Meet Travis Hall | Opera Singer & Soul Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I believe that “giving up” and “keep going” can both be good choices—it all depends on the context.

A few years ago, I made a Facebook post that said, “If my younger self asked, ‘How do I know if I’m on the right track?’ I would say: PAY ATTENTION!” I still believe that. We’re constantly being spiritually nudged toward the path that’s meant for us. So the answer is: you know when to keep going when your spirit confirms the journey you’re on. But you can only recognize that confirmation if you’re paying attention.

In 2018, I had just graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Columbus State University. Life was comfortable—I lived, worked, and studied all on the same street in downtown Columbus. I had an amazing voice teacher, a stable setup, and a plan: stay there for a while, pay off debt, and apply to grad school in the Northeast. I had no intention of ever moving back to Atlanta.

But everything started to fall apart. I lost my studio, had to move into a roach-infested house, and eventually found myself couch-hopping. During that time, I got into the habit of walking along the River Walk at night to clear my head. One night, I clearly heard a voice say, “Go back to Atlanta.” And my immediate reaction was, “%#$@ no!” I had a plan. I was not going to change it.

Still, the signs kept coming. I sublet a friend’s apartment for the summer, and within a week, I was told by her landlord I had to leave. It hit me—I wasn’t just uncomfortable, I was being pushed out of Columbus. I could keep forcing my plan… or surrender to something bigger.

So I gave up my plan, moved back in with my parents in Atlanta in June 2019. In hindsight, it was perfect timing. At the beginning of the year, COVID would shut everything down, my voice teacher retired, and the plan I was so committed to would’ve only led to more struggle.

So to me, “giving up” doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes, it’s exactly the path to success. A lot of us who come from struggle can become addicted to it. We wear endurance like a badge of honor, even when life is trying to lead us somewhere better.

PAY ATTENTION. Sometimes, surrender is the most powerful move you can make.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My debut single! A DAY! Dropped June 6th 2025!

I’m also most excited right now about my debut album, HeART Museum. It’s the most fulfilling body of work I’ve ever created—eight songs, thirty minutes of music that speaks on love, yearning, and regret. But more than that, it’s a testament to my personal growth. This album reflects the vulnerability I’ve been working toward for the past decade. I’m most proud of it because I paid attention. I gave it everything. I went from crawling as a songwriter in 2021 to completing an entire album by 2025. What a journey.

What sets me apart isn’t talent. Everyone has talent—that’s not special. We all come into the world with unique gifts that could change the physical world. What matters is what we do with those gifts. For me, it’s my grit, ambition, tenacity, and spirituality. People might say a lot of things about me, but they could never say I don’t work. I wrote this album while earning a master’s degree, taking up to 18 credit hours per semester, working two part-time jobs, performing in a 200-date tour with The Atlanta Opera, and commuting 1–2 hours on MARTA daily. I was juggling a million things—because when I want something, I get it.

Professionally, I’m an opera singer. That journey started back in 2012 when I enrolled at Georgia Perimeter College as a first-generation student. After earning another degree, my first major professional contract came in 2021 with The Atlanta Opera. That led to several opera chorus roles and a 200-date outreach tour in Spring 2024. The road here wasn’t easy—but nothing worthwhile ever is. I’ve always been the underdog. People didn’t bet on me. But that’s okay—I’ve got a foundation rooted in love and encouragement. And being underestimated has only sharpened my tools. I’ve had to earn every step, and I think that’s what’s made me unstoppable.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Pay attention—and work. I would say thats the secret, but I just told you, so it’s not anymore haha.

I want the world to know that anything is possible if you plant your seeds and reap them in the appropriate seasons. I was always an artist. As a child, I’d mimic actors on VHS tapes, Disney characters, and anime scenes. My mother saw something in me early on—she believed I was both a singer and an actor. I was shy then. Too shy to sing in church. She used to turn the car radio down quickly to catch me singing under my breath.

Ironically, I was once told in high school choir that I couldn’t sing and shouldn’t pursue music. That moment could have broken me—but I kept going. I didn’t give up on my voice. And now I’m releasing my first Soul/RnB album, booking opera gigs, headlining shows, and creating art that speaks from the deepest parts of who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love a good solo date. Honestly, people are always telling me we should hang out—and I believe them, I really do—but I just really enjoy my own company.

So if my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d take them on the kind of chill, intimate adventures I love most. We’d start with food, of course—because I’m a foodie. We’d grab the best Philly in Atlanta from Fred’s Meat and Bread, then head downtown for Vegan Stir Fry—their pineapple quinoa and fried mushrooms are unreal. For elevated nights, we’d go to Poor Calvin’s, Yalda for their lamb chops, or Ray’s on the River for butter cake, lamb chops, and that perfect mac and cheese. We’d stop by Saints and Council for greens and cornbread, and The Iberian Pig for a beautiful Spanish charcuterie board.

But we’d also slow down. I’d take them to my favorite spot in the park where I like to eat a Publix sub in the grass—no plans, no rush, just peace. I’m not a big “go-outer,” but I’m huge on quality time: quiet dinners, real conversation, maybe a long car ride with good music and no pressure to be “on.”

So yeah, if you come visit me, we’re eating well and talking about life. That’s my kind of fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wooooo, so many people deserve shoutouts—I couldn’t possibly name them all!!!

First and foremost, my loving and encouraging parents. They are the most supportive, uplifting humans I know. Between them and my family speaking life into me from a very young age, I believe they planted a strong seed of vision in me that continues to guide my journey.

I believe my grit and ambition come from my Mother. She is the most hard working, way out of no way, driven person I know.

I also want to thank the countless friends over the years who have acted as family—SO many of them. Whether offering encouragement, housing, collaboration, or just showing up, their love has carried me through every season.

A special shoutout to Maxwell Estis, who helped bring my forthcoming album to life. His belief in my artistry and his talent as a collaborator made a massive difference.

And I’d be remiss not to thank Professor Jeffrey Haydon from Georgia State. His Jazz Theory course and his wisdom truly expanded the way I understand music—and myself as a composer.

There are so many more, but just know, if you’ve ever spoken life into me, collaborated with me, or held space for me creatively—this shoutout is for you too.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisthall/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-hall-302271293/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travisthall

Other:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-day-single/1815444392

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/track/3tRBvyNMFAFCB68NjllG1L?si=Lch1SihRTAaMjFkH9jrzDA

Image Credits
White shirt Is from The Atlanta Opera’s 96 Hour-Opera Project 2024 taken by Raftermen.

The jean Outfit is taken by Quality Lenz.