Just Indie Art recently got a chance to interview Travis Ledoyt in regard to his latest album Fever Dream. We got insights into his music, his source of inspiration and much more!
Q. First of all it is great to have you on Just Indie Art and congratulations on your new album! We’re excited to delve into it shortly, but first, we’d love to learn more about you and your musical journey. Can you share with us some of your earliest memories of music and what role Elvis Presley played in inspiring you to become a performer?
As a child, I was exposed to my father’s collection of Elvis and oldies music, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a documentary about Elvis during my teenage years that I truly discovered his impact. I was instantly captivated and purchased my first album, Elvis’ recordings at Sun Records. I became so familiar with his songs that I would often sing along with the recordings.
One Christmas, my father noticed my budding interest in singing and gifted me a karaoke machine, along with tracks of Elvis songs that he had heard me singing around the house. This sparked a newfound passion for performing, as I found myself emulating Elvis in the privacy of my bedroom.
Beyond just wanting to impersonate Elvis, I developed a deep appreciation for his music. I wanted to share that same enthusiasm with others, hoping they could experience the same connection and joy I felt listening to it. Elvis’s journey from recording an album for his mother to being discovered serves as a reminder of what can happen when you follow your dreams – though it may have been a bit easier in the 50s.
Q. We loved your album “Fever Dream”. Kindly share the process that you followed while you were working on the album.
My initial vision for this album revolved around capturing the essence of the 1970s. However, creativity often has a mind of its own, leading me down unexpected paths. Amidst various ideas, some were deferred for future projects. My process typically begins at my baby grand piano, where I seek solace and inspiration. This is where I unwind and I consider it my therapy. I play around with chord progressions and improvisational melodies, often accompanied by nonsensical lyrics – which my family is used to hearing. I’m sure it sounds quite silly at times but they’ve seen where it leads so I don’t get any grief over it. Anyhow, I can tell pretty quickly whether I’m in the right mindset, the right mood and clarity to continue or put it all aside for another time. But often during these sessions, snippets of inspiration emerge, evolving into potential choruses or verses.
An integral part of my process involves sharing these fragments with my wife. Her candid feedback, devoid of sugarcoating, proves invaluable. She learned long ago that honesty is the best thing you can give a songwriter. With her approval, I can then delve deeper, contemplating the thematic direction of the song. This is when I also consider existing song ideas and titles I’ve kept in my notebook and see if they fit the tune. Though initially comprising only perhaps a verse and chorus, having a clearer direction for the song and what it’s about gives me confidence and can help bring inspiration for crafting the rest of the tune.
Q In the process of creating this album, can you share an unexpected source of inspiration that took your work in a surprising direction?
Really the whole album was a surprising direction and essentially was written for someone that will sadly never hear it. It all started with the loss of my close friend and musical confidant, Dick Mcvey, a couple years back. He was my manager for over twenty years.
Dick was a Nashville bass player and recording engineer. He used to joke about hitting it big so we could just hang out in the studio all day, recording tunes. That’s was his dream. So, when I got the devastating news of his passing, I found myself drawn to the piano, wanting to craft a song that would express what he meant to me.
See, Dick was all about that ’70s vibe, Motown, R&B—the kind of stuff that just makes you want to dance. So, I made it my mission to write him a song that he would have loved to play, something he’d be proud of. After three intense days, “When You Take a Rose” was born, and just in time to sing it at his funeral.
That song was unlike anything I’d recorded or written so I decided to dive headfirst into creating an entire album in that retro style. It’s an album that I believe he would have loved.
Q. Over the years, how has your music and performance style evolved? Are there any new elements you’ve incorporated recently?
When I first stepped into the world of being an Elvis tribute artist, I wanted to be him and this was as close as I could get. I wanted to be the best there was. Looking back, I realize that a big part of that drive stemmed from a lack of self-belief—I didn’t fully recognize my own worth. However, as the years passed and I’ve come to find my own value as an artist. I’ve realized that I have something unique to offer. I think it would be a sad existence to live your whole life in another’s shadow. That’s why I made the conscious decision to try my hand at writing music and discovering who I was. I began incorporating my music into the shows.
And you know what? The response has been incredible. Audiences have embraced this blend of old and new, showing me that there’s room for authenticity alongside homage. My style of singing on the last two albums was a hybrid of Elvis, Orbison, and all those fifties guys. This album that style didn’t feel appropriate so “Fever Dream” I have had to rediscover my natural voice.
Q. Any tips or advice for the young artists?
Absolutely, one thing I’ve learned along the way is that not everyone is going to love your work, and that’s okay. Take your favorite artists, for example; there are always going to be folks who aren’t into their music or even question their talent. Yes, it’s essential to listen to constructive criticism and use it to grow, but not every critique holds weight. Just focus on honing your craft and staying true to your vision.
“Through songwriting I’ve found I can convert my negative feeling and energy into positive. It’s an example of the therapeutic and transformative power of the creative arts.”
Travis Ledoyt
Q. What has been one of the most memorable interactions you’ve had with a fan during a performance?
I recently performed one of my original songs for the first time and I saw a woman, come the second chorus, trying to sing along. That felt pretty good.
Q. Is there a particular Elvis Presley song that resonates with you on a personal level? If so, could you share the story behind this connection?
Absolutely, “If I Can Dream” holds a special place in my heart. There’s something about it that gives me chills every time it plays. What’s even more remarkable is that it was written in just one night. Inspired by that, I decided to take on a similar challenge for this album. After numerous cups of coffee and around twelve hours, I managed to craft a song called “Wore Down and Feelin’ Low.” Now, let me be clear, I’m not comparing the quality or impact of these songs, but the process itself was incredibly fulfilling and pushed me to challenge myself creatively.
Q. When you’re not on stage or in the studio, what are some of your favorite activities or hobbies?
Sadly, I don’t find much time for hobbies, but when my schedule allows, I do have a group that my son and I play Dungeons and Dragons with – It’s a great escape from this crazy world. Yes, my character is a Bard.
Q. Any hints for our readers about any upcoming collaboration or new projects that you are working on?
I have a goal as of the last couple years to release a new album every year. I’ve decided to challenge myself again and write a “concept album”. Still untitled, this album will be songs that have a fairy tale theme. In fact, last night I just completed the eighth song. I think I’m as excited about the next album as I am about “Fever Dream”
Q. Lastly, as we ask all our guests on our platform, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
For the last few years I let the growing division and darkness in the world bring me down. Feeling powerless to change anything, I inadvertently changed myself. I slipped into depression and withdrew only to become someone my family and friends didn’t recognize.
Recently I came across the resplendent view of the Earth at night as captured by satellite. I considered how the light I saw from these great cities derived from many small sources. I realized that I only needed to be one of those smaller lights and surround myself with others who do the same. In fact, by not actively contributing to the light of the world, I might as well be another part of the darkness.
Through songwriting I’ve found I can convert my negative feeling and energy into positive. It’s an example of the therapeutic and transformative power of the creative arts.
We all have our own unique ways of producing light in this world. I thank you for yours, my brothers and sisters, and I proudly present this album as my latest contribution. Yes, it may only burn with the intensity of a birthday candle but I found that in darkness it’s enough to see the path forward.
Travis Ledoyt is a celebrated singer, songwriter, pianist, and performer, most renowned for his tribute to Elvis Presley. Dubbed as the closest experience to seeing Elvis in his prime, even by Elvis’ own drummer, D.J. Fontana, Travis has captivated global audiences with his authentic performances. His latest album, “Fever Dream,” marks a shift towards his natural singing style, blending early rock and roll influences with sounds from the 70s and 80s. Currently, Travis tours with his backing band, “The Nashville Boys,” continuing to share his music around the country.
For more details visit: www.youtube.com/travis-ledoyt
