Travis Keys on SoundBetter

National/Arena Touring/Session Pro based in Nashville. I bring an arsenal of vintage basses, guitars, and synths to your tracks—recorded through real tube preamps and analog tape. Authentic 60s Soul, Psych & Indie textures, + Dream Pop/Shoegaze sounds. Top experience in Country & Jazz/Classical. Real analog texture and a professional performance.

Travis Keys is a Nashville-based touring and session bassist and a graduate of Belmont University. A seasoned professional, he has performed on stages nationwide, including major arenas and festivals.
The Sound: Vintage & Analog
My production and playing style are heavily influenced by the sounds of the 1960s. I specialize in the sonic landscape of that golden era—spanning from the foundational grooves of Motown and Soul to the psychedelic experimentation of the late '60s.
use the actual tools to create these sounds. My studio is built around an arsenal of vintage gear: from the classic thump of a '65 P-Bass running through a '69 Ampeg Flip Top, to the rich analog warmth of an '84 Juno and UA 610 Pre. Beyond the classics, I specialize in more unique sounds, such as the baritone texture of a Jerry Jones Bass VI and the unmistakable of an authentic Indian Sitar.
Modern Textures & Versatility
This expertise in vintage tones naturally extends into Shoegaze, Dream Pop, and Indie Rock, where I use authentic hardware to craft lush, atmospheric soundscapes. I also possess deep experience in Country, Jazz, and Classical music, bringing academic precision and road-tested reliability to every session.
Whether you need a thump-heavy soul groove, a spaghetti-western baritone line, or a washed-out wall of sound, I deliver mix-ready files with a producer's touch

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Languages

English

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Interview with Travis Keys

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Hybrid! Digital for the unbeatable workflow and editing speed; Analog for the personality, saturation, and dimension.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: delivering the perfect part for the artists vision, and revisions until that happens.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are your current inspirations? What can I do to bring this track to your exact vision? What is the emotion of the song?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Find the right vibe to fit your style! Make sure you have a goal and vision in mind.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Precision Bass, Ampeg SB-12, Nuemann U87, Reel to Reel, Flanger
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I love working with all artists of all styles that have a real passion.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: My sweet spot is Old School Soul, Psychedelic Pop, R&B, and Americana. I frequently bring my approach to modern Hip Hop and Indie Pop tracks as well.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: A producer's approach from the low end up. I play parts that glue the rhythm and melody together. I bring the specific sonic character of the golden age of recording and pure performance to modern productions.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Conversation first. I want to hear your demo and your references (Spotify playlist, YouTube link, etc.). Once we agree on the vibe, I track through my analog/digital hybrid chain. I deliver both the processedvsignal and a clean digital DI so you have maximum flexibility during mixing.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I am Deeply inspired by Motown, 60s Psych-Pop, and the Avant Garde. I love the textures of 80s New Wave and 90s Shoegaze, and the deep pocket of The Soulquarians. I also have a strong affinity for the 2010s Indie scene I grew up with.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Remote and studio bass tracking that feels like it was lifted from the artists imagination. I can make that happen on Electric, Fretless, Upright, or Tic-Tac Bass. I also provide beatmaking and full instrumental production with a focus on old school sounds of the 60s, combined with soundscapes of 80s dream pop and 90s shoe gaze to blend a distinct sound.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I always practice as much as I can! I am forever a student of the bass. At the moment, I have had a growing interest in sampling.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Playing music and connecting with people!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been playing for 16 years. I went to school for bass performance, and I have been touring since I was a freshman in college.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Innovative, creative, artistic, unmistakable.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Get the performance and source right at the start!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring arena level performance to every setting that I perform in. I have an unmistakable sound and feel that I make sure to deliver every time I play. Aside from performance, I focus on analog recording and genuine studio grade tone in every setting.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I prioritize vintage and analog equipment while pairing it seamlessly with the digital workflow. I have a suite of vintage instruments: '65 P Bass, '67 Gretsch Country Gentleman Guitar, '77 P Bass, '80 Stingray, '83 Yamaha DX7, '84 Juno 106 as well as new instruments like a Rickenbacker 4003, and Joe Dart signature among others. I run most sounds through my UA 610 tube pre and Tascam 22-4 reel to reel tape machine.

Bass ElectricAverage price - $125 per song
Bass FretlessAverage price - $125 per song
Bass UprightAverage price - $125 per song
Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $125 per song
Beat MakerAverage price - $150 per song
Full instrumental productionAverage price - $300 per song
Electric GuitarAverage price - $125 per song

48hr Turnaround! $125 Bass/Gtr/Keys (Unltd Revs). $150 Beats. $300 Full Prod. Includes HQ WAVs (Clean+Processed). Session work is Work-For-Hire. Full Prod retains 50% Publishing. Fast & Professional.