To read part 1, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: I find your music quite unique. It sounds familiar and yet kind of otherworldly, with a slight tinge of The Beatles and Eddie Vedder thrown in the mix. Who are your main influences?
Travis Hatcher: Thank you! I'm going to quote that! My main influences would have to be Tom Waits, The Beatles, Frank Zappa, and The Decemberists to name a few. A lot of what I hear, be it hip hop to country has some kind of influence on me, even if it's just a lyrics that sparks and idea later on down the line. I try to keep my influences many and diverse so I don't end up sounding just like one person / band and using the same techniques each time. I like to mix it up and experiment.
CM: How is the music scene in Nova Scotia? And have you performed in other areas in Canada?
TH: The music scene in Nova Scotia is rich, as well as in New Brunswick. I'm fortunate to live in a border town so I can regularly check out both music scenes! There's a lot going on in terms of styles and ideas, which is great. It could become tiresome to have a hundred or so carbon copies of one style making up the scene.
I have not yet had the opportunity to perform elsewhere in Canada. Hopefully in the future I will but I'm working on building a name for myself in my local area and then spreading out.
CM: As an independent artist, what are the main challenges that you encounter?
TH: Getting people to answer my emails! Seriously though, the biggest challenge is finding someone to give me a "break". I've been in conversations with some booking agents and a lot of the time it comes down to this: You need to have a good audience draw so they'll book you. But it's difficult to build a fan base without having the opportunity to play out. I've made some progress, but it's a long road.
Of course that's the easy answer and anyone in the music scene reading this well like have a "yeah, but ..." on the tip of their tongue. I could go into details etc. regarding this facet of being an artist but I'm opting to keep it simple!
CM: What is next for you?
TH: Hopefully finding a booking manager to help with that side of everything so I can focus more on making my music rather than staying in front of a computer keyboard.
I'm also currently working in my third release when I have some spare time at home.
I've got a couple of band things on the go. While I've found new passion for my solo material, there's still nothing quite like playing in a band and getting tight as a group, plus the camaraderie, etc. I've got some things in the works but it's still too early to let those out of the bag just yet (but if you go to my Facebook Page, you'll get some hints as to what I'm talking about!)
CM: What would you like people to remember about you?
TH: About me the musician - I write primarily for me and I hope you find something for you in my music too.
About me the person - as long as it's something good I'll be happy.
CM: Where can people find more information about you and your music?
TH: A lot of places!
Official - http://travishatcher.webs.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/travishatchermusic
OneSheet - http://onesheet.com/travishatcher
SonicBids - http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=326301
There are more, all of the links can be found on my official website but they all say more or less the same thing!
CM: Any last words?
TH: Take some time, check me out. Tell a friend. More importantly, drop me a line - let me know what you think. If you don't like it, that's cool too but feedback from everyone is important - I'm always interested in talking with new people!
All the best, cheers!
End of the interview.
---------------
Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.
Comments