Title: Forget Whats Wrong
Release date: 26 September, 2006
Record label: Rock Ridge Music
Single: The Show
Official website: Travis Mitchell Band
Buy at: Amazon
The Travis Mitchell Band is a result of what happens when you combine a huge Texas Music fan, a Heavy Metal hipster and a couple of Music Scholars. We don’t know why it works either, but we’re just glad it does!
The result of all these varying backgrounds is a sound that’s as original and upbeat as the great state they represent. While this band’s roots are planted firmly within Texas Country, their live performance is a mix of heart-pounding country with a rock flare that is unmistakable. This young band has accomplished much over the course of a year, and for them the path ahead is clear: continue making truthful down-to-earth music, and sharing it with everyone they can. Already the TMB has had the honor of sharing the stage with some of Texas' favorite bands, like Cory Morrow, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Randy Rogers, Jason Boland, and Roger Creager to name a few.
TMB was established by front man Travis Mitchell, who began his career playing open mic nights in local Dallas bars after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. After receiving such a warm response from listeners at his performances and much encouragement from friends and family, Travis decided to try to piece together what is now known as the Travis Mitchell Band. Counting among his influences Jack Ingram, Johnny Cash, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Radney Foster, and many others, Travis grew up in a musical family, but found other interests like sports, partying and girls to occupy his time while growing up in Mesquite, Texas. He wasn’t interested in studying music until one day on a trip home from UT he asked to borrow an old Yamaha guitar that his Mom had lying around the house. From there, Travis began to teach himself how to play guitar. Always having a knack for creative writing, he began to combine his words and music; it just seemed to be a natural fit. Since then, this 23-year-old music lover has developed his musical style and voice in venues throughout Texas.
Soon after he reached the decision to form a band, Travis was introduced to Jonathon Bryant (bass) through a mutual association. Jonathon had been playing heavy metal in the clubs of Deep Ellum in Dallas and had even hung out on tour with Dallas’ own Drowning Pool. Since both were natives of Mesquite, TX, they seemed to speak the same language both literally and musically. Working together, they started to develop their own style and started writing songs. As things began to progress and more offers to play live venues were presented, one problem remained: while Travis could play rhythm guitar, it wasn’t the best solution for playing a big show. Most of the time, the band had to rely on studio musicians to fill in the gap, which worked, but there was definitely something missing.
The missing piece was found when Josh Rocha joined the group. Josh, a Tyler native, had just moved back to Dallas from Illinois where he was attending school as an Arts and Music Major. Josh was not only a phenomenal guitarist, but he had stage, studio, and production experience from jazz to rap. The timing was perfect for the TMB because they were about to enter the studio to record their first album “Forget What’s Wrong.” Josh who had already written and produced is own solo album, was a huge asset in the studio with his previous knowledge, exceptional guitar work, and the addition of piano and backup vocals.
At the turn of the year in 2006, TMB changed drummers by adding Mykell Morris, a session player who was looking for the right band to play with full time. Mykell is a lifelong student of drums and percussions. He continues to bring a positive energy and incorporates an element of unity among the band.
With all the pieces put into place, and a year of touring under their belt, the Travis Mitchell Band has been creating a style of music that is all their own. Look for the national release of “Forget What’s Wrong,” September 26th on Rock Ridge Music.
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