up with Travis Marks and get all the latest about his new project, make sure you follow him today on Instagram and X.
