We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis “TraviRay” Motley Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Travis “TraviRay”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I started playing the piano at 8 years old, my great grandmother had a small keyboard at her house and I immediately started to take to it; however I was so bad and loud at the time she let me take the keyboard home. Little did she know I would sit by the radio and eventually start to learn piano by ear when my mother seen my passion she got me a bigger keyboard and nurtured my gift. I later played in church to build my keyboard chops and got into producing around high school. Now I’ve score 4 movies and produced records for many well known artist and independent ones as well.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I fell in love with the piano at 8 years old and started producing in my teenage years. One of the first songs I did was called “Button Ups” featuring a friend of mine from high school Career The Brain. I was in the 9th grade and the song was played on the intercom thats when I realized I can make music that people enjoy. I also played in church growing up and that taught me how different chords and feelings can move someone, people would tell me after church how the piano or organ literally made them cry and feel better and I would always give glory to God for my gift. As I got older I begin to learn different styles of music and only wanted to become better. I fought depression, trauma, abandonment and becoming a man without my father & I’ve been blessed to have scored 4 movies, traveled the states & worked with amazing artist throughout my music career. God is Great!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though I’m not from Atlanta I must say I definitely enjoy Slutty Vegan, Zaxbys (Young Gripper) I like our bar on edgewood but to be honest The whole city lit!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most high for everything, My mother for always having my back and being my biggest supporter, My late brother Trenton Motley. My kids for help bringing out the best in me. My family “The Motley Crew” My bro Gary Crenshaw and the team at Great Lakes Motion Pictures, & my guys from Plymouth rd west side Detroit where I was raised.
Instagram: @Travi.Ray
Facebook: Travis Ray
Other: You can watch Coming of Age 1, 2, Bond Money and Jealous the Movie on Tubi right now!