We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Travis Finlay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Travis below.

Travis , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

VYBWAV Records was born from a realization that artists like me needed more than a label. We needed ownership, structure, and a creative culture built by artists for artists. After spending years inside the industry, I saw how raw talent was often disconnected from real strategy and business understanding, and I wanted to bridge that gap.

After two runs as a finalist on American Idol and achieving success as both a songwriter and artist, including writing the Billboard number one “Speak” for Angel Taylor and earning two Top 5 UK hits with “Move Your Body” featuring Kim Sozzi, my team recognized that I was already operating as a complete creative ecosystem. I was writing, producing, conceptualizing, and executing every release from start to finish.

That independence caught the attention of Evo Music, led by Peter Macchia and Paul Raimer, who encouraged me to build on that momentum by launching my own sub-label. That became VYBWAV Records, a home for innovation, authenticity, and artist empowerment. It represents sound, vision, and culture working in perfect sync, giving creators the freedom and tools to truly own their art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Travis Finlay. I am a singer, songwriter, and producer who has spent my life creating music that blends soul, pop, dance, and R&B with purpose and emotion. My journey began in church as a child and evolved through years of writing, performing, and developing my craft into something much greater than myself. I have had the honor of reaching a Billboard number one as a songwriter with “Speak” by Angel Taylor, earning two Top 5 UK hits as an artist with “Move Your Body” featuring Kim Sozzi, and being a two-time American Idol finalist.

Those experiences taught me the value of independence, ownership, and creative control. These principles inspired me to create VYBWAV Records, a sub-label under Evo Music led by Peter Macchia and Paul Raimer. VYBWAV represents sound, vision, and culture. It is more than a record label; it is a full creative ecosystem that empowers artists to take charge of their art, understand their business, and create with purpose.

What sets me and VYBWAV apart is authenticity and execution. Every record, visual, and rollout is built from concept to completion with focus and intention. I am most proud of building a brand that not only develops timeless music but also helps shape artists into self-sufficient, forward-thinking creatives. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to excellence, innovation, and showing what is possible when artists lead with vision and integrity.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My journey with building an audience on social media started back in high school, when I began creating videos and developing my craft as a singer, pianist, and producer. I loved sharing music online — from covers to original tracks — and used those early platforms as a way to grow, learn, and connect with people through sound.

A few years after graduating, I posted a simple cover of “Diamonds” by Rihanna on YouTube. That video ended up catching the attention of the American Idol producers, who reached out and invited me to audition. That opportunity completely changed the trajectory of my career, introducing my voice to a national audience and helping me build a loyal following that’s continued to grow ever since.

My advice for anyone building their presence is to create from a genuine place. Consistency matters, but authenticity is what truly connects. When people feel your passion, they’ll naturally want to follow your journey.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My entire career has been a testament to resilience. I have been singing since I was three years old, performing on stage and recording my first album by the age of nine. Growing up in music taught me early that this path requires more than talent. It takes endurance, faith, and an unwavering belief in your purpose.

Now, stepping into the role of label owner with VYBWAV Records feels like a full-circle moment. It represents not just my growth as an artist, but my persistence through every setback, every reinvention, and every season where I had to rebuild myself creatively and personally.

Becoming a label owner was not a sudden decision. It was the natural next chapter of a lifelong journey. It is proof that resilience is not just about surviving challenges but evolving through them and finding new ways to turn passion into purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamtravisfinlay.com
• Instagram: @iamtravisfinlay
• Facebook: Travis Finlay
• Twitter: @iamtravisfinlay
• Youtube: @iamtravisfinlay
• Soundcloud: @iamtravisfinlay
• Other: https://vybwav.bio.to/Connect