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

Hi Travis, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking has been a necessity in my life. Most of the magic happens for me when I’m taking a risk and being pushed outside of my comfort zone. New ideas, new clients, personal/professional breakthroughs, and even a Grammy nomination, all came from risk taking. I went skydiving a few months before we had our first daughter and as cliche as it sounds, it’s a perfect metaphor for risk taking. You’re riding up in the plane watching the comfort of solid ground get farther away and excitement and nerves kick in. Then they open the door of the plane, pull you to the edge, and without giving you any time to think, you begin to freefall. All the nerves go away once you let go and take in the moment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to make music, I enjoy the process from the initial idea to the finished song. I think that what sets me apart is that I lean into weaknesses as much as my strengths. By that I mean, I’m not “technically” a musician. I can lay some chords or a sample, and program a drum beat, but I’ve always appreciated the musician, probably because I started making music by sampling vinyl. Like when I collaborate with bass or guitar player etc., I don’t tell them what to play, I let them jam whatever they feel on the track then go back in later and sample parts or just leave it as is. I think its more fun that way. I’m excited about what’s next for music. I’m excited to see where the next generation takes it.
Honestly, just following the music is what got me to where I am today. I have fun, work hard, and stay open to whatever the universe brings. I don’t think there is any one way or formula to do it, just don’t stop.
I want the world to know that my brand is family. The people I work with I consider family, I want them to win as much as I do for myself, and the feeling is mutual.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think first you’d have to see some live music, and that would be the House of Vibe. They play hip hop, soul, reggae, and anything in between, and they kill it all, for real. You never know who will pop up at one of their shows, Talib Kweli, Chali 2na, Citizen Cope, Supernatural, etc. Then as far as food goes we would have to grab some Tito’s tacos, Baby Blue’s BBQ, and some Kogi. Might hop on a half day fishing charter out of Marina Del Rey on an early morning, stop by a dispensary, get a parking ticket, regular stuff haha. The culture and the people make LA cool.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shit, everybody ( can I say that? lol) My wife Bailey, who’s been on this ride with me for over a decade, she’s the co-pilot. My daughters Stella(4) and Ophelia(2), they unknowingly inspire me everyday . My parents, my brother Nick and sister Shelby, for their support back when I would make beats in our garage until the sun came up. My cousins Mike and Dan, my first memories of live music were sitting in on their jams with their ska band, Leadfoot. My cousin Rob (@just_margis) who I’ve made 100s of songs with, the sound we made is the foundation of “my sound”. My whole big ass Italian/Polish, family. My extended family, Brew, Corey, and the rest of The House of Vibe (@houseofvibe), some of the best musicians in the world, for real, who I’m lucky enough to collaborate with. Any artist that has trusted me to produce, record, or mix their song. There’s more I’m sure.

Instagram: @producertjames

Image Credits
Main Photo Credit- Kaylin Mae Photography

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