Travis MacRae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Travis MacRae is a Canadian singer/songwriter known for his folk (or folk blues) music, for his accomplished guitar and harmonica playing, and for his rough, somewhat Southern-styled vocals. He is often, but not always, accompanied by backing musicians on record.
| Travis MacRae | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 27, 1984 Canada |
| Occupation | Recording artist and performer |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Genre(s) | Indie, Folk, Blues |
| Label(s) | Willow Tree Records (1995–2003) Middle River Records (2003–present) |
| Website | travismacrae.com |
Contents |
[edit] Biography
MacRae's first official record, titled Silhouettes on the Sunset, was released on the Canadian label Willow Tree Records. Since this release in 2002 MacRae has gone on to release three LP's titled Historic Hills (2003), Travis MacRae (2004), and The Future is the Present Wrapped (2005). Bootlegs of his large collection of demo material have also been circulating among fans and are known as A Brief History 1999-2003 (2003), The Kitchen Demos (2004), and Demos from the Attic (2005).
While MacRae has been writing and recording music for the better part of a decade he manages to remain quite the mysterious and alluring figure in the folk music scene. Even though MacRae remains under the radar to most large labels he has managed to develop a passionate, almost cult like following; from folk purists to indie elitists. [1].
While this fan base may seem quite unusual to many it is indicative of MacRae's unclassifiable music style. While MacRae's career began with Silhouettes On The Sunset, his true recognition came with the albums Historic Hills (2003) and Travis MacRae (2004) which showcased MacRae's arrangement and interpretations of traditional folk & folk-blues songs. MacRae often adapts traditional folk songs by adding or removing verses, or even completely changing the tempo and melody in order to personalize them and adapt them to modern culture. MacRae has continued to forge new ground merging traditional folk with the modern acoustic-songwriter genre with his latest release "The Future Is The Present Wrapped", composed entirely of original material.
"The Future is the Present Wrapped" is a perfect example of why MacRae's music is so difficult to classify. With a whirling orchestra backing MacRae, to a sole guitar or piano arrangement, MacRae summons a traditional feeling while remaining modern. One reviewer of MacRae's most recent release succinctly defined it as: "A sound like the prairies modernized". Such a definition has led others to attempt to expand upon it by attempting to classify MacRae's music by comparisons [2], and while these comparisons are a valiant attempt at defining something which is so unique, MacRae remains a musician and songwriter unto himself; reserved and humble while showing a wisdom and voice well beyond his years.
Currently, MacRae continues to live up to his prolific songwriter title, and is in the studio recording his fifth official full length release in as many years. This album has already begun to garner interest by major records such as Oh Boy Records, and Concord Records. Although the distribution label is unconfirmed at this time, the album is tentatively titled "Pass Me The Devil And Water Please" and is slated to be released in fall of 2006.
[edit] Trivia
 |
Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones. |
- MacRae lent his vocals to a tribute record [3] for Pete Seeger on the song "Sailing Down My Golden River"
- MacRae wrote and recorded a track titled "Remember This Song" specifically for a compilation CD for children.
- His name sake is country and western musician Merle Travis, coincidentally MacRae also plays in the Travis style fingerpicking
- He is a pescetarian
- Frequently plays a Gibson J-45 or Martin OM-35
- His songs often include imagery of birds, trains, clouds, and highways
[edit] Known pseudonyms
- Blind Boy Crumble (album credit)
- Elliott White (album credit)
- Forrest Lint (album credit)
- Willy Brown (Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in Lunenburg, NS on 08/12/05)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
| Title | Year | Label | Format(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silhouettes On The Sunset | 1995 | Willow Tree | 12" | First official full length album |
| The Folk Blues Of Travis MacRae | 2000 | Willow Tree | 12" | Album inspired by Eric Von Schmidt |
| When We Were Sixteen | 2001 | Willow Tree | 7" | |
| The Difference Between Growing Up And Growing Old | 2002 | Willow Tree | 12" | Last release on Willow Tree Records |
| B Sides, Demos & Rarities, Volume 1 | 2003 | Middle River | 2 x 12" | First release on Middle River Records |
| Historic Hills | 2003 | Middle River | 12" | Includes traditional folk and blues songs |
| The Kitchen Demos, Volume 1 | 2004 | Middle River | Cassette | Includes traditional folk and blues songs |
| Travis MacRae | 2004 | Middle River | 12" | Includes traditional folk and blues songs |
| Demos From The Attic | 2005 | Middle River | Cassette | Limited volume of 100 |
| The Kitchen Demos, Volume 2 | 2005 | Middle River | Cassette | Limited volume of 100 |
| The Future Is The Present Wrapped | 2005 | Middle River | 12" | |
| B Sides, Demos & Rarities, Volume 2 | 2006 | Middle River | 2 x 12" | Limited pressing of 500 |
| The Kitchen Demos, Volume 3 | 2006 | Middle River | Cassette | Limited volume of 100 |
| The Sunshine Demos | 2006 | Middle River | Cassette | Limited volume of 100 |
| The Porpoise And The Whale | 2006 | Middle River | 7" | A concept EP surrounding longing and love |
| Pass Me The Devil And Water Please | 2006 | Middle River | 12" | Currently in recording |
[edit] Singles
- "Heading For The Country" (2002)
- "This Land Is Your Land" (2003)
- "What Kind Of Friend Is This?" (2004)
- "It's Hard To Repair" (2005)
