The featured Ohio artist for Week 6 ‘Seeing Sounds’ playlist update is Cleveland’s own TRAV HEN . New additions feature his track “Rock The Pwarty” off of his most recent debut album “YURBOOSKIEOSHI” + more.
YURBOOSKIEOSHI is a funk/soul infused hip hop project from artist Trav Hen, out of Cleveland, OH. This eight track project explores the mind of Trav Hen as he maneuvers through love romantically, as well as internally. Produced by Kipp Stone, he delivers witty lyrics through unique flows that pull you into the art of his storytelling.
&Trav’s playlist addtions include: No L’s by Smino, followed by a few tracks by other Ohio artists: Leveled by Durand Bernarr, Ex Girl by WesWill and Good Vibrations by Kipp Stone.
+ interview
MY GUY TRAV HEN! Been wanting to get you on here so people can get to know you a little more for some time now! So I definitely appreciate you taking the time to talk with me bro.
So -- let’s start off with the obvious! YURBOOSKIEOSHI ~ the album title, what’s it mean and how’d you come up with it?
Yurbooskieoshi means “It’s All Love.” I’m always making up random words, and one day I randomly said it to a friend. That same day I went to go lock in with Kipp Stone, and after he made the beat, I started recording. At the beginning of the song I kept saying “Yurbooskieoshi, TF” hahaha. As he was saving the song he asked what I wanted to name it, and I said “Yurbooskieoshi.” He asked what it meant, and I said “It’s all love” and we both were like “The project has to be named that.” Then Boom… It was named that ever since.
In relation to your music style/taste, who are your biggest inspirations in music?
When it comes to the art of rapping, I’m inspired by Biggie, Jay Z, and Andre 3000. Their flow and storytelling ability matches how I process and communicate words. Plus all three of them mastered using their regular talking voice while they are rapping. I don’t really change my voice when I rap, so of course I will study those who do the same. For Yurbooskieoshi, one of my biggest inspirations was “Earth, Wind & Fire.” I wanted to really make people feel good while also expressing complex feelings, thoughts, and perspectives. I feel like their music did that. I wanted twelve bar hooks because listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, my favorite thing is getting lost in their hooks because they give you enough time to. As a whole, I grew up on a lot of music, so I’m sure a lot of styles and sounds are embedded in my subconscious mind and come out whenever I am creating music.
How did you get your start into making music?
Honestly, In 2015 I woke up one day and felt like I can do it. It was something I envisioned since I was a kid, but thought it was just a fantasy that lived in my imagination. My brother is a producer and engineer. I was working in New York at the time and came home to Cleveland for Thanksgiving and recorded my first song ever with my brother. It was Melanin. Then when I came back home for Christmas I recorded two more songs. In 2016 I put out my first project “Project: Black Boy Thoughts.” Now here we are.
Do you prefer folks to stream your music, or enjoy via physical sales like tapes & vinyls? / Do you have any merch on the way for folks to pick up?
I believe streaming is the most accessible, so I don’t mind people streaming. Physical sales hit different because I believe it signifies that next level of support. If someone actually buys a physical copy of anything, they REALLY love your music. Haha. I don’t have any merch out, but I’m beginning to play with ideas.
As far as production, you usually stick with the man Kipp Stone it seems. Is that just because he kind of fits your style? Do you plan on producing tracks yourself?
Kipp produced all of the music on Intuitive Nigguh and Yurbooksieoshi because we decided to tap in and create a project together. Very organic and collaborative. I would more so say he created a style that best fit me, based off of what kind of music I told him I wanted to make for the project. I do plan on producing myself, but I want to really learn and find my creativity with it, so starting out would be leisurely. Haha.
What emotions / mantras do you want listeners to experience when they listen to your music?
That you can rise above anything. A lot of duality is in my music. There are two sides to everything, and they both can exist in balance. I really just want people to FEEL, and know that it’s okay to feel.
When talking about visuals / music videos, do you feel they help or hinder the way people accept your music?
I think visuals / music videos provide a new way for listeners to connect with your music. You can paint a new story with the same song that already exist, through a visual / music video. I also think it’s dope when people listen to music and create their own world in their heads with it, rather than being influenced by visuals / music videos for the music. So maybe it helps, and it hinders. Have to take that gamble.
Trav Hen - Rockin’ The Pwarty (Official Music Video)
Are there any artists / producers you’d love to work with?
Because of your energy, you seem to light up a room during your performances I’ve seen in the city of Cleveland full of folks that know you. Would you say that’s similar across the board when you do shows in other cities/states?
I would like to believe so. No matter where I perform, the people give me the same reaction. I receive the same compliments. Performing is something I really practice at, so I think it translate anytime I step on that stage. And that’s why no matter where I am, the people receive it the way that they do.
Your lyrics and are very empowering and seem to provide a confidence for people in a personal matter. What’s your writing process like? Typically start with feelings / themes / daydreams?
Over the past almost two years, my process has been pulling up to the studio, the producer makes the beat, and I just begin writing. I’ve experienced so much and I’m very expressive, so I just think about what I want to say, or ask myself “how do I feel,” then I start writing. It’s so many stories to be told. Haha.
With being a curator, I’m always digging for low-key artists from around the world and of course Ohio. Who are some artists you’d say folks should also look out for?
Qdajuice is super talented and approaches music in a creative way. I love the way he uses his voice like a true instrument and his harmonies and different layers are a result of that skill. Walker OG is such an amazing writer, and his tone is so chill and calming. His storytelling ability is wild because as you’re listening to him, you can legit close your eyes and picture whatever he’s saying because he is very descriptive. 1800-SOS is beyond amazing. I love his melodies, as well as how unconventional his music is. If I keep going, then I will be here all day. Haha. So I’m going to stop with those three.
Any plans for some upcoming visuals or singles? Maybe even a little tour? Or upcoming performances people can catch you at.
In 2023 I’m kicking the year off with new music. I see myself creating visuals for a lot of my music because it’s fun coming up with concepts and creating ideas with others. God willing, I will be doing out of state performances throughout 2023, as well as collaborating and/or throwing my own shows here in Cleveland.
My brother – the one and only Trav Hen. Thank you for doing this. I truly appreciate having you (and your music!)
