We recently connected with Travis Cherry and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

It was 1999, I was just starting out as a new producer and I was hanging with TOo Short. He had a guy who was hanging around and he worked at Jiffy Lube as well as he was rapper. Too Short told me to do sine beats for him, and barter. I went to the guys house, did some beats, and he changed the oil in my car and filters, That was my first time earning anything from my music!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started out in 1993 in an r and b group out of Raleigh NC, we moved to ATL in 1996 for a record deal and ended up staying afterwards. I had a chance meeting late night at a Kroger in 1999 and that turned into my first dealas a music producer. Havent looked back since!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think people need to view what we do as art again, and not some throwaway hustle. Thats it. Respect the creatives, and stop assuming everyone who has access to a place to record can do what we do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My current goals right now are to get another chance at winning a Grammy, and getting inducted into the NC Hall Of Fame.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @therealtravischerry